Section 3315 Structural Ramps, Runways and Platforms

Ramps and runways (including elevated walkways) shall comply with the requirements of Sections 3315.1.1 through 3315.1.6.

All runways and ramps shall be constructed, braced and supported to resist lateral displacement and all vertical loads, including impact.

Runways and ramps for the use of motor vehicles may consist of an earthfill or may be structurally supported. Such runways and ramps shall have a clear width of not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) with timber curbs at least 8 inches by 8 inches (203 mm by 203 mm) placed parallel to, and secured to, the sides of the runway or ramp. The flooring of structurally supported ramps shall consist of no smaller than 3 inch (76 mm) planking full size, undressed, or equivalent material, with spans designed for the loads to be imposed.

Runways and ramps for the use of workers shall be at least 1 foot 6 inches (457 mm) in clear width. Where used for wheelbarrows, handcarts, or hand-trucks, runways and ramps shall be at least 3 feet (914 mm) in clear width. Flooring shall consist of at least 2-inch (51 mm) planking spanning as permitted by Table 3314.5.2, laid close, butt-joined and securely fastened.

Ramps shall have a slope not steeper than one in four. If the slope is steeper than one in eight, the ramp shall be provided with cleats spaced not more than 14 inches (356 mm) apart and securely fastened to the planking to afford a foothold. Spaces in the cleats may be provided for the passage of the wheels of vehicles. The total rise of a continuous ramp used by workers carrying material or using wheelbarrows, hand-carts, or hand-trucks shall not exceed 12 feet (3658 mm) unless broken by horizontal landings at least 4 feet (1219 mm) in length.

A guardrail meeting the requirements of Section 3308.7.1 through Section 3308.7.7 shall be provided:

1. On all edges of the runway or ramp that are located more than 5 feet (1524 mm) above the ground or floor; and
2. Along any portion of the runway or ramp that abuts motor vehicle traffic.

For the purposes of this section, the term "floor" in Sections 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.7 shall mean "runway or ramp."

Where it is possible for the public to pass under, or next to, runways or ramps, the space between the top rail and the toeboard shall be enclosed with a wire screen composed of not less than No. 18 steel wire gage, or equivalent synthetic netting that is flame retardant in accordance with NFPA 701, with openings in the wire or synthetic mesh no larger than ¹/₂ inch (13 mm).

Platforms shall comply with the requirements of Sections 3315.2.1 through 3315.2.3.

Platforms used as working areas, or for the unloading of wheelbarrows, hand-trucks, or carts shall have a floor consisting of at least 2-inch (51 mm) planking spanning as permitted by Table 3314.5.2. Platforms for the use of motor trucks shall have a floor of at least 3-inch (76 mm) planking, full size, undressed or equivalent materials with spans designed for the loads to be imposed. Planking shall be laid close and shall be butt-joined and securely fastened.

A guardrail meeting the requirements of Section 3308.7.1 through Section 3308.7.7 shall be provided on all open sides of platforms located more than 5 feet (1524 mm) above the ground or floor. For the purposes of this section the term "floor" in Sections 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.7 shall mean "platform."

Exception: In lieu of a guardrail, the side of the platform used for the loading or unloading of vehicles may be protected by a timber curb at least 8 inches by 8 inches (203 mm by 203 mm) for motor trucks or 4 inches by 4 inches (102 mm by 102 mm) for wheelbarrows and hand-trucks.

Where it is possible for the public to pass under, or next to, platforms, the space between the top rail and the toeboard shall be enclosed with a wire screen composed of not less than No. 18 steel wire gage, or equivalent synthetic netting that is flame retardant in accordance with NPFA 701, with openings in the wire or synthetic mesh no larger than ¹/₂inch (13 mm).

Runways, ramps, platforms, and other surfaces upon which power buggies are operated shall meet the following minimum requirements:

1. They shall be designed by a qualified person.
2. They shall be able to sustain, without failure, at least four times the maximum live load for which they are intended.
3. The minimum width, inside of curbs, for any ramp, runway, or platform shall be 2 feet (610 mm) wider than the outside width of any power buggy operated thereon without passing, and 3 feet (914 mm) wider than twice such buggy width in the places where passing occurs.
4. All runways shall be essentially level transversely.
5. Curbs shall be furnished along all buggy traffic paths that are nearer than 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally to any unenclosed area, shaft, or other open space into which or through which a fall of more than 12 inches (305 mm) from such surface is possible, except as set forth in numbered Item 7.
6. Where curbs are not required because the buggy is operated on a surface not over 12 inches (305 mm) above another surface, the lower surface shall be strong enough to sustain the loaded vehicle in the event of a fall thereon.
7. Curbs may be omitted at actual dumping points more than 12 inches (305 mm) above other surfaces if the edge over which dumping occurs is provided with bumpers or other means that will effectively stop the buggy from running over the edge while dumping.
8. Curbs must be at least 7 inches (178 mm) high, securely fastened, and capable of resisting side impact, and shall be equivalent to at least 2 inch by 8 inch (51 mm by 203 mm) plank set on edge against uprights securely fastened and braced at not more than 4-foot (1219 mm) intervals.