Covers for notches in scaffold planks

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

June 9, 1978
Mr. John N. Roche
Product Engineer
R. D. Werner Company, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Roche:
This is in response to your letter dated May 30, 1978 concerning our recent interpretation and recommendations of portable cover to solve the problem of an open notch in the plywood of scaffold planks.
This will reconfirm our position that the 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" notch cut into the plywood at each end of the aluma-plank would be a floor hole as defined by 29 CFR 1926.502(a). Floor holes, into which persons can accidentally walk, need to be guarded by either a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed side, or a floor hole cover of standard strength and construction that is secured against accidental displacement as required by 29 CFR 1926.500(b)(8).
The American National Standard ANSI A10.8-1977, Safety Requirements for Scaffolding, also regulates this recognized hazards. In paragraph 3.10, ANSI requires platform between adjacent planks or scaffold member.
The above mentioned occupational safety and health regulations and the American National Standard ANSI A10.8-1977, Safety Requirements for Scaffolding, confirm the need for a cover or equivalent protection to close the need for a cover or equivalent protection to close the center notches at each of the plank, when they are open.
If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
John K. Barto, Chief
Division of Occupational
Safety Programming