Floor Wall Openings

These safety requirements pertain to construction activities and are not to be used as design criteria for permanent structures. They cover construction work area conditions where there is the danger of employees or materials falling through floor, roof or wall openings.

Floor openings into which persons can accidentally walk shall be guarded by either a standard railing with standard toe board on all exposed sides, or a floor hole cover of standard strength and construction. The cover must also be secured to guard against accidental displacement. While the cover is not in place, the hole must be protected by a standard railing.

Wall openings from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet shall be guarded by a standard rail. In addition to the above, every open-sided floor or platform 6 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing or equivalent on all open sides, except where there is an entrance to a ramp, stairway or fixed ladder.

The definition of a standard railing is a railing consisting of a top rail , intermediate rail, toe board and posts, with a vertical height of approximately 42 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. The top rail should be smooth surfaced throughout the length of the railing. The intermediate rail shall be halfway between top rail and the floor, platform, runway or ramp. The ends of the rails shall not overhang terminal posts except where such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard. Wood railings, pipe railings, and structural steel railings are all acceptable, but please note that you may not use re-bar f or railings because of its brittleness and unpredictable strength. One additional method is the use of 1/2" wire rope, provided it is installed properly with a minimum of deflection. Standard guardrails must be capable of withstanding a 200 pound load in any direction.

All railings and covers must be checked routinely and repaired as needed.

NEVER LEAN ON A RAILING - IF IT FAILS YOU COULD FALL AND BE SERIOUSLY INJURED