Toolbox Talk: Floor Openings
A hole is defined as a gap or void 2” or more in its least dimension when located on any walking surface such as a roof or floor. While a 3” hole is not large enough for a person to fall through, it can cause serious injury if a ladder leg or mobile scaffold caster is placed over the hole. Even if no such equipment is used, a hole such as a cut out for a duct can be large enough to step in and can be a path for tools to fall onto workers below.
Points to Remember:
1. A floor opening that is larger than 2” in its smallest dimension must be covered.
2. Covers should be capable of supporting twice the maximum load that they are subjected to.
3. Covers should be secured to the walking surface so they can’t be accidentally displaced by employees, wind, or equipment.
4. Covers should be color-coded or marked with the words “HOLE” or “COVER” in a highly visible manner.
5. Employees working around floor openings that are too large to cover can be protected with guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.
6. Never assume that boards or plywood lying on the floor or ground are just unused materials as it could be an improper cover over a hole through which you could fall. Look beneath anything that could be an improper cover before picking it up and walking on the surface it was covering.
