Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 12, March 26, 2025
(a)
Overhead hazards.
(1) Every place where
persons are required to work or pass that is normally exposed to falling
material or objects shall be provided with suitable overhead protection. Such
overhead protection shall consist of tightly laid sound planks at least two
inches thick full size, tightly laid three-quarter inch exterior grade plywood
or other material of equivalent strength. Such overhead protection shall be
provided with a supporting structure capable of supporting a loading of 100
pounds per square foot.
(2) Where
persons are lawfully frequenting areas exposed to falling material or objects
but wherein employees are not required to work or pass, such exposed areas
shall be provided with barricades, fencing or the equivalent in compliance with
this Part (rule) to prevent inadvertent entry into such areas.
(b) Falling hazards.
(1) Hazardous openings.
(i) Every hazardous opening into which a
person may step or fall shall be guarded by a substantial cover fastened in
place or by a safety railing constructed and installed in compliance with this
Part (rule).
(ii) Where free access
into such an opening is required by work in progress, a barrier or safety
railing constructed and installed in compliance with this Part (rule) shall
guard such opening and the means of free access to the opening shall be a
substantial gate. Such gate shall swing in a direction away from the opening
and shall be kept latched except for entry and exit.
(iii) Where employees are required to work
close to the edge of such an opening, such employees shall be protected as
follows:
(a) Two-inch planking, full size, or
material of equivalent strength installed not more than one floor or 15 feet,
whichever is less, beneath the opening; or
(b) An approved life net installed not more
than five feet beneath the opening; or
(c) An approved safety belt with attached
lifeline which is properly secured to a substantial fixed anchorage.
(2) Bridge or highway
overpass construction.
(i) Approved safety
belts shall be provided for and used by persons employed at elevations greater
than 30 feet above land or water during bridge or highway overpass construction
or at any elevation during structural or construction work performed over
highways or railroads open to public traffic.
(ii) Scaffolds, platforms or approved life
nets may be provided as alternatives to approved safety belts. When used, such
alternatives shall be installed not more than five feet below the lower edge of
the structural members on or above which the persons to be protected are
working. Such scaffolds, platforms or life nets shall be installed and
maintained at all times when persons are working except when such safety
protection would interfere with the placement of structural members or
assemblies, in which case approved safety belts shall be worn.
(c) Drowning hazards.
Where any person is exposed to the hazard of falling into water beneath his
work location in which he might drown, equipment for the prompt rescue of such
person from the water shall be provided. Such equipment shall consist of a
manned boat of a size suitable for the existing water conditions and area. Such
boat shall be equipped with oars, with United States Coast Guard approved life
preservers, with a life ring fastened to a line not less than 50 feet in length
and with a boat hook. Such boat shall continuously patrol the area beneath the
work location at all times when any person is exposed to the falling and
drowning hazard.
(d) Slipping
hazards. Employers shall not suffer or permit any employee to use a floor,
passageway, walkway, scaffold, platform or other elevated working surface which
is in a slippery condition. Ice, snow, water, grease and any other foreign
substance which may cause slippery footing shall be removed, sanded or covered
to provide safe footing.
(e)
Tripping and other hazards.
(1) Passageways.
All passageways shall be kept free from accumulations of dirt and debris and
from any other obstructions or conditions which could cause tripping. Sharp
projections which could cut or puncture any person shall be removed or
covered.
(2) Working areas. The
parts of floors, platforms and similar areas where persons work or pass shall
be kept free from accumulations of dirt and debris and from scattered tools and
materals and from sharp projections insofar as may be consistent with the work
being performed.
(f)
Vertical passage. Stairways, ramps or runways shall be provided as the means of
access to working levels above or below ground except where the nature or the
progress of the work prevents their installation in which case ladders or other
safe means of access shall be provided.
(g) Air contaminated or oxygen deficient work
areas. The atmosphere of any unventilated confined area including but not
limited to a sewer, pit, tank or chimney where dangerous air contaminants may
be present or where there may not be sufficient oxygen to support life shall be
tested by the employer, his authorized agent or by a designated person before
any person is suffered or permitted to work in such area. Such testing shall be
in accordance with the provisions of Industrial Code Part (rule) 12 relating to
the "Control of Air Contaminants" and such areas shall be subject to the other
pertinent provisions of Industrial Code Part (rule) 12 and of Industrial Code
Part (rule) 18 relating to "Exhaust Systems".
(h) Corrosive substances. All corrosive
substances and chemicals shall be so stored and used as not to endanger any
person. Protective equipment for the use of such corrosive substances and
chemicals shall be provided by the employer.
