§ 6.13. Independent pole scaffolds.
(a) Reference to other requirements. The requirements of § 6.12 (a)(1) and (2),(b),(f),(h),(i),(k) and (l) (relating to single pole scaffolds) apply to independent pole scaffolds.
(b) Light-duty scaffolds. Light-duty scaffolds shall conform to the following standards:
(1) Light-duty scaffolds not more than 24 feet in height. For light-duty scaffolds not more than 24 feet in height, the following minimum nominal size material and spacing of members shall be used:
(i) Poles or uprights—2 inches by 4 inches.
(ii) Ledgers supporting bearers—2 inches by 6 inches.
(iii) Stringers not supporting bearers—1 inch by 6 inches.
(iv) Bearers—2 inches by 8 inches.
(v) Braces—1 inch by 4 inches.
(vi) Planking—2 inches by 10 inches.
(vii) Spacing of poles, measured along platform (maximum)—7 feet, 6 inches.
(viii) Spacing of poles distance from building (minimum)—6 feet, 6 inches.
(ix) Spacing of ledgers vertically—7 feet.
(2) Light-duty scaffolds more than 24 feet in height. For scaffolds more than 24 feet in height and not more than 40 feet in height, the poles shall be 4 inches by 4 inches in cross section and for scaffolds more than 40 feet in height 7 feet by 6 inches in cross section or heavier as required. Other members shall conform to the requirements of subsection (a), with the exception that poles shall be spaced 7 feet, 6 inches minimum distance from building.
(c) Heavy-duty scaffolds. Heavy-duty scaffolds shall conform the following standards:
(1) Heavy-duty scaffolds not more than 24 feet in height. For heavy-duty scaffolds, not more than 24 feet in height, the following minimum nominal size material and spacing of members shall be used:
(i) Poles or uprights—3 inches by 4 inches.
(ii) Ledgers supporting bearers—2 inches by 8 inches.
(iii) Stringers not supporting bearers—1 inch by 6 inches.
(iv) Bearers—2 inches by 10 inches.
(v) Braces—1 inch by 6 inches.
(vi) Planking—2 inches by 10 inches.
(vii) Spacing of poles, measured along platform (maximum)—7 feet.
(viii) Spacing of poles distance from building (minimum)—6 feet, 6 inches.
(ix) Spacing of ledgers vertically—4 feet, 6 inches.
(2) Heavy-duty scaffolds more than 24 feet in height. For heavy-duty scaffolds more than 24 feet in height and not more than 40 feet in height, the following minimum nominal sizes and spacing of members shall be used:
(i) Poles or uprights—4 inches by 4 inches.
(ii) Ledgers supporting bearers—2 inches by 8 inches.
(iii) Stringers not supporting bearers—2 inches by 8 inches.
(iv) Bearers (two)—2 inches by 12 inches.
(v) Braces—1 inch by 6 inches.
(vi) Planking—2 inches by 10 inches.
(vii) Spacing of poles, measured along platform (maximum)—7 feet.
(viii) Spacing of poles distance from building (minimum)—10 feet.
(ix) Spacing of ledgers vertically—4 feet, 6 inches.
(d) Scaffolds greater than 40 feet in height. When built-up scaffolds are erected more than 40 feet high, the size of members shall be increased so that a factor of safety of four shall be maintained in the scaffold as a whole and in all its component parts.
(e) Placement of poles. The inner row of poles shall be set as near the wall of the building as practical and allow workmen sufficient working space. Each set of poles, outside and inside, shall be provided with its own ledgers.
(f) Footing of poles. Particular care shall be taken that the bearing or footing of independent pole scaffolds is solid and firmly secure.
(g) Bracing. Adequate diagonal bracing shall be provided and such cross braces shall be nailed to every pole crossed. Cross bracing between front and rear poles shall be provided and the free ends of scaffolds shall be double cross braced.
(h) Bearers. Bearers shall be laid on ledgers sidewise, one at each pair of poles (inside and outside) and shall be securely nailed to the poles. They shall be long enough to rest upon both inner and outer ledges and overlap each ledger by at least three inches.
(i) Horses. Where the use of horses is necessary they shall conform to the requirements set forth in § 6.24 (relating to horse scaffolds).
(j) Protection. Protection shall be afforded as set forth in § 6.32 (relating to protection).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 6.25 (relating to plasterers’ and decorators’ inside scaffolds).
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