Search This Blog

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Fall Protection

Q: What would the aisle width requirements be for a walkway that is 10 feet off the ground?
A:  1910.22(b) "Aisles and passageways."
1910.22(b)(1) Where mechanical handling equipment is used, sufficient safe clearances shall be allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and wherever turns or passage must be made. Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repairs, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard.
 1910.23(c) "Protection of open-sided floors, platforms, and runways."
1910.23(c)(1) Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toeboard wherever, beneath the open sides,
1910.23(c)(1)(i) Persons can pass,
1910.23(c)(1)(ii) There is moving machinery, or
1910.23(c)(1)(iii) There is equipment with which falling materials could create a hazard.
1910.23(c)(2) Every runway shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides 4 feet or more above floor or ground level. Wherever tools, machine parts, or materials are likely to be used on the runway, a toeboard shall also be provided on each exposed side.

If the walkway is part of an exit, it would have to meet these requirements:

1910.36(g)(2) An exit access must be at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points. Where there is only one exit access leading to an exit or exit discharge, the width of the exit and exit discharge must be at least equal to the width of the exit access.