Page 258 - Safety Memo

Note: For other falsework, approval may be provided by a Guardrails
manufacturer’s representative or a licensed contractor’s
qualified representative. 1717(b) (2) (B), and (C) Guardrails must be installed at the open sides of all work
3. Falsework plans must be available at the job site. 1717(b)(3) surfaces that are 7 1/2 ft. or higher above the ground, floor, or
level underneath, or workers must be protected by other fall
4. Minimum design loads are as follows: 1717(a)(2) protection or, if justified, by a valid fall protection plan. 1621(a)
a. Total combined live and dead load: 100 psf.
A. Guardrail specifications. 1620
b. Live load and formwork: 20 psf. 1. Railings shall be constructed of wood or in an equally
5. Additional loads must be considered in the design. 1717(a) substantial manner from other materials, and shall consist
of the following:
B. Erection of falsework
a. A wooden top rail that is 42 inches to 45 inches high
1. Falsework must be erected on a stable, level, compacted and that measures 2 inches x 4 inches or larger.
base and supported by adequate pads, plates, or sills.
1717(b)(4) b. A mid-rail shall measure at least 1 inch x 6 inches
and shall be placed halfway between the top rail and
2. Shore clamps (metal) must be installed in accordance the floor when there is no wall or the parapet wall is
with manufacturer’s instructions. 1717(d)(2) less than 21 inches high.
C. Inspection c. Screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid
1. Before pouring concrete on falsework requiring design panels, or equivalent members may be used in lieu of
approval, an engineer (Ca PE) or the engineer’s a mid-rail subject to the following:
representative must inspect for and certify compliance with 1. Screens and mesh shall extend from the top rail
plans. 1717(c)(1) to the floor and along the entire opening between
Note: For other falsework, the inspection and certification top rail supports.
may be provided by a manufacturer’s representative 2. The gap between the intermediate vertical
or a licensed contractor’s qualified representative. members shall not be greater than 19 inches.
1717(c) (2) (B), and (C)
3. Other intermediate members such as solid panels
2. A copy of the inspection certification must be available at shall not have gaps more than 19 inches.
the job site. 1717(c)(3)
d. Wood posts shall be not less than 2 inches by 4
D. Access to forms and falsework
inches in cross section, spaced at 8 ft. or closer
1. Joists (5 1/2 inch wide) at not more than 36 inches o.c. intervals.
may be used as walkways while forms are placed. Note: Use only “Selected Lumber”— free from damage that
1717(d)(3)
affects its strength for wood railings. Steel banding and
2. A plank (12 inches wide) may be used as a walkway while plastic banding shall not be used as top rails or mid-rails.
joists are placed. 1717(d)(5)
2. All railings and components shall be capable of
E. Fall protection withstanding a force of at least 200 lbs. applied to the
top rail within 2 inches of the top edge, in any outward
Periphery rails are required as soon as supporting members or downward direction, at any point along the top
are in place. 1717(d)(4) edge.
Note: The area under formwork is a restricted area and must 3. Mid-rails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members,
be posted with perimeter warning signs. 1717(d)(6)(A) solid panels, and equivalent members shall be capable
of withstanding a force of at least 150 lbs. applied in any
downward or outward direction at any point.

74 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 75