R614-7-4. Residential-Type Construction, Raising Framed Walls

A. Scope and Application

This section applies to work directly associated with the raising of framed walls in new buildings or structures in residential-type construction.

B. Definitions

1. "Residential-type Construction" means construction using the operations, methods, and procedures associated with residential and light commercial construction characterized by joists or trusses resting on stud walls and using wood and/or light gage steel frame construction.

2. "Bottom Plate" means the bottom horizontal member of a frame wall.

C. Standards For Raising Walls.

1. At no time during the raising of the framed wall shall an employee who is not performing the actual lift be allowed under the wall system unless a mechanical bracing system is in place to arrest the fall of a wall.

2. Before manually raising framed walls that are 10 feet or more in height, temporary restraints such as cleats on the foundation/floor system or straps on the wall bottom plate shall be installed to prevent inadvertent horizontal sliding or uplift of the framed wall bottom plate. Anchor bolts and/or toe nails, are not sufficient for use in blocking or bracing the framed wall.

3. Framed walls 18 feet or more in height shall be raised using mechanical lifting devices.

D. Standards For Training.

1. The employer shall provide a training program to employees engaged in raising framed walls. The program shall enable employees to recognize the hazards associated with raising framed walls and shall include procedures to minimize those hazards, including:

a. Where required by the standard, the use of and limitations to temporary restraints used to prevent inadvertent sliding and uplift on the bottom plate;

b. the use of mechanical lifting devises;

c. the use of mechanical bracing systems; and

d. the role of each employee involved in the raising of a framed wall.