• When platforms are moved to the next level, the existing platform must be left undisturbed until the new bearers have been set in place and braced. [1926.452(a)(1)]
  


• Where wooden poles are spliced, the following regulations apply:
  
  
  • The ends must be squared;
    
  
  
  • The upper section must rest squarely on the lower section;
    
  
  
  • Wood splice plates or scab plates must be provided on at least two adjacent sides, and must:
    
    
    • Extend at least 2 feet on either side of the splice,
      
    
    
    • Overlap the abutted ends equally, and
      
    
    
    • Have at least the same cross-sectional areas as the pole;
  • Splice plates made of materials other than wood may be used, as long as they are of equivalent strength. [1926.452(a)(9)]
• Pole scaffolds over 60 feet in height must:
  
  
  • Be designed by a registered professional engineer, and
    
  
  
  • Be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. [1926.452(a)(10)]

Note: Non-mandatory Appendix A to this subpart contains examples of criteria that will enable an employer to comply with design and loading requirements for pole scaffolds under 60 feet in height.

• Crossbracing must be installed between the inner and outer sets of poles on double pole scaffolds. [1926.452(a)(2)]
  


• Diagonal bracing must be installed in both directions across:
  
  
  • The entire outside face of double- and single-pole scaffolds [1926.452(a)(4)], and
    
  
  
  • The entire inside face of double-pole scaffolds used to support loads of  50 lbs. or more per square foot. [1926.452(a)(3)]
• Runners and bearers must be installed on edge. [1926.452(a)(5)]
  


• Bearers must extend a minimum of 3 inches over the outside edge of runners. [1926.452(a)(6)]
  


• Runners must:
  
  
  • Extend over two poles at minimum, and
    
  
  
  • Be supported by bearing blocks securely attached to the poles. [1926.452(a)(7)]
• Braces, bearers, and runners must not be spliced between poles. [1926.452(a)(8)]