Always providing—
(i) that where the working platform is fixed within a distance of 12 inches from the buildings, the guard-rail and boards need not be supplied to the inward side;
(ii) that where it is necessary to deposit upon the working platform material which could not be deposited thereon if the guard-rail and boards were fixed, the guard-rail and boards may be removed for this purpose;
(iii) that the guard-rail and boards need not be fixed within a reasonable distance of each side of any ladder which provides a means of access to the working platform;
(iv) that the guard-rail and boards may be removed between any two standards between which material is being landed;
(v) that the guard-rail may be considered unnecessary where additional boards on edge are fixed to a height of 3 feet 6 inches.
The reason for the limit of 8 feet is as follows:—
The first platform is generally 5 to 6 feet above the ground and the material required on that platform can be placed upon it from the ground level. If this is done safeguards are in the way. But on the second platform about 10 feet high this would not hold good, and from that point safeguards should be provided.
Guard-rails should be rigid, and not movable as would be the case if a rope or chain were fixed. Workmen are used to rigidity in their surroundings, and their sense of safety is increased by the use of rigid rails. It would also be difficult to keep ropes at the required height as they lengthen in dry weather.
Boards to be placed on edge are usually 9 inches wide; therefore a rise of 7 inches can easily be provided, even when the boards butt to the platform by resting on the putlogs. In exposed situations they are better tied into position than nailed as nails draw under wind pressure.