What is a requirement for scaffold platforms and walkways?

The requirement for scaffold platforms and walkways being at least 18 inches wide is rooted in safety standards established by OSHA to ensure that these surfaces can adequately support workers and materials while providing a stable walking area. A width of 18 inches is deemed sufficient for personnel to perform their tasks safely and to navigate easily without the risk of losing balance or falling off.

Wider platforms can provide extra safety, but the minimum width defined in safety regulations focuses on providing a balance between workspace and the practical limitations of construction sites. Thus, this requirement helps to promote both efficiency and safety for workers operating on scaffolds.