Sec. 8-1.27. Flooring

In factory buildings erected before or after October 1, 1913; in mercantile establishments in buildings erected before or after November 1, 1920.

(a) At the top of hoistways immediately below the machine or sheaves or at the machine beams, a flooring of iron, steel, concrete or wood capable of sustaining a concentrated load of 300 pounds, shall be provided.

Exceptions:

(1) Hoistways protected at each floor by automatic trap doors. (2) Sidewalk elevators outside of building line. (3) Dumbwaiters.

(b) If metal grating is used, the spacing between members shall not exceed one and one-quarter inches.

(c) If grating members are laid flat, they shall be supported by battens spaced not more than 48 inches apart.

(d) If grating members are placed on edge, thimbles strung on metal rods running through the members shall be provided; the rods shall be riveted at the ends and spaced not more than 48 inches apart.

(e) Wood platforms shall be not less than three inches in thickness where hoistways are required to be of fireproof construction. If the platform is made of two or more layers, and any layer is less than three inches in thickness, the layer shall be securely spiked or bolted together.

(f) The grating or flooring must fill the entire hoistway if the horizontal area is 50 square feet or less, otherwise the same shall extend not less than 24 inches beyond the general contour of the sheaves or machine, and to the entrance to the hoistway at or above the level of the flooring.

(g) When the grating or flooring does not entirely cover the horizontal area of the hoistway, the open or exposed sides shall be provided with a standard railing as specified by section 8-1.54 and a toeboard.