Middletown, OH Building Safety: Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 1408.03
- Load limit standard
- BOCA Abridged Building Code capacity
- Doubtful-equipment test factor
- 2.5x superimposed live load
- Enforcement authority
- Superintendent of Inspection
- Chapter penalty
- up to $100/day of violation (§ 1408.99)
Summary
In the City of Middletown, Ohio, no one may load a scaffold, sidewalk bridge or sidewalk shed beyond its safe working capacity during construction or demolition, under Middletown Code of Ordinances § 1408.03(a). When the strength of scaffolding plank or other equipment is in doubt, the material must be replaced unless it passes a strength test to two and one-half times its superimposed live load.
(a) Loading. No person shall load any structure, temporary support, scaffolding, sidewalk bridge or sidewalk shed or any other device or construction equipment during the construction or demolition of any building or structure in excess of its safe working capacity, as such capacity is determined in the BOCA Abridged Building Code, as adopted in § 1402.01. (b) Unsafe equipment. Whenever any doubt arises as to the structural quality or strength of scaffolding plank or other construction equipment, such material shall be replaced, provided, however, that the Superintendent of Inspection may accept a strength test to two and one-half times the superimposed live load to which the material or structural member is to be subjected. The member shall sustain the test load without failure.
Full Breakdown
01, and bars loading any temporary support, scaffolding, sidewalk bridge, sidewalk shed or other construction equipment beyond that capacity during either construction or demolition. 03(b) covers doubtful equipment: whenever a question arises about the structural quality or strength of scaffolding plank or other equipment, the material has to be replaced, but the Superintendent of Inspection may instead accept a strength test loaded to two and one-half times the superimposed live load the member will actually carry, and the member must sustain that test load without failure.
04: when an inspection turns up an unsafe or illegal condition, the Superintendent notifies the owner and directs the necessary remedial measures, and whenever the strength of a scaffold or other device is in doubt or a complaint is filed, the Superintendent inspects the equipment and prohibits its use until it has been tested safe. 07(b)).
Violations & Fines
Chapter 1408 carries its own penalty at § 1408.99: whoever violates or fails to comply with any provision of the chapter, including the loading and testing rules in § 1408.03, is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00), with a separate offense deemed committed each day the violation or noncompliance continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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