Barricades and Protection of Openings
Barricades
Barricades and warnings are required around all construction sites. In addition, adequate protection must be given to excavations, holes, or openings in floors or roofs, elevated platforms, and around overhead work to protect people from falling objects.
- Unless the general area is protected, barricades must be erected before any excavation and extended as the excavation progresses.
- Barricaded areas which contain an opening or hole for access must be protected during working hours and must be secured at the end of each day.
- The type of barricading system, whether it is fencing, caution tape or some other means must be discussed with the Project Manager/Trades Supervisor to provide protection for the campus community.
- Warning signs should be placed on barricade/fence for the duration of the construction project. Warning sign verbiage shall be coordinated through EH&IS.
Open Pits, Wells, and Shafts
Special precautions must be taken to protect the public from the dangers of excavation work. Simple barricades are not enough protection in high traffic areas near sidewalks and road ways subject to pedestrian traffic.
- Barrier protection shall be provided at all excavations. All pits, shafts, holes, etc., shall be barricaded or covered. The project manager shall assure that barricades, walkways, lighting and signs are used as needed to protect the public during excavation work.
- Guardrails, fences, or barricades shall be used at excavations next to walkways or driveways used by pedestrians or vehicles. Warning lights and area lighting shall be used from sunset to sunrise as needed to protect the public.
- All holes or openings through floors or decking at all elevations must be immediately covered or barricaded.
- Material or equipment must never be stored on an excavation cover. Vehicle or pedestrian crossing over trenches should not be made unless absolutely necessary. They are only permitted under the following conditions:
- Vehicle crossings must be designed by and installed under the
supervision of a registered professional engineer.
- Walkways must have a minimum clearance width of 20 inches and extend a minimum of 24 inches past the surface edge of the trench or hole. The material used must be either steel or aluminum specifically designed and manufactured as a walkway for covering holes or excavations. The material should be non-slip.
Revised: 05/2004