513 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 23-29

Sections

Chapter 24: Safe Access

Chapter 24 focuses on ensuring safe access across various construction environments by establishing rigorous standards and inspection requirements.

This chapter emphasizes safe access across various construction environments.

It emphasizes the importance of daily inspections for accessways to prevent hazards and obstructions, ensuring safe passage for personnel. Ladders require specific attention to their condition, including inspections, withdrawal from service, and adherence to manufacturer instructions.

The chapter also covers the inspection and usage criteria for personnel hoists and elevators, stressing the safety of these mechanisms.

It also delves into detailed requirements for constructing and maintaining safe access points such as stairways, ramps, and runways, which must be designed to prevent falls and facilitate easy and secure passage. These guidelines include specifics on the construction and placement of ladders, the secure installation of guardrails and handrails for stairways and openings, and the proper setup and use of personnel hoists and elevators.

24-1. References.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 24-1.

24-1. References.

24-2. Definitions.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 24-2.

24-2. Definitions.

a.  Competent Person (CP).  See paragraphs 1-2 or 2-2, as applicable.  (24-2.a)

b.  Guardrail System.  A rail system erected along unprotected or exposed sides, edges, or other areas of a walking-working surface to prevent persons from falling to a lower level.  The system consists of a toprail, midrail, and their supports.  (24-2.b)

c.  Handrail.  A rail used to provide persons with a handhold for support.  (24-2.c)

d.  Hole.  Any gap or open space in a floor, roof, horizontal walking-working surface, or similar surface that measures at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) in its least dimension. (24-2.d)

e.  Ladder. A device incorporating or employing steps, rungs, or cleats on which a person may step or ascend or descend.  (24-2.e)

f.  Ladder, Articulated.  A portable ladder with one or more pairs of locking hinges which allows the ladder to be set up in several configurations (for example, single or extension ladder, with or without a stand-off, stepladder, trestle ladder, scaffold, worktable).  (24-2.f)

g.  Ladder, Double-Cleated.  A ladder, similar to a single cleat ladder, but with a center rail, which allows simultaneous two-way traffic for employees ascending or descending.  (24-2.g)

h.  Ladder, Extension.  A non-self-supporting portable ladder that consists of two or more sections, traveling guides or brackets, or the equivalent, and is adjustable in length.  (24-2.h)

i.  Ladder, Fixed. A ladder that cannot be readily moved or carried because it is an integral part of a building or structure.  (24-2.i)

j.  Ladder, Job-Made.  A ladder fabricated by employees, typically at the construction site, and is not commercially manufactured.  (24-2.j)

k.  Ladder, Platform.  A self-supporting portable ladder of fixed size with a platform provided at the intended highest standing point.  (24-2.k)

l.  Ladder, Portable.  A ladder that can readily be moved or carried.  It usually consists of side rails joined at intervals by steps, rungs, cleats, or rear braces.  (24-2.l)

m. Ladder, Single Cleat.  A ladder consisting of a pair of side rails connected together by cleats, rungs, or steps.  (24-2.m)

n.  Ladder, Single Rail.  A portable ladder with rungs, cleats, or steps mounted on a single rail instead of the typical two rails.  (24-2.n)

o.  Ladder, Step Stool.  A self-supporting, foldable, portable ladder, non-adjustable in length, 32 inches (81.3 cm) or less in height, with flat steps and without a pail shelf.  It is designed to be climbed on the ladder top cap as well as all steps.  (24-2.o)

p.  Opening. Any gap or open space in a wall, partition, vertical walking-working surface, or similar surface that is at least 30 inches (76.2 cm) high and at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide, through which an employee can fall to a lower level.  (24-2.p)

q.  Qualified Person (QP).  See paragraphs 1-2 or 2-2, as applicable.  (24-2.q)

r.  Ramp. Any inclined walking-working surface used to access another level. (24-2.r)

s.  Registered Professional Engineer (RPE).  See paragraphs 1-2 or 2-2, as applicable.  (24-2.s)

t.  Runway.  A personnel passageway elevated above the surrounding floor or ground level, such as a foot walk along shafting or a walkway between scaffolds. (24-2.t)

u.  Three Points of Contact.  When either both hands and one foot, or both feet
and one hand are always in contact with the climbing device.  Required when ascending or descending ladders. (24-2.u)

v.  Toe-board. A vertical barrier at floor level erected along exposed edges of a floor opening, wall opening, platform, runway, or ramp to prevent materials from falling. (24-2.v)

w.  Trestle. A braced framework of timbers, piles, or steel work for carrying a walkway, road, or railroad over a depression.  (24-2.w)

x.  Unprotected Sides and Edges.  Any side or edge, except at entrances to points of access, of a walking-working surface (for example, floor, roof, ramp, runway) where there is no wall, guardrail system, or stair rail system to protect persons from falling to a lower level.  (24-2.x)