Working at Heights – Wall and Floor Openings

Working at Heights – Wall and Floor Openings

Wall Openings
Wall openings are defined as being any opening big enough for an employee to fall through or an opening at least 30 inches (0.76 meters) high and 18 inches (45.72 cm) wide in any wall through which an employee may fall more than four feet.

A barrier able to withstand a force of 200 pounds (90.72 kg) applied in any direction must guard wall openings.

Painting an orange circle with a diameter of 12 inches (30.48 cm) shall identify all temporary wall-opening covers.

Floor Openings
Floor openings are defined as being any opening big enough for an employee to fall through, or any opening measuring 12 inches (30.48 cm) or more in its least dimension in any surface including tanks of all types less than 42 inches (1.07 meters) above ground.

Floor openings must be guarded, covered, or barriers installed to reduce the size of opening to less than 12 inches (30.48 cm) in its least dimension.

Temporary floor openings must be completely covered, guarded, or constantly attended. All temporary floor covers must be secure and identified with an orange circle with a diameter of 12 inches (30.48 cm) or more.