Protection for Openings Around Travelways

30 CFR §56/57.11012 Protection for openings around travelways

Openings above, below, or near travelways through which persons or materials may fall shall be protected by railings, barriers, or covers. Where it is impractical to install such protective devices, adequate warning signals shall be installed.

There is no MSHA policy for this standard.

30 CFR §77.204 Openings in surface installations; safeguards

Openings in surface installations through which men or material may fall shall be protected by railings, barriers, covers or other protective devices.

There is no MSHA policy for this standard.

These standards require that railings, barriers, or covers be installed on openings located above, below, or near travelways where persons or materials may fall. If installation of these devices is impractical, adequate warning signals shall be installed. (surface and Metal and Nonmetal and Coal and underground Metal and Nonmetal).

Other relevant MSHA standards:

56.11002 or 57.11002 - handrails and toeboards

56.11009 or 57.11009 - walkways along conveyors

56.11016 or 57.11016 - snow and ice on walkways and travelways

77.205 - travelways at coal surface facilities

Issues to Consider in Determining Compliance:

• Are there openings above, below, or near travelways where persons or materials could fall?

• Is it practical to cover openings with railings, barriers, or covers?

» If not practical, have adequate warning signals or signs been installed?

» If installed, do the warning signal(s) or signs alert persons in the area of the potential fall hazards?

Disclaimer