(a) Floors must be kept reasonably clear of spilled or
leaking oil, grease, water, broke, etc., that may cause slipping,
tripping or falling. Nonskid type surfacing must be installed in
vehicular or pedestrian traffic areas where slipping hazards
otherwise would exist.
In areas where it is not possible to keep the floor free of
materials which cause a slipping hazard, mats, cleats, or other
suitable materials which will effectively minimize or eliminate
the hazard must be installed.
(b) Hoses, cords, slings or similar items or equipment must
be stored in such a manner that they will not create a hazard.
(2) Storage and transportation of materials. Materials,
objects or equipment must be stored or transported by methods
which will prevent them from falling, tipping or rolling.
(3) Warning of open manholes or excavations. Open manholes
or excavations must be:
• Roped off, barricaded, or adequately safeguarded when
located in or adjacent to walkways, aisleways, or roadways.
• Provided with warning lights or lanterns during periods
of darkness or reduced visibility.
(4) Training. Employees must receive proper instruction and
be familiar with safe operating procedures:
(a) Before they supervise the operation, or make adjustments
to any machine or equipment.
(b) To be able to cope with emergencies arising from breaks,
ruptures, or spills which would create a hazardous condition.
(c) For lifting and moving objects. Mechanical devices
should be used or employees should ask for assistance in lifting
or moving heavy objects.
(d) On prompt reporting of any faulty equipment or hazardous
condition to the person in charge.
(5) Working alone. When an employee is assigned to work
alone in a remote or isolated area, procedures must be developed
to ensure:
• That the employee reports by use of radio or telephone to
someone periodically; or
• At reasonable intervals a designated person must check on
the employee; and
• All persons involved in working alone are advised of the
procedures to be followed.
(6) Exits from hazardous areas. Where physically and
reasonably possible, there must be at least two unobstructed
exits from any hazardous area. Such exits should be on opposite
walls.
(7) Safe work area. Sufficient clearance must be maintained
between machines to allow employees a safe work area.
(8) Protection from overhead hazard. Warning signs/devices
must be:
• Placed in conspicuous locations below areas where
overhead work is being done and
• Removed promptly when work is completed and the overhead
hazard no longer exists.
(9) Welding areas protected.
(a) Areas in which welding is being done must be screened or
barricaded to protect persons from flash burns, when practical.
(b) If the welding process cannot be isolated, all persons
who may be exposed to the hazard of arc flash must be properly
protected.
(10) Testing safety devices. Brakes, back stops,
anti-runaway devices, overload releases, emergency stops, and
other safety devices must be inspected and tested frequently to
ensure that all are operative and maintained in good repair.
(11) Starting and stopping devices.
• Electrically or manually operated power starting or
stopping devices must be provided within easy reach of the
operator from the normal operating position.
• If necessary for safety of the operation, the machine
must be so equipped that retarding or braking action can be
applied at the time of or after the source of power is
deactivated.
(12) Interlocks:
Interlocks that affect the safety of employees must not be
bypassed except where the employer demonstrates that alternate
procedures or devices provide a level of safety for employees
equivalent to that provided by the safety interlock. Interlocks
are considered to be bypassed anytime the designed control
strategy is bypassed by means including, but not limited to, a
temporary wiring change, physical interference or a temporary
software change of "force."
Prior to bypassing a safety interlock the employer must:
• Develop a written procedure detailing how the bypass will
be accomplished and the alternate means of protecting employees.
• Inform affected employees of all pertinent information
including at a minimum the reason for the change, the date of the
change, who is responsible for the change, and approximately how
long the change will be in effect.
• Post appropriate warning of the change on the equipment
or area.
(13) Designing control systems. Employers must ensure that
all control systems are designed to:
• Ensure that the system does not create an unsafe state
that endangers personnel.
• Ensure that when control systems fail, the equipment
being controlled fails to a safe state.
• Have an independent method to safely stop the process or
equipment, such as a hardwired emergency stop button or other
controls that deenergize the system, or independent methods to
force the system to a safe state.
(14) Compressed air.
(a) Compressed air must not be used for cleaning clothing
that is being worn, or if it will endanger persons in the area.
(b) Sections of high pressure air hoses must be properly
coupled and have safety chains or equivalent safety device
attached between the sections (30 psi or more is high pressure
air).
(15) Punch bars. Open pipes must not be used as punch bars
if the use would create a hazard.
(16) Saw table limit stop or extension. Employees must be
protected from contact with the front edge of a circular saw by:
• A limit stop which will prevent the forward swing of the
cutting edge from extending beyond the edge of the table or
• Installation of a table extension.
(17) Powder-actuated tools.
• Powder-actuated tool design, construction, operation and
use shall comply with all requirements specified in "safety
requirements for powder actuated fastening systems," (see chapter 296-24 WAC, Part H-1).
• A careful check must be made to ensure that no cartridges
or charges are left where they could enter equipment or be
accidentally discharged in any area where they could create a
fire or explosion hazard.
(18) Ladders required on waterfront docks. Employers must
ensure that either permanent ladders or portable ladders:
• Are readily available for emergency use on all waterfront
docks.
• Extend from the face of the dock to the water line at its
lowest elevation.
• Are installed at intervals not to exceed 400 feet.
• Are noticeable by painting the dock area immediately
adjacent to the ladder with a bright color which contrasts with
the surrounding area.
• Have been secured with a suitable method.
Note:
When working on or around water also see WAC 296-800-160.
(19) Prevent overhang while removing materials. Extreme
care must be taken to prevent material from creating an overhang
while removing the materials from piles or bins.