What is the minimum width of a working platform
Isabella Browning
Updated on April 01, 2026
The standards do specify a minimum platform width of not less than 20″ for two-point suspension scaffolds in Parts 1910.28(g) and 1926.451(i). It is recommended that we promulgate a new standard in Parts 1910.28(a) and 1926.451(a) which will establish a minimum width of 18″ for all scaffold platforms.
What is the minimum width of a scaffold platform?
Regulations require that all scaffold platforms must be at least 460 mm (18 in) wide and all platforms above 2.4 m (8 ft) must be fully decked. Platforms without guardrails are a serious safety problem in construction.
What is the minimum width of a working platform for light duty scaffold?
Platforms should be at least four traditional scaffold planks wide—approximately 900 mm. Use examples include general trades work like tiling and light steel framing. Heavy Duty – up to 675 kg per platform per bay including a concentrated load of 200 kg. Platforms should be at least 1000 mm wide.
What is the minimum width of a light duty working platform?
Platforms should be at least two planks wide (approximately 450 millimetres). Medium Duty – Up to 450 kilograms per bay. This is suitable for general trades work. Platforms should be at least four planks wide (approximately 900 millimetres).What is considered a working platform?
Defining “Work Platform” A work platform is essentially any elevated platform used as a place of work. There is no specific height requirement of a platform before it becomes a work platform.
How wide can the platform be on a two-point scaffold?
Platforms on two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds must be no more than 36 inches wide, unless a qualified person has designed them to prevent unstable conditions.
How wide is normal scaffolding?
The majority of scaffold boards are 225mm wide and 38mm or 63mm thick and require support every 1.2m. If the boards conform to BS 2482: 2009 they may have a maximum span of 1.5m. It is vital that all scaffold boards are checked regularly for damage or rot.
What is the Australian standard for scaffolding?
AS / NZS 1576.3:1995 Scaffolding – Prefabricated and Tube-and-coupler Scaffolding. AS 1576.4-1991 Scaffolding – Suspended Scaffolding. AS / NZS 1576.5:1995 Scaffolding – Prefabricated Splitheads and Trestles. AS / NZS 1576.6:2000 Scaffolding – Metal tube-and-coupler Scaffolding.How far above the working platform must a toe board extend?
A toe board shall be not less than 225mm high and extend to a height equal to or greater than the height of the tools or materials being stored. NOTE: The National Standard states the minimum height is 150mm.
What are the minimum and maximum width of component scaffolds?The scaffolding width is determined by the width of the boards, the minimum width allowed is 600 mm but a more typical four-board scaffold would be 870 mm wide from standard to standard. More heavy-duty scaffolding can require 5, 6 or even up to 8 boards width.
Article first time published onWhat is closed platform in scaffolding?
base lift. the first level of transoms and ledgers above the jacks. closed platform. a platform that is constructed and that is capable of functioning as a working platform, but is temporarily closed to any loading or access, in accordance with table 1. high risk construction work.
How wide does a catwalk need to be?
OSHA prescribes that a catwalk platform cannot exceed four times its width. OSHA 1910 calls for minimum tread width of 22” & maximum rise of 9 1/2” Catwalks are also required to have self-closing safety gates to ensure that workers don’t fall through the openings.
How wide should OSHA walkway be?
A minimum width of 18 inches is acceptable for a walkway used for maintenance and gaining access to equipment and would comply with the intent of Section 1910.37, OSHA General Industry Standards.
How high can a platform be without handrails?
Specifically, all platforms 4 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground must be protected by a standard guardrail on all open sides.
How wide is 3 board scaffold?
Traditionally they are seasoned wood and come in three thicknesses (38 mm (usual), 50 mm and 63 mm) are a standard width (225 mm).
How thick is a scaffold board?
It should be 225mm wide and 38mm thick. This goes under the baseplate, it can be from 450mm long to 4m long. It should be 225mm wide and 38mm thick.
How wide is a scaffold board in inches?
Length available: 8ft, 10ft, 13ft. Thickness: 38mm (1.50 inches). Width: 225mm (8.86 inches).
What is the maximum permissible gap between scaffold platform?
The standard requires that the space between the scaffold planks or between scaffold planks and uprights be no more than one inch wide unless the employer can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary.
What is the maximum load for a single point scaffold?
Check that the maximum intended load for single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds is 250 pounds.
What is a scaffold OSHA quizlet?
What is a scaffold? A temporary elevated platform used to support workers and/or materials. To avoid suspension trauma, when suspended, the worker must limit restriction points and move their arms and legs to maintain circulation. True. Only $35.99/year.
What is the minimum height an access ladder must extend above the working platform?
Egress Or Access the ladder extends one metre at least above the stepping-off point from the working platform.
How high can you work without scaffolding?
In the general industry, the height requirement for scaffolding is 4 feet above a lower level. For construction work, the height requirement is 6 feet above a lower level. All workers 10 feet above a lower level must have fall protection.
Do you need permission to put up scaffolding?
If your builder or scaffolder needs to put up scaffolding within the boundary of your property there is no need for a licence. However, if any part of the scaffolding needs to go on the pavement or the road outside your property your builder or scaffolder must get a licence from your local council.
At what height does a scaffold platform require a standard railing?
Guardrail height—The height of the toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service after January 1, 2000 must be between 38 inches (0.9 meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters).
At what height is scaffolding required Australia?
Scaffolding work is defined with a four metre threshold for licensing purposes. This means in some cases a high risk work licence may not be required to erect a scaffold—because it is less than four metres—but there may still be need for a SWMS because it is more than two metres.
What is the minimum height of toeboards on scaffolding?
Most scaffolding more than 10 feet off the ground should have toeboards at least four inches high on all open sides of the scaffolding, according to OSHA guidelines. Ship scaffolding, however, can have three-quarter inch by one-and-a-half inch edges rather than standard four-inch toeboards.
What is the required minimum width for industrial fixed stairs?
Fixed stairways shall have a minimum usable width of 22 inches. No chute or open conveyor shall be parallel to and adjoin a stairway unless the usable width of the stairway is at least 22 inches and the stairway is equipped with a stair railing separating the chutes and open conveyors from the stairway.
How wide should a pedestrian walkway be in warehouse?
Ideal warehouse pedestrian walkway width According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, safety passageways should be at least 2 inches in width. However, for larger factories and warehouses, 3 to 6 inches may be ideal.
Are catwalks safe?
Catwalks are walkways that provide access to technical and service areas located above the stage or auditorium. They may also provide a bridge linking fly-floors. These elevated work surfaces pose fall hazards. Falls from the catwalks can result in serious debilitating injuries and death.
What is the minimum aisle width for OSHA?
An OSHA letter of interpretation of the aisle marking rule at 29 CFR 1910.22(b) says, “The recommended width of aisles is at least 3 feet wider than the largest equipment to be utilized, or a minimum of 4 feet.”
What is the minimum width of a passageway?
The minimum width permitted for a passageway used as an exit access is, according to [§1910.37(g)(2)], 28 inches; however, most occupancies require additional width based upon the capacity of [exit route] requirements.