1. (1) You must fully plank or deck each platform between the front uprights and the guardrail supports on all working levels of a scaffold so that there is no more than one inch (2.5 cm):

   1. (a) Between adjacent units; and

   2. (b) Between the platform and the uprights.

      EXEMPTION:	1. There may be more than one inch between platform units if all of the following are met:
      	a. You can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary, such as to fit around uprights when side brackets are used to extend the platform width;
      	b. The platform is planked or decked as fully as possible;
      	c. The open space between the platform and the guardrail supports is nine and one-half inches (24.1 cm) or less.
      	2. Platforms used solely as walkways or only by employees erecting or dismantling scaffolds do not have to be fully decked or planked if:
      	a. The planking provided makes for safe working conditions; and
      	b. Employees on those platforms are protected from falling.

      REFERENCE
      Fall protection requirements for employees:	Are located in the following chapters:	In the following sections:
      On walkways within scaffolds	Chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds	WAC 296-874-20056
      Erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds	Chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds	WAC 296-874-40010
      Erecting or dismantling suspended scaffolds in general industry	Chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards	Part J-1Working surfaces, guarding floors and wall openings, laddersandPart J-3Powered platforms
      Erecting or dismantling suspended scaffolds in construction work	Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work	Part C-1Fall protection requirements for construction

2. (2) You must make sure wood platforms are not covered with an opaque finish.

   EXEMPTION:

   Platform edges may be covered or marked for identification.

   Note:

   Platforms may be coated periodically with wood preservatives, fire-retardant finishes, or slip-resistant finishes if the coating does not obscure the top or bottom wood surfaces.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050. WSR 15-23-086, § 296-874-20008, filed 11/17/15, effective 12/18/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and 29 C.F.R. 1926, Subpart M, Fall Protection. WSR 13-04-073, § 296-874-20008, filed 2/4/13, effective 4/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-054, § 296-874-20008, filed 12/7/04, effective 3/1/05.]