Make Sure Your Hatch Guards Meet OSHA Requirements

OSHA has specific rules and regulations in place pertaining to types of equipment organizations need to use for fall protection, such as guard rails, gates, and ladder and hatch guards. Part of these guidelines includes the specific acceptable measurements for each kind of fall protection equipment. For instance, safety guard rails must be a minimum height in order to be effective, and railings before this accepted height will not meet OSHA regulations.

Secure Openings and Holes in the Floor by Installing Hatch Guards

 

Hatch guards are used to secure areas where there are openings or holes in the floor. The opening or hole could be the result of a hatch being left opened or in situations where hatch covers have not yet been installed while a building is still under construction. The guards have to fit around the hatch opening and allow for sufficient clearance for the hatch to fully open. There should not be any restrictions other than those created by the size of the hole. Safety gates need to be attached to the guards where they swing outwards and away from the hatch opening.

Create Noticeable Barriers with Visual Warning Line Systems

Visual warning line systems help section off specific areas for a variety of purposes. For instance, you could place this type of system around a parking lot prior to resealing the pavement. You are also able to use the system as a warning method in locations where a flat surface abruptly ends and is followed by a large drop-off, like on the ends of a roof. When used in this manner, it creates a clear barrier to prevent accidental falls anytime roofing work is being completed.

Visual Warning Line Systems Can Be Used for Crowd Control

 

Besides helping to section off areas and create barriers, visual warning line systems can also be used for situations requiring crowd control. The warning line posts are often set up where warning flags or ropes are attached in between each one to create a clear path for people to follow. You could also section of large areas for times you want people to wait in specific locations, such as prior to retail store openings during special sales events like Black Friday.

Prevent Accidental Falls through Skylights by Installing Skylight Guards

Accidental falls through skylights on roofs is an issue organizations need to address and resolve. The best way to prevent this type of accident in your work place is to install skylight guards directly over every single skylight on the roof of your building. The guards have wire mesh openings on the top and sides, to still allow sunlight to pass through and into the building, while creating a protective barrier.

Skylight Guards Are Designed to Break Falls and Support Weight

 

The design of OSHA-approved skylight guards is able to break the fall and support the weight of a person, and prevent them from falling through the skylight. The frame has cross sections of metal supports, which evenly distribute weight when it is applied to the top of the guards. There are different options for installing guards over your skylights, including guards that require no welding, mounting or drilling.

Portable Guard Rails Provide Fall Protection for Roofing Projects

Installing new roofs on your facility will require using portable guard rails. The rails should be set up and installed around the exterior of the roof prior to work starting. The rails are necessary in order to prevent workers from accidently falling off of the roof and being seriously injured. Once work is completed, the guard rails can be taken down and stored for future roofing projects.

Create Temporary Barriers to Limit Access with Portable Guard Rails

 

Portable guard rails are able to be used to create barriers around areas where you want to temporarily limit access. For example, you could set up and place the railings around a parking lot that is being resealed, to prevent people from parking and walking in the area. Portable railings are also be used to block off specific areas where equipment is being used, such as any time the exterior windows on your building are being washed.

Protect Against Falls by Installing Safety Rails and Mezzanine Safety Gates

Ensuring your employees’ safety while accessing and working in raised areas is your responsibility. Raised walk ways and storage areas in your plant need to be outfitted with the right types of fall protection. When there is a drop off to areas below, you need to have a barrier in place in order to prevent accidental falls. You might create this barrier by using approved safety rails. Entry ways into these areas also need to be properly secured by installing mezzanine safety gates.

Mezzanine Safety Gates Need to Be Installed Correctly to be Effective

 

Correctly installing mezzanine safety gates is important in order to prevent someone from walking through the gate and accidently falling. Gates are commonly installed where they open inwards into the mezzanine area rather than outwards. If they were installed so they swung outwards, the gates would not be effective in preventing accidental falls as they would open into empty space.

Use a Ladder Safety Gate with Fixed and Caged Ladders

Falls from high areas can be fatal so it is important to take the necessary precautions to lower the risks of accidents occurring. A ladder safety gate is a necessary component you should make sure is included anytime you are using fixed and caged ladders on the exterior of your building. The safety gate is designed to stop employees from accidently walking off of raised locations and falling to the ground.

Portable Guard Rails Could Include Using a Ladder Safety Gate

 

A ladder safety gate can be part of your portable guard rails when they are moved from one location to another. The rails and gate should be fully set up and in place prior to starting work on the ladder. By taking the time to ensure safety is followed, it helps to prevent avoidable accidents, such as employees accessing areas where maintenance work is being completed.

Review Current Guidelines for Safety Rail Requirements Prior to Starting New Building Projects

Certain types of buildings and structures require installing safety rail in order to create safe working environments. The size and overall design of the railing must meet and satisfy OSHA guidelines in order for it to be compliant. Whenever starting a new building construction project where railings are to be installed, it is worth your time to review the current requirements. This will help you avoid situations of having to replace them later when your building is inspected.

Some Organizations Use both Portable and Permanently Installed Safety Rail Products

 

It is possible you might require both portable and permanently installed safety rail at your facility. Portable railing is designed to be used to temporarily block off work areas and locations, such as during truck loading and unloading or maintenance projects. Permanent railing should be installed in areas where you require the railing to remain long term, like along elevated walk ways and mezzanines.