22 Mar Ramps and Runways – Safe Access and Use

Ramps and Runways – Safe Access and Use

Ramps and runways provide temporary access for employees, tools, equipment, and materials on construction sites. When they are improperly constructed, poorly maintained, overloaded, or obstructed, they can create serious slip, trip, fall, and structural-collapse hazards.

Before Using a Ramp or Runway

Inspect ramps and runways before use and whenever conditions change. Look for:

• Loose, damaged, cracked, or missing components.
• Inadequate supports or bracing.
• Excessive movement, sagging, or instability.
• Slippery or uneven walking surfaces.
• Accumulated mud, ice, water, debris, or construction materials.
• Missing or damaged guardrails when fall protection is required.
• Protruding nails, screws, or other sharp objects.
• Inadequate lighting or clearance.
• Conditions that could cause the ramp or runway to shift or collapse.

Do not use a ramp or runway that appears damaged or unsafe. Report the condition to your supervisor and prevent access until it has been corrected.

Construction and Support

Ramps and runways must be designed and constructed to safely support the loads they will carry.

• Provide adequate supports, bracing, and secure connections.
• Do not exceed the intended load capacity.
• Consider the combined weight of employees, equipment, tools, and materials.
• Provide sufficient width for the intended work and traffic.
• Secure walking surfaces to prevent displacement.
• Do not use makeshift materials or improvised supports.
• Maintain sufficient clearance for employees carrying, pushing, or transporting materials.

Structural components must not be altered, removed, or repositioned unless authorized.

Fall Protection

Where employees could fall from an elevated ramp, runway, or walkway, appropriate fall protection must be provided as required by the applicable OSHA standard.

Guardrail systems, when required, must be properly constructed and maintained. Do not remove, modify, climb on, or work outside a required guardrail system.

Where falling tools or materials could expose employees below, provide appropriate falling-object protection, such as toeboards, screens, barricades, or restricted-access areas.

Slopes and Traction

Inclined ramps and runways require particular attention because workers can lose their footing or control of transported materials.

• Provide a stable, slip-resistant walking surface.
• Keep surfaces free of mud, grease, oil, water, ice, and debris.
• Use cleats or other appropriate measures when necessary to provide secure footing.
• Secure cleats so they cannot loosen or create a tripping hazard.
• Do not use a ramp that is excessively steep for its intended purpose.
• Walk—never run—on ramps and runways.
• Use extra caution when pushing or carrying materials on an incline.

If a load prevents you from seeing the walking surface ahead, obtain assistance or use another method of moving the material.

Moving Materials

Transporting materials across a ramp or runway can affect both employee safety and structural stability.

• Know the approximate weight and stability of the load.
• Do not overload the ramp or runway.
• Maintain control of carts, dollies, wheelbarrows, and other equipment.
• Keep adequate distance between workers transporting loads.
• Do not allow materials to block access or travel routes.
• Secure materials that could shift, roll, or fall.
• Use mechanical assistance or obtain help when a load is too heavy or awkward to handle safely.

Never position yourself where a rolling or shifting load could pin, crush, or strike you.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is essential to ramp and runway safety.

Keep ramps and runways:

• Clear of scrap materials and debris.
• Free from cords, hoses, tools, and other tripping hazards.
• Free from slippery substances.
• Adequately illuminated.
• Clear of stored materials.
• Maintained so that walking surfaces remain even and secure.

Correct hazards immediately when it is safe to do so, or barricade the area and report the condition.

Watch for Warning Signs

Stop and report a ramp or runway that is:

• Unstable or improperly supported.
• Damaged or deteriorated.
• Too narrow for the intended activity.
• Excessively steep.
• Missing required fall protection.
• Slippery or obstructed.
• Sagging or shifting under a load.
• Improperly secured.
• Being used beyond its intended capacity.

Do not continue using an unsafe ramp or runway simply because the job will only take a few minutes.

Remember

Properly constructed and maintained ramps and runways provide safe access around a jobsite. Inspect them before use, maintain good housekeeping, control loads, provide adequate traction, and never use a ramp or runway that appears unstable or unsafe.