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Walking Working Surfaces

Apr 8, 2024

OSHA Standard Subpart L Scaffolds – 1926.451(b)(2)(i) Platforms and walkway shall be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide.

OSHA Standard Subpart M Fall Protection – 1926.501(B)(2)(II) Each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level where leading edges are under construction, but who is not engaged in the leading edge work, shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.

OSHA Standard Subpart L Scaffolds – 1926.451 Apply to platforms used solely as walkways or solely by employees performing work. All sections of each scaffold platform and walkway shall be at least 18 inches wide.

OSHA Standard Subpart P – Trenching 1926.651(l) Walkways shall be provided where employees or equipment are required or permitted to cross over excavations. Guardrails which comply with §1926.502(b) shall be provided where walkways are 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels.

Key Points: A minimum work surface of 18 inches wide and fall protection is needed if a fall hazard exists.

What You Need to Know!

All walking and working surfaces need to be a minimum of 18 inches wide. Additionally, exposure to a 6 or 10-foot fall will require fall protection provisions.

Across Trenches: Regardless of the height of the fall or trip, the walking surface needs to be a minimum of 18 inches wide.

On Scaffolding: One plank is never enough – even picks need to be at least 18 inches wide. Yes, a 12, 14, or 16-inch pick is not adequate for walking or working surfaces alone.

Walking-Working Surfaces Over 6 feet Also Need Fall Protection: An 18-inch or wider walkway or working surface may not be adequate if the fall hazard is greater than 6 feet. At that point, a fall restraint or fall arrest is also needed.

Scaffolding Planking: If working on a scaffolding with a fall greater than 10 feet, there are requirements for complete decking. At this point, working surfaces are to be completely decked with appropriate guard rail systems and with no holes greater than 1 inch wide.

1926.451 – General requirements. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). https://
www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.451

1926.501 – Duty to have fall protection. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.).
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.501

1926.651 – Specific excavation requirements. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
(n.d.). https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.651

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