Covers for Holes
Simple and effective when they're properly installed, rigid covers prevent workers from falling through skylights or temporary openings and holes in walking/working surfaces.
Safety criteria for covers:
- Will support at least twice (2 times) the maximum expected weight of workers, equipment, and materials. Skylights are not considered covers unless they meet this strength requirement.
- Are secured to prevent accidental displacement.
- Have full edge bearing on all four sides.
- Are painted with a distinctive color or marked with the word HOLE or COVER.
Protecting Workers from Falling Objects
You need to protect yourself from falling when you work on an elevated surface and be aware of those working above or below you. Protect yourself and others from falling objects with one of the following methods:
- Canopies: Make sure canopies won't collapse or tear from an object's impact.
- Toeboards: Toeboards must be least 3½ inches high and strong enough to withstand a force of at least 50 pounds applied downward or outward.
- Panels and screens: If you need to pile material higher than the top edge of a toeboard, install panels or screens to keep the material from dropping over the edge.
- Fences and barricades: Fences and barricades are warning barriers made from posts and wire or boards that keep people away from hazards such as wells, pits, and shafts.
When doing overhand bricklaying, keep materials and equipment (except masonry and mortar) at least 4 feet from the working edge. When doing roofing work, keep materials and equipment at least 6 feet from the roof edge unless there are guardrails along the edge. All piled, grouped, or stacked material near the roof edge must be stable and self-supporting.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-7. How much weight must hole covers support?
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