Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421:front:0:p7
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 15865–18666

with special needs or disabilities can safely enter and leave the workplace.
Entries and exits should be slip-resistant under wet and dry conditions.
Aisles and walkways should be at least 600 mm wide and kept free of furniture or other obstructions at all times. Where it is necessary to clearly define entry and exit routes, the boundaries of the route should be marked by a permanent line of white, yellow or other contrasting colour at least 50 mm wide or by glowing markers. Entry and exit routes, stairs and walkways should be adequately lit.
Open sides of staircases should be guarded with an upper rail at 900 mm or higher and a lower rail. A handrail should be provided on at least one side of every staircase. Additional handrails may be needed down the centre of wide staircases. Further information is available in AS 1657 – Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and installation.
Separate entries and exits for mobile equipment (for example, forklifts or trucks) and pedestrians should be provided to minimise the risk of persons being hit by moving vehicles. If people and vehicles have to share a traffic route, use kerbs, barriers or clear markings to designate a safe walkway. Doors and gates should be fitted with safety devices if necessary. Doors on main traffic routes should have a transparent viewing panel (unless they are fire-rated doors).
Power-operated doors and gates should have safety features to prevent people being struck or trapped. Upward-opening doors or gates should be fitted with an effective device (such as counterbalance springs or ratchet devices) to prevent them falling back.
The location of exits should be clearly marked and signs should be posted to show the direction to exit doors to aid emergency evacuation.

2.2              Housekeeping
An untidy workplace can cause injuries in particular, injuries resulting from slips and trips, therefore good housekeeping practices are essential for all workplaces. For example:
    * spills on floors should be cleaned up immediately
    * walkways should be kept clear of obstructions
    * work materials should be neatly stored
    * any waste should be regularly removed.
It will be much easier to keep the workplace clean and tidy if it is well laid out with sufficient space for storage and for the movement of people. Space close to workstations should be allocated to allow for the storage of tools and materials that are used frequently, for example providing racks for hand tools above workbenches.
Tidiness throughout the working day can be difficult to maintain in industries where there is rapid production of finished goods and/or waste. In these situations, training all workers in good housekeeping procedures and their co-operation with these procedures is