Section 39.88. Floors, floor openings, passageways, stairs

(a) Floors shall have even surfaces and afford secure footing. Projecting nails, loose boards, uneven or greasy wood floors, and smooth iron floors shall be avoided.

(b) Passageways, stairways, and working spaces shall be unobstructed, and shall, if possible, provide at least 6.5 feet of headroom unless they are used solely for infrequent inspection, construction and repair. Reference should also be made to § 39.104 (relating to working space about electrical equipment).

(c) Floor openings over 2 feet deep, and stairways or raised platforms over 4 feet high shall be provided with suitable handrails. Except for loading platforms, such rails are recommended if height exceeds 2 feet, especially where they are adjacent to live or moving parts, or the working space on the platform is restricted.

(d) Floor openings over 6 feet deep, and the edges of all raised platforms over 6 feet high, shall, if possible, be provided with suitable toeboards.

(e) Toeboards shall, if possible, be arranged at back of stairway treads if they are over exposed live or moving parts or over working spaces, passageways or other stairways.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa Code § 39.81 (relating to applicability); 34 Pa. Code § 39.82 (relating to scope); 34 Pa. Code § 39.83 (relating to modification or waiver of provisions); and 34 Pa. Code § 39.192 (relating to scope).