805 – Open Pits and Holes
- Open pit – is an unguarded opening measuring 12 in. or
more in its least dimension in any floor, platform, manhole, valve box, pull
box, etc. over which a person could trip, step into, or fall through without
protection.
NOTE: This does not apply to excavations or trenching. See Section 804. - Protection shall be provided as the pit is
opened. Employees shall be protected from falling into pits by personal fall
arrest systems, covers, guardrail systems of standard height (200-lb force in
any direction), metal chains (supporting 200-lb force in any direction), or
constantly attended by someone. The use of an attendant shall be a temporary
measure until a more permanent measure can be used.
NOTE: If chains are used, they shall be secured to each support, taut at all times, and shall not sag more than three in. - Entry into the temporary guardrail shall be restricted with an exit/entry point(s).
- The hazard information shall be posted per Section 206.
- Ensure employees in a pit or hole are protected from the potential from dropped objects by placing safety netting around the pit. Refer to Section 811 and NMP-FLS-021 Dropped Objects Prevention for additional guidance.