A.—sc.

2. (1) The width of the platform shall be adequate having regard to the nature of the work, and shall be such that at every part there is not less than 60 cm. clear passage free from fixed obstacles and deposited material. (2) In no case shall the width of the platforms be less than — (a) 60 em. if the platform is used as a footing only and not for the deposit of any material: (b) 80 cm. if the platform is used for the deposit of material: (c) 110 cm. if the platform is used for the support of any higher platform: Id) 130 cm. if the platform is one upon which stone is dressed or roughly shaped : (e) 150 cm. if the platform is used for the support of any higher platform and is one upon which stone is dressed or roughly shaped. 3. The maximum width of a platform supported on putlogs shall as a rule not exceed 160 cm. 4. Every working-platform shall, if part of a pole or gabbard scaffold, be at least 1 m. below the top of the standards. 5. Boards or planks which form part of a working-platform or which are used as toe-boards shall—• (a) Be of a thickness which is such as to afford adequate security having regard to the distance between the putlogs, but is in no case less than 30 mm. ; and (b) Be of a width not less than 15 cm. 6. No board or plank which forms part of a working-platform shall project beyond its end support to a distance exceeding four times the thickness of the board or plank. 7. Boards or planks shall not overlap one another unless precautions such as the provision of bevelled pieces are taken to reduce the risk of tripping to a minimum and to facilitate the movement of barrows. 8. Every board or plank which forms part of a working-platform shall rest on at least three supports, unless the distances between the putlogs and the thickness of the board or plank are such as to exclude all risk of tipping or undue sagging. 9. Platforms shall be so constructed that the boards or planks cannot be displaced in consequence of normal use. 10. Whenever possible a platform shall extend at least 60 cm. beyond the end of the wall of the building. 11. Every part of a working-platform or working-place from which a person is liable to fall a distance exceeding 2 m. shall be provided— (a) With a suitable guard-rail or guard-rails having a cross-section of at least 30 cm. 2 fixed at least 1 m. above the platform or above any raised standing-place on the platform, and so that the vertical opening below any guard-rail does not exceed 85 cm. : (b) With toe-boards which are of sufficient height to prevent the fall of materials and tools from the platform, and in no case less than 15 cm. high, and are as close as possible to the platform. 12. Guard-rails, toe-boards, and other safeguards used on a scaffold platform shall be maintained in position, except that they may be removed for the time and to the extent required to allow the access of persons or the transport or shifting of materials. 13. The guard-rail and toe-boards used on a scaffold platform shall be placed on the inside of the uprights. 14. The platforms of suspended scaffolds shall be provided with guard-rails and toe-boards on all sides, subject to the reservations that — (а) On the side facing the wall the guard-rail need not be at a height of more than 70 cm. if the work does not allow of a greater height : (б) The guard-rail and toe-boards shall not be compulsory on the side facing the wall if the workers sit on the platform to work, but in such case the platform shall be provided with cables, ropes, or chains affording the workers a firm handhold and capable of holding any worker who may slip. 15. The space between the wall and the platform shall be as small as practically possible except where workmen sit on the platform during their work, in which case it shall not exceed 45 cm. Regulation 19. —Gangways, Runs, and Stairs. 1. Every gangway or run any part of which is more than 2 m. above the ground or floor shall be— (а) closely boarded or planked ; and (б) At least 50 cm. wide. 2. The maximum slope of any gangway or run shall be 60 cm. per metre. 3. Where the gangway or run is used for the passage of materials there shall be maintained a clear passageway which — (a) Is adequate in width for transport of materials without the removal of the guard-rails and toe-boards ; and (b) Is in any case of a width not less than 60 cm. 4. All planks forming a gangway or run shall be so fixed and supported as to prevent undue or unequal sagging. 5. When the slope renders additional foothold necessary, and in every ease where the slope is more than 25 cm. per metre, there shall be proper stepping laths which shall— (a) Be placed at suitable intervals ; and (b) Be the full width of the gangway, except that they may be interrupted over a breadth of 10 cm. to facilitate the movement of barrows.

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