Hazard Prevention

Floor openings must be guarded by one of the following:

• Standard guardrailing with a toeboard
• Floor hole cover
• Constantly attended by personnel

Guardrailing

All open-sided floors and platforms that are 4 feet or more above the next level must have railing on all open sides, with the exception of an entrance to a stairway. Entrances to ladders and platforms must be guarded with a swinging gate to prevent someone from walking directly into the opening.

Floor Covers

Floor covers can be used in place of guardrailings. Covers are often used for pit and trapdoor floor openings. All covers must be capable of supporting at least twice the maximum weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be on the cover.

When covers are installed, they must be secured to prevent accidental displacement from weather, equipment, or employees. In addition, covers must be labeled with either "HOLE" or "COVER" to provide a hazard warning. If the cover is not in place, the floor opening must be attended by personnel or protected on all open sides with removable railing.

Wall Openings

If there is a wall opening that has a drop of 4 feet or more, the opening must be guarded by a rail, roller, picket fence, half door, or an equivalent barrier. This includes wall openings for material chutes. Whenever the opening is not in use, the guard needs to be in place.

Window wall openings that have a drop of more than four feet, and for which the bottom of the opening is less than 3 feet above the landing, must be guarded by a railing, grill work, or slats. If the window opening extends below the landing, a toeboard must be installed.

Fall Protection

Whenever a railing or cover is being installed or removed from a floor or wall hole or opening, all exposed workers should be protected by a fall protection system.

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.