Final answer:
Scaffold levels used as walkways must be fully planked or decked, feature guardrails for fall protection, and toeboards to protect from falling objects. They must also be at least 18 inches wide and able to support the intended load safely.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scaffold levels used only as a walkway must have specific features to ensure the safety of the individuals using them. These features are defined by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Any scaffold that is used as a walkway is required to have, at a minimum, a platform that is fully planked or decked, guardrails, and a safe means of access. The walkway must be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide and have the ability to support its own weight plus at least four times the intended load.
Guardrails are particularly critical on these walkways, as they prevent falls. The top rail of the guardrail must be 42 inches (107 cm) high, plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), from the walking/working level. Moreover, toeboards or similar barriers should be installed to protect individuals below the walkway from falling objects.
Another important feature is guardrails on both sides of the scaffold to provide a barrier and prevent falls off the edge. These guardrails should be at least 42 inches high.
Additionally, scaffold levels used as walkways should have adequate width to allow for safe movement of workers. The typical width for scaffold levels used as walkways is around 19 inches.