3306.9.12 Removal of Material

Every opening in a floor used for the removal of debris shall be tightly enclosed with a shaftway, extending from floor to floor, with such shaftway enclosed with:

1. Planking not less than 2 inches (51 mm) in thickness, or equivalent solid material; or
2. Where the opening is used for the removal of noncombustible material, wire mesh may be utilized in lieu of planking, provided such mesh is not less than number 18 gauge wire mesh, with openings in the wire no longer than ¹/₂ inch (13 mm), and also provided that the wire mesh is securely attached, in accordance with drawings developed by a registered design professional, to the shaftway so that the wire mesh enclosure in any location does not deflect more than 2 inches (51 mm) when a force of at least 200 pounds (890 n) is applied along any horizontal portion of such wire mesh enclosure.
   Exceptions:

   1. In buildings not more than six stories or 75 feet (22 860 mm) in height, whichever is less, a shaftway is not required. Instead openings in the floor shall be clearly marked and solidly planked over while not in use by planking not less than 2 inches (51 mm) in thickness, or equivalent solid material, and laid close.
   2. A shaftway is not required at the working deck. Instead, openings in the working deck shall be clearly marked and solidly planked over while not in use by planking not less than 2 inches (51 mm) in thickness, or equivalent solid material, laid close.

Wherever a shaftway or planking required by Section 3306.9.12.1 has been temporarily removed to permit debris removal, the floor opening shall be protected by a guardrail system that meets the requirements of Sections 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.5. Such protection required by Section 3306.9.12.1 shall be promptly replaced in position upon the ceasing of such work at the end of each workday.

In any buildings more than 25 feet high (7620 mm), any window or other exterior wall opening that is within 20 feet (6096 mm) of a floor opening used for the passage of debris from levels above shall be solidly boarded up or otherwise substantially covered, unless such window or opening is so located as to preclude the possibility of any person being injured by material that may fall from such window or opening.

Chutes used in association with the removal of materials shall comply with Section 3303.5.5.