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Handrails and Toeboards

30 CFR 56.11002 and 57.11002

30 CFR 77.205

 

56/57.11002

Crossovers, elevated walkways, elevated ramps, and stairways shall be of substantial construction, provided with handrails, and maintained in good condition.  Where necessary, toeboards shall be provided.

77.203

Where overhead repairs are being made at surface installations and equipment or material is taken into such overhead work areas, adequate protection shall be provided for all persons working or passing below the overhead work areas in which such equipment or material is being used.

77.205

(a) Safe means of access shall be provided and maintained to all working places.

(b) Travelways and platforms or other means of access to areas where persons are required to travel or work, shall be kept clear of all extraneous material and other stumbling or slipping hazards.

(c) Inclined travelways shall be constructed of nonskid material or equipped with cleats.

(d) Regularly used travelways shall be sanded, salted, or cleared of snow and ice as soon as practicable.

(e) Crossovers, elevated walkways, elevated ramps, and stairways shall be of substantial construction, provided with handrails, and maintained in good condition. Where necessary, toeboards shall be provided.

(f) Crossovers shall be provided where it is necessary to cross conveyors.

(g) Moving conveyors shall be crossed only at designated crossover points.

 

There is no MSHA policy for these standards.

 

These standards apply to travelways, platforms (coal only), crossovers, elevated walkways, elevated ramps, and stairways.

 

Issues to Consider in Determining Compliance:

        Will the structure safely support someone walking on it?

»      Is it stable, effectively secured, and maintained in good condition?

»      Are portions broken or rusted out?

»      Are welds or joints broken?

»      Are the floorboards secured and in good condition?

        Is a handrail provided?

»      Is the handrail strong enough to hold someone falling against it?

»      Is the handrail effectively secured?

»      Is the handrail high enough to prevent someone from falling over it?

»      Is the handrail low enough to prevent someone from falling under it?

»      If the handrail is constructed of cable, rope, or chain, is it taut, not frayed, and in good condition?

»      Are ladder openings in the handrail provided with a gate, chain, cable, rope, railing, or offset to prevent someone from falling to the level below?

        Is a toeboard provided?

»      Is it likely that a traveler's foot could slip off the walkway?

»      Is it likely that a tool or similar object could slip or be kicked off the walkway and strike someone working or walking beneath the structure?

»      Is the toeboard of sufficient height to prevent materials or tools from falling off the structure?

 

Other issues covered by related standards:

        Is the area a scaffold or work platform?

(56.11027 or 57.11027 - construction requirements for scaffolds and work platforms)