Walking and Working Surfaces 171

29 CFR

The 29th section of the Code of Federal Regulations. 29 CFR contains all standards dealing with labor in the United States.

anchors

A device that provides a secure hold for another device or structure. Anchors secure portable dockboards in position.

barriers

A moveable or permanent structure that keeps employees from entering or accessing dangerous areas or from falling through a wall opening. Barriers include structures like gates and fences.

braces

A form of support that resists horizontal forces. Braces are dedicated structural supports and should never be substituted with devices that were not designed to be braces, such as ladders.

bracing

A device that steadies or supports other components. Bracing allows the work level height to exceed the minimum base of ladder stands and scaffolds.

bridge plate

A device used to span the space between a loading dock and the bed of a truck or rail car. Bridge plates are also known as dockboards.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The United States government agency responsible for reporting data on wages, unemployment, and workplace injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics informs other agencies, including OSHA.

burrs

A rough edge remaining on material, such as metal, after it has been machined. Burrs pose an injury risk and interfere with the fitting of parts.

cages

A metal guard or enclosure surrounding a fixed ladder that is used to protect the climber. Cages are a type of safety device that are built around some types of ladders.

casters

A type of wheel that can pivot and change direction when pushed. Casters allow ladder stands and scaffolds to be moved without disassembly.

CFR 1926 (L)

The OSHA standards document detailing the construction of scaffolds. CFR 1926 (L) applies to all industries.

chutes

An inclined pathway that connects one level to the next. Chutes are also known as hatchways and are used for transporting goods and materials.

concentrated load

The amount of weight that is applied to a specific point, such as a stair tread. Fixed industrial stairs must support a concentrated load of at least 1,000 pounds (453.59 kg).

corrosion-resistant

Able to resist deterioration caused by exposure to an environment. Corrosion-resistant materials are used to construct ladders.

dockboard

A device used to span the space between a loading dock and the bed of a truck or rail car. Dockboards are also known as bridge plates.

drainage

A means for liquid to move from a surface to a place beneath the surface, out of the path of employees. Drainage is important to prevent slips and falls.

extension ladders

A type of portable rung ladder that has two or more collapsible sections that allow it to be shortened or lengthened. Extension ladders are used to reach very high areas.

extension platforms

An elevated, open-sided floor that protrudes over the surrounding floor or ground. Extension platforms are guarded by standard barriers.

fixed industrial stairs

A type of stairway that is permanently attached to a building. Fixed industrial stairs are required whenever employees must regularly travel between levels.

fixed ladder

A ladder that is permanently attached to a structure. Fixed ladders may have rails or individual rungs.

fixed ladders

A ladder that is permanently attached to a structure. Fixed ladders may have rails or individual rungs.

floor hole

An opening more than 2 in. (5.08 cm) across in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard through which objects or persons may fall. A gap between utility pipes and the floor is an example of a floor hole.

floor opening

An opening, such as a stairway entrance, in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard through which people may fall. A floor opening measures more than 18 in. (45.72 cm) across.

floor openings

An opening, such as a stairway, in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard through which persons may fall. A floor opening measures more than 18 in. (45.72cm) across.

forklift

A small industrial truck used for carrying, lifting, and stacking materials. Forklifts can transport heavy loads.

frame scaffold

A type of scaffold that consists of large, prefabricated metal pieces that fit together to form a frame. The frame scaffold is the most common supported scaffold in manufacturing.

gates

A barrier that restricts access to an area. Gates can be used to protect people from falling.

grillwork

A screen-like barrier with openings. Grillwork barrier openings should be no wider than 8 in. (20.32 cm).

guardrails

A bar or rod that is secured to posts and erected along floor openings and the exposed sides and ends of platforms and other elevated work areas. Guardrails provide a handhold and a barrier to prevent falls.

guards

A permanent fixture, such as a rail, that safeguards an opening in a wall through which people or objects may fall. Guards are required for openings less than 3ft. (0.91m) above a platform when there is a drop of at least 4 ft. (1.22 m) to the next surface

guys

A rope, cable, or other tension-resisting device that is used to steady or secure something. A guy may be used to secure a mast or another component in position.

half doors

A standard entry door that is divided in two horizontally, each portion having the ability to open or close independently of the other. Half doors are also known as Dutch doors.

hatchways

An inclined pathway that connects one level to the next. Hatchways are also known as chutes and are used for transporting goods and materials.

hinged cover

A cover for a floor opening that is the same size as the opening and is attached with fasteners. Hinged covers protect employees from falling through floor openings and can be easily opened for access.

housekeeping

The practice of regularly cleaning, straightening, organizing, and maintaining the workspace. Good housekeeping helps surfaces stay in functional, operational, and safe conditions.

hydraulic lifts

A device that converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy to lift a load. Hydraulic lifts are used to put powered dockboards into position.

individual-rung ladders

A fixed ladder without side rails. Individual-rung ladders consist of rungs that are permanently attached to the surface of a wall, machine, or piece of equipment.

knurling

A criss-cross pattern that is cut or pressed into metal. Knurling makes metal slip resistant.

ladders

A device consisting of flat steps or rungs on which users can climb to reach shelves or higher levels. Ladders may be permanent or portable.

ladderways

A floor opening that surrounds a ladder. Ladderways are similar to stairway openings.

lifebelts

A safety restraint that wraps around the climber's waist and attaches to a ladder. Lifebelts prevent falls.

load

The total amount of weight, including people, materials, products, and tools, that is placed on a surface. Load limits for walking and working surfaces are determined when the surface is designed.

load capacity

The maximum amount of force a structure or machine component can safely withstand. The load capacity of fall safety equipment and working surfaces should never be exceeded.

load rating limits

The maximum amount of weight that a surface can support safely. OSHA defines load rating limits, which are used when the surface is being designed..

loading dock

A platform where trucks or trains can be loaded or unloaded. Loading docks make loading materials into a vehicle easier.

longshoring

The industry that moves goods between docks and aquatic vessels. Longshoring uses a different set of OSHA standards than most industries.

manholes

A hole that serves as an entrance to a drain for storm water or other liquids. Manholes are usually round.

manually propelled mobile ladder stands

A ladder on a rigid base that is set on wheels or casters. Manually propelled mobile ladder stands may be pushed from one location to another.

manually propelled mobile scaffolds

A raised platform on which employees can work at elevated heights that is set on wheels or casters. Manually propelled mobile scaffolds may be moved from one location to another.

mezzanine

An intermediate level between the floor and ceiling of a large, open space. Mezzanines have load rating limits.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that ensures safe working conditions and helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has developed rules that safeguard walking and working surfaces to minimize safety risks.

offsets

An entrance in a railing surrounding a floor opening that is diagonal from the floor opening rather than opposite. Offsets force people and materials to go around the railing before entering the opening.

open-sided floor

A walking surface that is raised and has at least one side that is not guarded by a wall. An open-sided floor that is 4 ft. (1.22 m) above the adjacent floor or ground level must be guarded by a railing.

OSHA

Occupational Health and Safety Administration. A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that ensures safe working conditions and helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. OSHA has developed rules that safeguard walking and working surfaces to minimize safety risks.

outrigger

A support that extends out from the base of a tall structure to add stability. Outriggers allow the work level height to exceed the minimum base of ladder stands and scaffolds.

passageways

A long, usually narrow, space that is reserved for walking. A passageway allows people to travel between different buildings or different rooms within the same building.

picket fences

A barrier that consists of several slats made of wood or other materials. Picket fence slats are fitted closely together and attached to two or more rails.

pitch

The degree at which a ladder is angled, which is determined by its length. The pitch of a ladder should be such that the base of the ladder is one quarter the length of the ladder away from the base of the object the ladder is leaning against.

pits

A large, deep hole in the earth or in the floor of a building. Pits might require stairs to be accessed by employees.

platforms

An open-sided structure that is elevated above the surrounding floor or ground. Platform floors must not be overloaded, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

portable dockboards

A type of dockboard that is lifted and placed in position manually, usually with the help of a forklift. Portable dockboards must contain handholds or other means to lift and move them.

portable ladders

A movable climbing and descending device formed by side rails and steps or rungs. Portable ladders are generally constructed from metal or wood and must meet OSHA requirements for use in workplaces.

portable metal ladders

A moveable climbing and descending device that is made of metal. Portable metal ladders consist of side rails and steps or rungs.

portable rung ladders

A movable, non-self-supporting ladder that consists of two rails and several crosspieces. Portable rung ladders include straight ladders, single ladders, and extension ladders.

portable stepladders

A movable, two-sided, self-supporting ladder that is non-adjustable in length. Portable stepladders have one side with flat steps, while the other side is used only for stabilization and support.

powered dockboards

A type of dockboard that is electrically controlled and placed in position. Powered dockboards usually have hydraulic lifts that control their positioning.

rise

The vertical distance from the top of a stair tread to the top of the next higher stair tread. Rise height must be uniform within a set of stairs.

rollers

A barrier that consists of gates with wheels. Rollers can protect people from falling objects.

rolling ladders

A ladder with a wheeled base that can be easily moved. Rolling ladders are also known as trolley ladders and are often used to access shelving.

rung ladders

A non-self-supporting ladder that consists of two rails and several crosspieces. Rung ladders may be portable.

rungs

A crosspiece of a ladder that is used for stepping. Rungs are usually round or oval.

runway

A passageway that is elevated above the surrounding floor or ground level. A runway can enable movement above a workspace or from one building to another.

scaffolding

A raised platform on which employees can work at elevated heights. Scaffolding is usually constructed of metal or wooden crosspieces, supports or cables, and metal or wooden planking.

skids

A platform or divider. Skids are used for stacking goods and materials.

skylights

A window in the roof of a building that allows light to enter an area. Skylights must be guarded.

slats

A vertical section of a fence-like barrier. Slats may serve as guards for wall openings.

solvent

A chemical or combination of chemicals used to dissolve materials. A solvent can be used to clean ladders that have been exposed to substances that may make them dangerous to users.

special-purpose ladders

A ladder with features specifically designed for particular tasks like shelves for holding materials. Special-purpose ladders include painter's and mason's ladders.

spreader

A hinge-like device used to separate, stabilize, and lock the two sides of a stepladder into position. A spreader keeps a stepladder from closing.

stair railing

A handhold similar to a standard stair railing that is installed in parallel with the rise of a set of stairs. Stair railings must be fixed at a height of 30-34 in. (76.20-86.36 cm) above the stair tread.

stair tread

The horizontal portion of a step. The stair tread is the portion of the step on which users place their feet.

stairway opening

A floor opening specifically for access to a set of stairs. Stairway openings must be guarded on at least three sides.

Standard 1910

A standard of CFR 29 that covers workplace safety requirements including safety measures for floor openings, stairs, and scaffolds as well as ways of preventing falling objects from injuring employees. Standard 1910 details safety codes for all industries in the United States except for construction, longshoring, and shipyards.

standard stair railing

: A barrier around a stairway opening that consists of a top rail, an intermediate rail, and posts that rise 30-34 in. (76.20-86.36 cm) from the upper surface being protected. Standard stair railings are required by OSHA to guard stairway openings.

step-across distance

The length of the gap between one walking and working surface and another. A step-across distance may measure the space between a ladder and an adjacent platform.

stepladders

Moveable, two-sided, self-supporting ladders that are non-adjustable in length. Stepladders, also known as portable stepladders, have one side with flat steps, while the other side is used only for stabilization and support.

stops

A device used to lock sections of extension ladders together. Stops ensure that there is enough overlap between sections and that the ladder will not come apart.

straight ladder

A type of portable rung ladder that is supported against a wall or other vertical surface. A straight ladder section may not exceed 30 ft. (9.14 m), and its rungs must be between 10 and 14 in. (25.40 and 35.60 cm) wide.

supported scaffolds

A temporary, elevated platform held up by rigid supports. Supported scaffolds are constructed of metal or wooden crosspieces with supports and metal or wooden planking.

suspended scaffolds

A mobile scaffold that is suspended from ropes or cables. Suspended scaffolds are also known as swinging scaffolds.

tanks

A large storage container that holds fluids. Tanks can hold a wide variety of materials.

toeboard

A vertical barrier at floor level that is erected along exposed openings such as floor openings, platforms, and runways. Toeboards prevent objects like tools and materials from falling from one level to the next.

trapdoors

A floor or ceiling opening that leads to the level above or below. Trapdoors must be guarded by rails or covers.

vents

A wall opening that is a means to provide fresh air to an environment. Vents assist in the cleaning or re-circulation of contaminated air.

walking and working surface

An area in the workplace where employees must place their feet in order to travel from one place to another. Walking and working surfaces, also known as walking-working surfaces, include floors, platforms, stairs, and ladders.

walking-working surfaces

An area in the workplace where employees must place their feet to travel from An area in the workplace where employees must place their feet in order to travel from one place to another. Walking-working surfaces, also known as walking and working surfaces, include floors, platforms, stairs, and ladders.

wall openings

An opening in any wall or partition that is at least 1 in. (2.54 cm) wide and more than 30 in. (76.20 cm) from the ground through which people or objects may fall. Wall openings include chutes and doorways.

workpieces

A part that is being worked on during manufacturing processes. The workpiece may be subjected to cutting, welding, forming, or other operations.