3303.5.5 Chutes

Chutes used in association with the removal of materials shall comply with Sections 3303.5.5.1 through 3303.5.5.5.

Chute enclosures shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Material chutes that are at an angle of more than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) with the horizontal shall be entirely enclosed on all sides, except for openings at the floor levels for the receiving of materials. Such openings shall not exceed 48 inches (1219 mm) in height, measured along the wall of the chute, and all openings, except the top opening, shall be closed and secured when not in use.
2. Chutes at an angle of less than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) with the horizontal may be open on the upper side.

Chute construction shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Every chute used to convey debris from a building or structure shall be rigidly supported and braced throughout its height. Chutes less than 24 inches (610 mm) in maximum dimension shall be constructed of not less than 1-inch (25.4 mm) (nominal) wood, or ¹/₈-inch thick (3.18 mm) steel, or a material of equivalent strength and durability acceptable to the commissioner. Chutes more than 24 inches (610 mm) in maximum dimensions shall be constructed of not less than 2-inch (51 mm) (nominal) wood, or ³/₁₆-inch thick (4.76 mm) steel, or a material of equivalent strength and durability acceptable to the commissioner.
2. Chutes shall be provided with a metal impact plate where material is forced to change direction while falling.
3. A gate shall be provided at the lower end of every chute to control the loading of material into trucks and to close the chute at all other times. Splash- boards or baffles shall be erected to prevent materials from rebounding into the street or under the sidewalk shed.
4. A bumper or curb at least 4 inches by 4 inches (102 by 102 mm) in section shall be provided at each chute opening where such opening is level with, or below, the floor or platform. Every space between the chute and the edge of the opening in the floor or platform shall be solidly planked.

When used in the following applications, all chutes constructed of combustible material shall be covered on the exterior with corrugated steel sheeting having a minimum thickness of 24 gauge through their entire height. Alternatively, chutes shall be constructed of noncombustible material:

1. Chutes exceeding 75 feet (22 860 mm) in height.
2. Alteration, repair or partial demolition of buildings where the main use or dominant occupancy is in Group I.

All structural supports of material chutes shall be of noncombustible material.

No chute shall be installed until a permit has been issued by the commissioner on the basis of drawings prepared by a registered design professional.

Exception: Design and permit is not required for a chute that is:

1. Installed on the exterior of a building or structure at a height of 40 feet (12 192 mm) or less in height above the level of the adjoining ground;
2. Has been designed by a manufacturer and is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's design; and
3. Does not attach to or impart a load on a scaffold.