CONSTRUCTION SAFETY FLOOR OPENINGS

1
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY FLOOR OPENINGS

• BEWARE!

2
FLOOR OPENINGS

• Unprotected holes in the floor, deck or roof have
  been responsible for a number of very serious
  injuries.
• 33 of construction related deaths are caused by
  falls.

3
DEFINITION OF A FLOOR OPENING

• A floor opening is an opening in any floor,
  platform, pavement, or yard that measures at
  least twelve inches in its smallest dimension and
  through which a person can fall.

4
EXAMPLES OF FLOOR OPENINGS ARE

• Hatchways
• Stair or ladder openings
• Pits
• Large manholes

5
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT CONSIDERED FLOOR OPENINGS

• Openings occupied by elevators
• Dumbwaiters (Small Elevator)
• Conveyors
• Machinery
• Containers

6
FLOOR HOLES

• A floor hole is an opening in any floor,
  platform, pavement, or yard that measures at
  least one inch but less than twelve inches at its
  smallest dimension and through which materials
  and tools (but not people) can fall.
• EXAMPLES OF FLOOR HOLES ARE
• Belt holes
• Pipe openings
• Slot openings

7
PREVENTION

• Through planning and personal attention, falls
  through openings under foot are easy to prevent.
• 1926.501 (b)
• Each employee on a walking/working surface
  with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet
  or more above lower levels should be protected
  from falling by the use of guard rail systems,
  safety net systems, or personal fall arrest
  systems.

8
GUARDRAILS

• 1926.502 (b) 1.
• Top edge height of top rails shall be 42 /- 3
  above the walking/working level. (Railing must be
  raised if workers are using stilts in the area of
  the floor opening)
• 1926.502 (b) 2.
• Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate members,
  or equivalent intermediate structural members
  shall be installed between the top edge of the
  guardrail system and the walking/working surface
  when there is no wall or parapet wall at least
  21 high. Toe boards are also required to prevent
  tools or materials from falling through the holes.

9
OTHER OSHA GUARDRAIL REQUIREMENTS

• Guardrails must be capable of withstanding a
  force of 200 lbs applied within 2 from the top
  edge.
• The ends of top rails and midrails shall not
  overhang the posts.
• Top rails and midrails shall be at least ¼ in.
  thick.
• If wire rope is used as a top rail, it shall be
  flagged at least every 6 feet.
• If the floor opening is used as a hoisting area,
  a chain, gate or removable rail section shall be
  placed across the access area.

10
SAFETY FIRST!

• Guardrails are crucial on all sides of any floor
  opening on a job site.
• Many construction workers of all trades have died
  or become permanently injured due to unprotected
  floor openings.
• Dont let this happen on your job site!