Section 296-307-25012. What protection must an employer provide for wall openings and holes?

(1) Every wall opening from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet must be guarded by one of the following:

(a) A rail, roller, picket fence, half door, or equivalent barrier.

The guard may be removable but should be hinged or mounted so it can be easily replaced. When employees working below the opening are exposed to falling materials, a removable toeboard or the equivalent must also be provided. When the opening is unused, the guard must be kept in position even with a door on the opening. In addition, a grab handle must be provided on each side of the opening with its center approximately 4 feet above floor level and of standard strength and mounting.

(b) An extension platform onto which materials can be hoisted for handling, and that has side rails or equivalent guards of standard specifications.

(2) Every chute wall opening from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet must be guarded according to subsection (1) of this section or as required by the conditions.

(3) Every window wall opening at a stairway landing, floor, platform, or balcony, from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet, and where the bottom of the opening is less than 3 feet above the platform or landing, must be guarded by standard slats, standard grillwork according to WAC 296-307-25042(3), or a standard railing.

Where the window opening is below the landing, or platform, a standard toeboard must be provided.

(4) Every temporary wall opening must have adequate guards that may be of less than standard construction.

(5) Where there is a hazard of materials falling through a wall hole, and the lower edge of the near side of the hole is less than 4 inches above the floor, and the far side of the hole is more than 5 feet above the next lower level, the hole must be protected by a standard toeboard or a solid enclosing screen, or according to WAC 296-307-25042(3).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. WSR 98-24-096, § 296-307-25012, filed 12/1/98, effective 3/1/99. WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-25012, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-25012, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.]

RCW 49.17.040. WSR 98-24-096, § 296-307-25012, filed 12/1/98, effective 3/1/99. WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-25012, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-25012, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.

Rules

296-307-25042,296-307-25042,