Section R. 408.41222 - Wood pole scaffoldsRule 1222.
(1) Where a pole of a wood pole scaffold is spliced, the ends shall be squared and the upper section shall rest squarely on the lower section. Wood splice plates shall be fastened on not less than 2 adjacent sides, shall be not less than 4 feet in length, shall overlap the abutted ends equally, shall have the same width and same total cross-sectional area of the pole, and shall be capable of preventing displacement of the abutted ends. Splice plates of other materials of equivalent strength may be used.(2) A bearer shall be set with its greater end dimension vertical and shall be long enough to project over the ledgers not less than 3 inches for proper support.(3) The inner end of a bearer for a single pole scaffold shall be supported in accordance with 1 of the following: (a) Rest in a wall of a building with not less than a 40 inch bearing. Notching of the bearer is not permitted.(b) Rest on a 12- by 2- by 6- inch wood block. The block shall be notched at the center to the width of the bearer and 2 inches deep. The bearer shall be nailed to both the block and the building.(c) At a wall opening by a plank capable of supporting the loaded bearer and fastened to the building. The bearer shall be braced against displacement.(4) A ledger shall be long enough to extend over 2 pole spaces. The ledger shall not be spliced between the poles. The ledger shall be reinforced by bearing blocks securely nailed to the side of the pole to form a support for the ledger.(5) Diagonal bracing shall be provided to prevent the poles of a single pole scaffold from moving in a direction parallel with the wall of the building or from buckling.(6) Bracing shall be provided between the inner and outer sets of poles in independent pole scaffolds. The free ends of pole scaffolds shall be cross braced.(7) Full diagonal face bracing, in both directions, shall be erected across both faces of pole scaffold. The braces shall be spliced at the poles.(8) Pole scaffolds over 60 feet in height shall be designed by a registered professional engineer, and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Non-mandatory Appendix A to this standard contains examples of criteria that will enable an employer to comply with design and loading requirements for pole scaffolds under 60 feet in height.Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.41222