Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425:body:0:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 27113–29840

means an area that:
    * is structurally capable of supporting workers, material and any other loads applied to it
    * is provided with barriers around its perimeter and around any openings from or through
      which a person could fall
    * has an even, accessible surface and gradient
    * has a safe means of entry and exit.

Structural strength
Different types of work involve different loads on the supporting surface. The surface and its supports must be able to safely carry the expected loads, including workers, materials, tools and equipment. When in doubt, have a structural engineer determine the safe load capacity before use.

Barriers
Barriers (or edge protection) to prevent a person falling over edges and into holes should be provided on relevant parts of a solid construction. These include:
    * the perimeters of buildings or other structures
    * mezzanine floors (see Figure 2)
    * openings in floors
    * the open edge of a stair, landing, platform or shaft opening (see Figure 3).

Figure 2:  A barrier on a mezzanine floor

Figure 3: A platform with guard rails installed above silos

The barrier should be designed and constructed to withstand the force of someone falling
against it.
Edge protection should consist of guard rails, solid balustrades or other structural components,
for example wire mesh supported by posts and provided with a reinforced top edge. The top of the guard rail or component should be between 900 mm and 1100 mm above the working surface. If
a guard rail system is used, it should also have mid-rails and toe boards or wire mesh infill panels.

If access is required to equipment (for example, a hoist) it should be protected with gates, safety chains or other means to prevent a person falling.

Protection of openings and holes
Holes, penetrations and openings through which a person could fall should be made safe immediately after being formed.

If a cover is used as a control measure, it must be made of a material that is strong enough to prevent persons or objects falling through and must be securely fixed to prevent any dislodgement or accidental removal.

Figure 4:  4 mm mesh embedded in the concrete floor. The hole should also be covered to prevent things falling through.

Figure 5:  Example of the type of danger sign to be affixed to the hole cover

Surface and gradient
Surfaces of solid construction should be non-slip, free from trip hazards and should generally not exceed 7 degrees (1 in 8 gradient). Cleated surfaces, which provide greater slip-resistance, should not be steeper than 20 degrees (1 in 3 gradient).
If grid mesh or checker plate flooring is used for walkways and working platforms, ensure that:
    * flooring panels