Securing Hole Openings

BRILLIANT EXPANSION PROJECT
Safety Program
9.0 Securing Hole Openings

Scope:
Hole openings are common in the construction of buildings and are considered one of the most dangerous situations a worker can be exposed to due to the fact they are often covered up without proper securement leading to a fall through these openings. The following procedure will eliminate this hazard when properly implemented.

(WCB Regulation Part 4.59)
(1) A pit or other opening in a floor, walkway, roof or other area accessible to workers, which is a danger to workers, must be securely covered with a cover of adequate size and strength or guarded by fixed or movable guardrails, which must be identified as such and kept in place except when necessarily removed to work in the opening or pit.

Procedure:
1. Hole Openings to be covered with minimum of _ inch plywood, which is then secured by nailing down.
2. If not able to nail down plywood, affix 2x2 inch minimum, wood pieces to the plywood as such to match the inside dimensions of the hole opening.
3. All covers to be well marked and the word “HOLE” clearly visible on the cover.

Ensure all hole covers are properly maintained on a regular basis so the word hole is visible and the covers are secured.

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Preventing Falls of Workers through Skylights and Roof and Floor Openings - NIOSH Publication No. 2004-156