Osha Floor Opening Definition

Subpart m definitions osha s construction fall protection rule 29 cfr subpart m 1926 500 defines these terms as follows.

Osha floor opening definition. Hole means a gap or void 2 inches 5 1 cm or more in its least dimension in a floor roof or other walking working surface. Floor openings on a job site can occur during construction renovations or repairs. Floor openings are hazardous because workers may fall through them and or may be struck by objects that fall through openings. This is in response to your september 4 and october 12 faxed letters to the occupational safety and health administration osha.

The floor holes within the chase would pose a fall hazard to workers on each floor unless exposure to the holes is eliminated or fall protection is provided. Yet through planning and personal attention falls through openings under foot are very easy to prevent. B 1 floor roof and skylight openings shall be guarded by either temporary railings and toeboards or by covers. Hoist area means any elevated access opening to a walking working surface through which equipment or materials are loaded or received.

The specific situation described in your attached memorandum involving an area measuring 60 x 40 with a 12 floor depression in the middle of a large finished floor is not considered a floor opening or floor hole as defined by osha standards. 1 as you state in your letter the 14 inch gaps between the studs are smaller than those needed to meet the definition of an opening. You asked for clarification of the fall protection requirements when working in the vicinity of an open concrete elevator pit which measures 6 by 8 and 4 feet deep. Hole means a gap or open space in a floor roof horizontal walking working surface or similar surface that is at least 2 inches 5 cm in its least dimension.

If you make a hole guard it. Guarding floor and wall openings and holes osha standard 1910 23 4 chute wall openings every chute wall opening from which there is a drop. 2 a every ladderway floor opening or platform with access provided by ladderway including ship stairs ship ladders shall be protected by guardrails with toeboards meeting the requirements of general industry safety orders section 3209 on all exposed sides except at entrance to the opening. Before cutting the hole barricade the work area to keep.

We agree with the logic and comments made by your toledo area office director that. There may be floor openings as each new floor in a building is added for personnel and material access and for stairwells elevators or skylights.