OSHA Standard Subpart T 1926.852(a) No material shall be dropped to any point lying outside the exterior walls of the structure unless the area is effectively protected.
OSHA Standard Subpart M 1926 Subpart M – Fall Protection – “Wall openings.” Each employee working on, at, above, or near wall openings (including those with chutes attached) where the outside bottom edge of the wall opening is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels and the inside bottom edge of the wall opening is less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working surface, shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a personal fall arrest system.
OSHA Standard Subpart T 1926.852(e) Any chute opening, into which workmen dump debris, shall be protected by a substantial guardrail approximately 42 inches above the floor or other surface on which the men stand to dump the material. Any space between the chute and the edge of openings in the floors through which it passes shall be solidly covered over.
OSHA Standard Subpart T 1926.852(c) A substantial gate shall be installed in each chute at or near the discharge end. A competent employee shall be assigned to control the operation of the gate, and the backing and loading of trucks.
OSHA Standard Subpart T 1926.852(d) When operations are not in progress, the area surrounding the discharge end of a chute shall be securely closed off.
OSHA Standard Subpart T 1926.852(b) All materials chutes, or sections thereof, at an angle of more than 45° from the horizontal, shall be entirely enclosed, except for openings equipped with closures at or about floor level for the insertion of materials. The openings shall not exceed 48 inches in height measured along the wall of the chute. At all stories below the top floor, such openings shall be kept closed when not in use.
OSHA Standard Subpart T Sequencing – 1926.850(j) Except for the cutting of holes in floors for chutes, holes through which to drop materials, preparation of storage space, and similar necessary preparatory work, the Chutes of exterior walls and floor construction shall begin at the top of the structure and proceed downward. Each story of exterior wall and floor construction shall be removed and dropped into the storage space before commencing the removal of exterior walls and floors in the story next below.
OSHA Standard Subpart T – 1926.852(f) Where the material is dumped from mechanical equipment or wheelbarrows, a securely attached toeboard or bumper, not less than 4 inches thick and 6 inches high, shall be provided at each chute opening..
OSHA Standard Subpart T 1926.852(g) Chutes shall be designed and constructed of such strength as to eliminate failure due to impact of materials or debris loaded therein.
Chute Protection and Facts:
According to a 2022 CDC report, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are responsible for 25% of all construction-related fatalities. The construction industry leads in both fatal and nonfatal work-related TBIs among U.S. workplaces. Between 2003 and 2010, 2,210 construction workers lost their lives due to TBIs. In 2022, the fatality rate due to fallen debris was 2.6 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers.
Summary OSHA Supply and Debris Chute Requirements:
OSHA sets safety standards to protect workers while on the job. Companies are required to abide by any applicable OSHA standards to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Because there are safety risks surrounding supply and debris chutes, OSHA has requirements regarding how they are built, used, and secured. Here is a brief summary of OSHA chute regulations:
- Chutes are required when dropping anything from roofs or levels higher than 20 feet in the air.
- To ensure safety for all workers around the construction site, chutes are required to be secured to the building or scaffolding.
- At any opening in the deck or scaffolding for the chute, a gateway, and a sturdy guard rail is required to be secured to the floor and walls surrounding the opening.
- Chute gateways must not be shorter than 39” in height unless a PFAS is utilized. All gateways must stay closed when not in use.
- When workers are not on-site, the landing area surrounding the deck or scaffolding of the chute is required to be closed off.
- Additionally, if there is space between the floor and the chute at openings, these open spaces should be completely securely covered.
- Because some materials being transported through supply or debris chutes can be heavy and slide down the chute with force, all chutes must be designed with strong materials to withstand any impact from materials in the chute.
Dos, & Don’ts:
1. Common signs when working hard fatigue sets Never ignore the requirement for utilization of a chute or control access zone (CAZ) if transferring or dropping any material to a lower level of more than 20’
2. If the drop distance is greater than 40’ permits from authorities, owners, and management teams are required.
3. Always enclose the chute if the angle of the chute is more than 45° from the horizontal.
4. Plan ahead for supply deliveries or rubbish removal and cleanup. Supply material and transportation or dumpsters timing is essential.
5. Protect other workers and the general public with a well-established (Hard Barricade)/CAZ.
6. Enhance protection with a spotter when there is any doubt or concern of exposure to anybody.
7. Train all employees about the sequential steps to be completed, the hazards involved with each task, and the required preventive measures.
8. Inspect all chutes and CAZs every day.
9. Provide and submit a permit based on drawings by a registered design professional for all construction chutes more than 40 feet in height above the adjoining grade.
10. If in a vacant building, an empty elevator shaft whose openings are blocked off on all floors properly and buffered/protected from falling debris, may be temporarily utilized as a construction chute.
11. Assure that the chutes are durable in design, safe, and secure for the weight and force of supplies or debris travel path as well as its resting point.
12. Provide additional support where needed.
13. Make sure that all sections have a tight fit.
14. Avoid attaching a chute to the side of a building if scaffolding can be utilized.
15. Assure that dust and splatter are 100% contained.
16. Provide anti-slip-resistant treads at all steps and landings.
17. Follow t
