114 Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection

Repair, Service, and Assembly Pits Less Than 10 Feet Deep

The use of a fall protection system is not required for a repair pit, service pit, or assembly pit that is less than 10 feet (3 m) deep, provided the employer:

• Limits access within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the edge of the pit to authorized employees trained in accordance with OSHA Standard 1910.30;
• Applies floor markings at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the edge of the pit in colors that contrast with the surrounding area; or places a warning line at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the edge of the pit as well as stanchions that are capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 16 pounds (71 N) applied horizontally against the stanchion at a height of 30 inches (76 cm); or places a combination of floor markings and warning lines at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the edge of the pit. When two or more pits in a common area are not more than 15 feet (4.5m) apart, the employer may comply by placing contrasting floor markings at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the pit edge around the entire area of the pits; and
• Posts readily visible caution signs that meet the requirements of OSHA Standard 1910.145, Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, and state "Caution-Open Pit."

Fixed Ladders

When a one-section fixed ladder is equipped with a personal fall protection or a ladder safety system or a fixed ladder is equipped with a personal fall arrest or ladder safety system on more than one section, the employer must ensure:

• The personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system provides protection throughout the entire vertical distance of the ladder, including all ladder sections; and
• The ladder has rest platforms provided at maximum intervals of 150 feet (45.7 m).

The employer must ensure ladder sections having a cage or well if:

• Are offset from adjacent sections; and
• Have landing platforms provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet (15.2 m).
• The employer may use a cage or well in combination with a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system provided that the cage or well does not interfere with the operation of the system.

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