04 Apr Floors and Other Openings

Floors and Other Openings

Holes and openings in walking and working surfaces are common on construction sites and can result in serious injuries from trips, falls to lower levels, or falling objects. Openings may be created during construction for utilities, plumbing, ventilation, stairways, skylights, access points, and other work.

Employees who create or uncover an opening are responsible for ensuring that the hazard is immediately protected. Never leave an unprotected opening unattended.

Guide for Discussion

Hazard Identification

Before beginning work, inspect the area for openings and fall hazards, including:

• Floor and roof holes or openings.
• Temporary openings created during construction.
• Plumbing and mechanical penetrations.
• Ventilation and duct openings.
• Skylights and skylight openings.
• Manholes and access openings.
• Stairways and ladder openings.
• Trenches, excavations, and holes in the ground.
• Wall and window openings.
• Elevator and equipment shafts.
• Open-sided floors, platforms, and walking/working surfaces.

Under Federal OSHA construction standards, a hole is a gap or void 2 inches or more in its least dimension in a floor, roof, or other walking/working surface.

Methods of Protection

Depending on the opening and the work being performed, protection may include:

• Guardrail systems.
• Secured covers.
• Personal fall protection when required.
• Barricades or restricted-access areas where appropriate.
• Toeboards, screens, or other protection where objects could fall through an opening and strike employees below.

Employees exposed to holes 6 feet or more above a lower level must be protected from falling by covers, guardrail systems, or personal fall arrest systems as required by OSHA.

Floor and Roof Covers

Covers used to protect floor and roof openings must:

• Support at least twice the combined weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.
• Be secured against accidental displacement by employees, equipment, or wind.
• Completely protect the opening.
• Be color-coded or clearly marked with “HOLE” or “COVER.”
• Be maintained in good condition.

Covers located in roadways and vehicular aisles must be capable of supporting at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross them.

Never use loose plywood, scrap lumber, cardboard, plastic sheeting, or other unsuitable materials as substitutes for an approved cover.

Guardrail Systems

Where guardrails are used to protect openings, they must meet applicable OSHA requirements.

• Top rails must generally be approximately 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches.
• Midrails or equivalent intermediate protection must be installed when required.
• The top edge of the guardrail system must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge in an outward or downward direction.
• Guardrails must be maintained so they do not create puncture or laceration hazards.
• Toeboards or other falling-object protection must be provided where employees below could be exposed to falling tools or materials.

Temporary Openings

Sometimes a cover or guardrail must be temporarily removed to perform work. When this occurs:

• Restrict access to authorized employees.
• Provide another appropriate means of fall protection when employees are exposed to the opening.
• Keep unnecessary employees away from the area.
• Do not leave the opening unattended without appropriate protection.
• Replace and secure the cover or guardrail immediately after completing the work.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees should:

• Inspect their work area for openings before beginning work.
• Never remove a cover or guardrail without authorization.
• Never step, stand, sit, or place unnecessary loads on an opening cover.
• Keep materials and debris away from openings.
• Immediately report missing, damaged, loose, or improperly marked covers and guardrails.
• Warn others when an opening or other fall hazard is discovered.
• Restore required protection whenever their work creates an opening.

Additional Discussion Notes

Discuss with the crew:

• What openings are present in today’s work area?
• Are all covers properly secured and marked?
• Who is authorized to remove covers or guardrails?
• What fall protection will be used when an opening must be exposed?
• Could tools or materials fall through an opening and strike someone below?

Remember

If you create an opening, protect it immediately. A temporary opening can become a serious fall hazard in seconds. Covers must be strong enough for the anticipated load, secured against displacement, and clearly identified. Guardrails and other fall-protection systems must remain in place whenever employees are exposed to the hazard.