13 Apr Construction Safety-Floor Openings

Construction Safety – Floor Openings

Unprotected holes in the floor, deck or roof have been responsible for a number of very serious injuries. Yet, through planning and personal attention, falls through openings
under foot are easy to prevent.

• If you make a hole, guard it. Before cutting the hole, barricade the work area to keep people out.
• If the hole must be open, install permanent barricades around the perimeter.
• Like railings around the edge of a building or stairwell, these should be a minimum of forty-two inches high, have a mid-rail and be capable of withstanding a 200-pound load. Toe boards are recommended at all times and are required if anyone is going to work under the hole.
• If the hole is not guarded, it must be covered. The cover must be capable of supporting at least a 200 pound load, be larger than the opening, secured against displacement, and labeled “Floor Opening, Do Not Remove”. If you have a choice make a round opening and cover. An oversized round cover cannot fall through a smaller round hole.
• Never cover a hole with any type of non-substantial material such as paper, cardboard or plastic. You may ask, “Why would anyone do that?” Unfortunately, it happens surprisingly often.
• Be extremely careful if you have to walk over protective paper or plastic. A hole could be lurking underneath. Step very tentatively. If you find a hole, expose it immediately for others to see, barricade it or post someone to warn others of the danger, and notify your supervisor. Even shallow holes can cause serious injuries.
• Plastic skylights and smoke vents are very popular. You should never stand or sit on a skylight. They are not made to support your weight. If you do stand or sit on one, odds are it will break and you will fall. If installing skylights, protect the openings as described above, until installation is complete.

The danger is very real. The control is very simple. This is a hazard that should never be allowed to exist.