UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER DESIGN STANDARDS FEBRUARY 2005 SECTION WALKING/WORKING SURFACE AND FALL PROTECTION

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1 SECTION WALKING/WORKING SURFACE AND FALL PROTECTION 1.1 GENERAL This design standard requires that a safe means of access and fall protection be incorporated into the design of new buildings and renovations of all University facilities. It applies to permanent structures primarily intended for University employee-use, and not those structures generally used by visitors, patients, or other members of the general public that are otherwise regulated solely by New York State Building, NFPA, and related codes. The elements of this standard also does not address required clearances, barrier, or other safety design standards that generally are regulated under NEC and NFPA standards pertaining to electrical (e.g., high voltage). Those regulatory standards, as well as good engineering practices, must be referred to for specific equipment design and installation specifications. Walking/Working Surfaces and Fall Protection design standards require that the University assure that at least the following design elements are included in all new buildings and renovations: 1. Safe access to all walking and working surfaces and levels; 2. Barrier protection as a primary means of preventing falls from heights or into dangerous equipment; 3. Personal fall protection systems where barrier fall protection is deemed infeasible, or is necessary to prevent a fall and is used in combination with barrier fall protection; 4. Materials management systems for heavy or large equipment/parts that must be raised/lowered above floor level; 5. Dockboards (bridge plates); 6. Load ratings for systems and subcomponents associated with walking/working surface, fall protection, and materials management systems; and 7. Other potential walking/working surface or fall protection hazards as identified during the schematic, design, construction or renovation phase. If the Design Consultant believes these specifications should be modified in any way, the Consultant shall apply in writing the reason for not applying these specifications, and provide whatever supporting documentation that may be requested by the University. Any deviations or modifications to these standards shall be approved by affected departments and EH&S before the design, type, or the installation of these systems can be changed. The Design Consultant shall supply support documentation as to the design, load rating, and allowable use of fall protection equipment. The Design Consultant shall be qualified, either by education, professional certification, experience, or combinations thereof to design these systems. Where the University has other design standards that specifically address Walking/Working Surface and Fall Protection Standards that are more stringent, those standards will be followed instead of those described below. Applicable benchmark regulatory or reference standards are listed at the end of this document. Safe Access to Working Levels: A means of safe access shall be provided to all equipment and structures associated with routine operations, maintenance, or other anticipated tasks. This includes equipment such as HVAC equipment, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical equipment; exterior surfaces of windows or other structures that require periodic cleaning or maintenance; roofs; lighting, and fire safety equipment. Access shall not put University personnel at risk and shall not require that University personnel bring equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, or lifts unless approved by affected departments and EH&S during University project review phase. Section Walking/Working Surface and Fall Protection Page 1 of 6

2 The following permanent structures must be included in all designs: 1. Wherever there is a break in elevation of 19" or more, steps, stairs, ladders, ramps, parapet/bridge crossovers, or other means of access shall be included in the design. Where there are breaks in elevations where materials or equipment must be moved (e.g., cement beams in mechanical rooms), either permanent or diamond plate metal (or other material suitable for the environment) ramps will be incorporated into the design. 2. Fixed stair systems shall be included in the design where access to elevations/work areas are required for such purposes as gauging, inspection, maintenance, repair, etc., and when carrying tools, filters, or equipment by hand. 3. Fixed stairs or other means of direct access shall be included in the design for those areas containing equipment deemed "critical systems," life safety, or patient care equipment. 4. In multi-story buildings, at least one stair access to the main (flat) work area (e.g., platform or mezzanine) or roof level shall be included in the design. The slope of this stair shall be uniform all the way to the roof and comply with requirements for employee-use stair systems and stair platforms. The top landing shall also have enough space for a worker to set down tools and supplies while opening the door or hatch to the area. a) Where materials greater than 40lbs or of awkward dimensions (e.g., ductwork) might need to be transported by University employees, the rise and run of the stairs, as well as depth and width of the stairs, shall be designed to accommodate materials handling devices such as hand trucks and "equipment stair climbers." b) Where multi-level air handling systems are part of the design, access stairs, and work mezzanines/platforms shall be included in the design. c) Where roof access is required, the entrance to the roof shall be placed in a location where personal fall protection equipment is not required. It is preferred that all roof access points terminate in an enclosed space such as a penthouse or be accessible by elevator if not directly from an adjacent working level, hallway, or other room/area. 5. "Ship's" ladders cannot be substituted for stairs unless it is demonstrated by the Design Consultant that there is insufficient or restricted space to install a traditional stair. Ship s ladders are not intended to be used as stairs: that means they are not to be used for materials or equipment transportation (see Section D for options regarding materials management anchorage, crane, and pick points). 6. Alternating-tread-type stairs are not permitted in newly renovated or constructed buildings unless it is demonstrated by the Design Consultant that there is insufficient or restricted space to install a traditional stair. Alternating-tread-type stairs shall not be installed for any purpose or use other than as a mode of access. 7. Fixed ladders are generally limited to locations where workers are not required to carry any object in their hands while climbing and it is demonstrated by the Design Consultant that installing standard-type stairs is infeasible. If fixed ladders are incorporated into a project, materials management systems must be considered (see Section D for options regarding materials management anchorage, crane, and pick points). If an employee must perform work from a fixed ladder, ladder platforms or ladder safety climbing devices must be designed into the system. 8. Air intake plenums containing air filters or other equipment located at heights greater than 6' that require periodic maintenance shall be designed with sufficient floor space inside the plenum to allow an employee to safely erect a suitably sized portable step ladder and still reach filters or other equipment. 9. Designs shall include work or standing platforms on elevated equipment requiring frequent inspection or service (e.g., glycol reservoirs on emergency generator equipment) if there is insufficient floor space to erect a suitably sized portable ladder. Stair systems are required to these platforms if the employee must carry materials by hand. Section Walking/Working Surface and Fall Protection Page 2 of 6

3 10. Equipment located more than 4' above floor level (e.g., above drop ceilings, above operating or patient care areas, mechanical rooms, elevator shafts, penthouses, etc., but not restricted to these examples) shall be directly accessible for routine or anticipated operations, and maintenance and repair procedures. Where employees cannot directly access elevated equipment using ladders or lifts in a reasonably safe and permitted manner (e.g., vertical or "layered obstructions preclude safe access), stairs, mezzanines, catwalks, fixed ladders and work platforms, or other combinations of permanently installed access equipment shall be provided. All permanent elevated working surfaces (e.g., but not limited to catwalks and mezzanines) shall be equipped with a standard railing system and toeboards. 11. Valves or other equipment located above drop ceilings that may need to be opened/closed or otherwise maintained by employees on routine/anticipated or emergency basis must be provided with drop chains or other means for manipulating the equipment if it cannot be readily reached from the floor of using a ladder/lift in a safe manner. 12. Duct detector resets must be equipped with a remote device that allows an employee to reset the system from floor level. 13. A means of transporting equipment from one level to the next is required where personnel are required to access building components/equipment using lifts or long ladders. a) Elevator access must be provided to those areas where large or heavy equipment such as aerial, scissor lifts, or other personnel and equipment hoisting devices are required to maintain elevated utilities, structures, and equipment located within a building's envelope. These elevator systems must be capable of transporting this equipment and meet load capacity requirements. b) Doorways must be sufficiently wide and tall to allow the transport of aerial, scissor, boom or other personnel-elevating or materials-elevating equipment to those areas where that equipment is required to maintain a building or system (e.g., and atrium, lobby, or mechanical room with ceilings 12' or greater in height). Doorways must also be sufficiently wide to accommodate the movement of other types of building materials and equipment (such as lab benches, file cabinets). 14. Design and installation of equipment shall provide sufficient working space around all equipment to allow safe operation and maintenance of the equipment. 15. There shall be adequate headroom for access and egress. The ceiling height shall not be less than 7 feet 6 inches. Any projection from the ceiling shall not be less than 6' 8" from the floor. 16. Where mechanical handling and transportation equipment is used (e.g., fork lifts and pallet jacks), sufficient safe clearances shall be allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and wherever turns or passage must be made. Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. 17. Permanent aisles and passageways shall be appropriately marked. Minor breaks in elevations (e.g., less than 19 ) not protected by guardrails must be painted, striped or otherwise marked with highly visible paint or striping. 18. Flooring and walking/working surface materials, coatings, or polishes must be slip-resistant. A coefficient of friction of 0.7 is recommended as a minimum standard. 19. Where wet processes are used, drainage must be provided; false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places should be provided where practicable. [Exception: floor drains are prohibited in areas where hazardous chemicals or materials could drain into them, and must not be installed below safety showers or eyewash stations, or other chemical decontamination areas.] Barrier Fall Protection: Barrier fall protection is required whenever an employee can fall: off an elevated surface; through wall, floor, platform, or roof holes; through unsupported structures such as skylights or unsupported overhangs; into open pits, vats, or excavations; through or from same or other structures located 4' or more above a lower surface of ground; or into dangerous equipment, regardless of height. The Design Consultant shall notify the University of any deviation from this standard, and any deviations or modifications to these standards shall be approved by affected departments and EH&S during University plan review phase. Section Walking/Working Surface and Fall Protection Page 3 of 6

4 1. All open-sided walking/working surfaces (e.g., floors, platforms, mezzanines storage areas, roofs, etc.) surfaces 4' or more above the floor, ground, or a lower level shall have a permanent standard railing and toeboard system. 2. Standard railing and toeboard systems shall be installed where the employee may walk/work above or adjacent to the dangerous equipment, regardless of height. 3. New roofs will be designed with at least 42" parapets or standard railing system on all open (i.e., unprotected ) sides and edges. 4. Renovated roofs that do not possess barrier fall protection of at least 42" (e.g., an existing railing system or parapet) shall be retrofitted with a freestanding or integrated standard railing system, whichever is more appropriate. Toeboards are required if roof ballast or other objects could fall over the edge, of if employees might have to work in proximity to the edge of the roof. 5. Skylights that an employee could step onto, into, or fall through shall be capable of withstanding a concentrated load of at least 200lbs applied perpendicular to any one area of one square foot dimension of the skylight, plus an additional safety factor, for the duration of its intended use. If it cannot, a standard skylight screen or a fixed standard railing system on all exposed sides shall guard the skylight. For horizontally-installed skylight systems, it is strongly recommended that safety barrier screens be installed regardless of the initial load rating of a skylight. 6. All roof hatch covers, regardless of type must be capable of withstanding at least 200lbs or the maximum load that may be imposed upon it, whichever is greater. 7. All roof hatch hatches/skylight-style roof hatches shall be supplied with a guardrail system installed to the curb of the hatch on all exposed sides. Where roof hatches are used as a point of access (e.g., from a ladder or stairs) a self-closing gate should be integrated into the railing system. 8. Smoke hatches that might have to maintenanced from above or that must be closed from above during annual testing, shall be supplied with a guard rail and self-closing gate installed to the curb of the hatch on all exposed sides. Roof hatches that cannot be safely accessed from above shall be supplied with either a self-closing mechanism, or other mechanism that allows the Fire Marshal or other designated persons to safely close and reset the system from an accessible lower level. Where possible, smoke hatches should be selected for installation that have remote reset and closure mechanisms. 9. Floor opening (12" or more in the least dimension) shall be guarded with a standard railing system. Toeboards are often required if there is a potential for a falling object hazard. 10. Interior ladderway, and stairway floor openings shall be guarded with a standard railing system. Toeboards (kickboards) are required if there is a falling object potential or if an employee s foot could slip through the exposed edge. Interior ladderways shall also be provided with a swinging self-closing gate. Self-closing gates are recommended for ladders affixed to a building's exterior. 11. Floor holes (12" an opening measuring less than 12 but more than one inch in its least dimension) shall have either a railing system or covers if a person can step into it. Covers are required for all other floor holes. 12. Wall holes (30" high and 18", or 4' or more above a lower level) shall have a rail, roller, picket fence, half door, or similar barrier. Barriers or other means must be included in all building designs or renovations to prevent or control access to elevated building structures such as roofs. Examples of this include but are not restricted to: ladder cages with locks if the base of the ladder is accessible in public areas, and fail-safe door lock systems for roof levels where NYS Building, NFPA, or similar codes require direct and unimpeded access or egress in the event of an emergency. Personal Fall Prevention Systems: These systems shall only be incorporated into a new building or renovation if it can be demonstrated by the Design Consultant that installation of permanent barrier fall protection or access systems are infeasible, and with the approval of affected departments and EH&S during University planning and design phase review phase. 1. Personal fall prevention systems shall meet or exceed all applicable requirements for fall systems, subsystems, and their components specified by OSHA, ANSI, and/or good engineering practices. Section Walking/Working Surface and Fall Protection Page 4 of 6

5 2. The design, selection, and installation of every personal fall prevention system, including all anchors and lifelines or other systems or subsystems, are the responsibility of the Design Consultant. The Design Consultant shall be qualified, either by education, professional certification, and/or experience, to design these systems. 3. All systems, subsystems, and components for personal fall protection systems must be compatible with one another. 4. Fall prevention systems (e.g., anchor, horizontal lifeline systems, etc.) and their attachments to the building shall be of materials that will not rot, corrode or deteriorate in any way. 5. Locations personal fall protection systems shall be approved during University project review and EH&S prior to completion of building design. Systems shall also be evaluated post-installation during commissioning. Systems shall meet design and allowable use criteria before being accepted for use. 6. The Design Consultant shall supply support documentation as to the design, load rating, and allowable use for all personal fall protection systems. Any limitations of use, or deviation from acceptable design and installation standards, must be documented by the Design Consultant and provided to affected department and EH&S. All documentation must be received by the University before acceptance of these systems, and before use by University employees. Materials Management Systems: Permanent materials management systems shall be incorporated into building designs if heavy or awkward equipment or building components (e.g., steam strainers, air handler motors, air compressors, fan and bearing units, lab benches, etc.) must be raised/lowered during anticipated employee maintenance or operations, or during critical emergency repair/replacement procedures. These permanently-affixed materials management systems can include gantry or davit cranes, chain fall drop anchorage points, or other support or materials handling systems. Installation of these types of systems shall be addressed specifically where mobile cranes or hoists cannot feasibly be used due to space, load, or transportation constraints. Determinations for the need, design, and installation of these systems will be made on a case-by-case basis. Cranes, hoists, chain fall anchors, and other materials management systems and subcomponents of those systems must be: 1. Designed by a Consultant qualified, either by education, professional certification, and/or experience, to design these systems. 2. Load rated, and marked with the load rating. 3. Designed and installed to meet required clearances. 4. Designed and installed to comply with regulatory, industry, and manufacturer's requirements for the specific type of system. Dockboards (bridge plates) 1. Portable and powered dockboards shall be strong enough to carry the load imposed on them. 2. Portable dockboards shall be designed so they can be secured in position, either by being anchored or equipped with devices, which will prevent their slipping. 3. Handholds, or other effective means, shall be provided on portable dockboards to permit safe handling. Load Ratings All elevated walking/working and elevated storage levels (including warehouse storage rack systems and kiosks), materials/equipment handling systems, and personal fall protection systems shall be load rated for their designed and intended load, the type of load that may be imposed upon it, and allowable use of the structure by an individual qualified to make these determinations. The Design Consultant shall supply load rating information and documentation. Existing elevated structures undergoing renovation or substantial change in use where the actual load or type of load imposed upon the surface may change must be evaluated to assure that change in loading or use will not cause a collapse or other damage to the structure. Section Walking/Working Surface and Fall Protection Page 5 of 6

6 In every building or other structure, or part thereof, the loads approved by the building official shall be marked on plates of approved design shall be supplied and securely affixed in a conspicuous place in each space to which they relate. 1.2 REGULATORY AND REFERENCE INFORMATION The set of regulations that will most routine apply to the University are the General Duty and General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910) for maintenance, operations, and inspection work. In some circumstances, OSHA s Construction Industry Standards (29 CFR 19126) or relevant ANSI (American National Standards Institute) will be applied in the absence of a specific regulatory standard for General Industry applications. OSHA standards that apply to the University include: A. General Duty Clause of the OSH Act of 1970, Section No. 5 B. General Industry Standards: 29 CFR Subpart D: Walking/Working Surfaces 2. Subpart I: Personal Protective Equipment 3. Subpart F: Powered Platforms, Manlifts, and Vehicle-Mounted Platforms (e.g., bucket trucks) C. Construction Industry Standards: 29 CFR Subpart M: Fall Protection ANSI standards that may be applied to the University include: D. ANSI Standards 1. ANSI Z359-Fall Protection 2. ANSI 14.3-Fixed ladders, stairs and other fixed access equipment 3. ANSI A Safety Requirements for Workplace Floor and Wall Openings, Stairs and Railing Systems END OF SECTION Section Walking/Working Surface and Fall Protection Page 6 of 6