Section 3314 Scaffolds

Scaffolds utilized in conjunction with the construction or demolition of a building or structure shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the requirements of this section so that the safety of public and property will not be endangered by falling material, debris, or equipment, or by collapse of the scaffold.

For the purposes of this section, the height of a scaffold shall be measured from the base of the scaffold to the top of the uppermost vertical member of the scaffold, with any temporary structure, but not any permanent structure, on which the scaffold rests included in the height measurement.

Prior to the installation and use of a scaffold, the contractor or licensee who is to install the scaffold, or a designated representative of the installer, shall obtain a permit for such scaffold. The permit requirements of this section are independent of the design requirements of Section 3314.3. Sections 3314.3.1 through 3314.3.4 may require a scaffold to be designed even if Section 3314.2 does not require a permit for such scaffold.

Scaffolds shall be designed in accordance with Sections 3314.3.1 through 3314.3.4. The design requirements of this section are independent of the permit requirements of Section 3314.2. Sections 3314.3.1 through 3314.3.4 may require a scaffold to be designed even if Section 3314.2 does not require a permit for such scaffold.

Supported scaffolds and outrigger scaffolds (thrust out) shall be designed by a registered design professional. Where the scaffold is to be located upon a sidewalk shed, the requirements of Section 3307.6.4.2.2 shall also apply.

Suspended scaffolds shall be designed by a registered design professional.

Where design is required by this section, the drawings shall be specific to the site and shall, at a minimum, include a plan view and an elevation view, with full dimensions, detailing:

1. The scaffold and location of the scaffold;
2. The base structure (e.g. roof and parapet, sidewalk shed);
3. Connections and attachments to the base structure, including but not limited to anchorages, fastenings, tie-ins, tie-backs, and lifelines;
4. Any temporary or permanent structural modifications required to the base structure;
5. Netting with specific type and manufacturer indicated, overhead protection, or any other equipment attached to the scaffold. The effect of wind on the netting shall be accounted for in the design of the scaffold;
6. Any hoisting equipment located on the scaffold;
7. Platform levels, support centers, and offsets, along with the maximum number of levels to be loaded simultaneously and the maximum loads to be imposed;
8. Temporary construction, such as platforms, runback structures, other scaffolds, mast climbers, cranes, derricks, hoists, horizontal netting, cocoon systems, climbing formwork, sidewalk sheds, fences, and barricades that may present interference for the scaffold;
9. For a suspended scaffold, ropes, number of clips, and counterweights, outrigger beams, c-hooks, or other support devices, blocking, saddles, or equivalent, and the rated load of the scaffold motor (hoist) as established by the manufacturer;
10. For a suspended scaffold, the location of the scaffold during out of service periods, and if the scaffold will not be lowered to the street, sidewalk shed, building setback, equivalent adequate structure, or ground during out of service periods, how the scaffold will be secured while work is not being performed;
11. For a supported scaffold, structural members, as well as the founding of the scaffold, including but not limited to sidewalk sheds, floors, roofs, or ground;
12. References to related job numbers (e.g. the sidewalk shed upon which the scaffold rests, the underlying permit for façade or construction work); and
13. Where anchors are utilized:
    1. Type of anchor and manufacturer of anchor;
    2. Procedures for the installation, maintenance, and use of the anchor as specified by the manufacturer of the anchor; and
    3. Procedures for the testing and inspection of the anchor as specified by the manufacturer of the anchor, as well as special inspection requirements when special inspection is required by Chapter 17.

Where a supported scaffold requiring design in accordance with Section 3314.3.1 imparts a load on a temporary or permanent structure, including but not limited to a sidewalk shed, roof, setback, or vault, the design drawings required by Section 3314.3.3 shall either be:

1. Sealed and stamped "reviewed for loads imposed" by the registered design professional responsible for the underlying structure and contain a note signed and sealed by such registered design professional indicating that either no structural modifications are required to the underlying structure, or indicating that structural modifications to the underlying structure have been incorporated into the drawings for the underlying structure;
2. Accompanied by a signed and sealed letter from the registered design professional responsible for the underlying structure indicating that he or she has reviewed the scaffold drawings for loads imposed on the underlying structure, with the drawing numbers and drawing dates referenced, and a statement indicating that either no structural modifications are required to the underlying structure, or indicating that structural modifications to the underlying structure have been incorporated into the drawings for the underlying structure; or
3. For a project where there is no registered design professional responsible for the underlying structure, a signed and sealed letter from the registered design professional who developed the design drawings required by Section 3314.3.3 indicating that he or she has investigated the underlying structure, and a statement indicating that either no structural modifications are required to the underlying structure, or indicating that structural modifications to the underlying structure have been incorporated into the plans required by Section 3314.3.3.

Scaffolds shall be installed, inspected, repaired, maintained, adjusted, used, and removed in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturer, where such specifications exist, and the requirements of Sections 3314.4.1 through 3314.4.8.

Scaffolds shall be installed and removed in accordance with the requirements of Sections 3314.4.1.1 through 3314.4.1.5. Where modifications to the base structure are required to support the scaffold, the scaffold shall not be installed until such modifications have been completed.

Suspended scaffolds shall be installed and removed by or under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed rigger.

The installation and removal of a supported scaffold shall be supervised by a competent person designated by the contractor installing or removing the scaffold.

The licensee or competent person supervising the installation or removal of a scaffold shall be present at the site during all installation and removal work and shall have the ability to communicate with all individuals involved in the installation or removal work. Where only one person is installing or removing a scaffold, such person shall be deemed to be the supervisor present at the site and must have the qualifications and training required by this chapter to serve as a supervisor for such work.

Exception: The licensed rigger or sign hanger does not have to be present at the site, provided a suspended scaffold foreman is present at the site during all installation and removal work and provided such suspended scaffold foreman has the ability to communicate with all individuals involved in the installation or removal work.

All individuals involved in the installation or removal of a supported scaffold or an adjustable suspended scaffold, including the person supervising such work, shall have been trained as required by Section 3314.4.5.