Aisles and passageways

Permanent aisles and passageways must be appropriately marked. 

Permanent aisles and passageways (29 CFR 1910.176). Allow sufficient clearances for mechanical equipment handling, loading docks, and doorways. Clearly mark such passageways. Use striped or solid floor tapes to mark off such areas. The color of tape used depends on degree of hazard. 

Physical therapists use different modalities for treating patients. Some of these treatments include ice bags, moist hot packs, whirlpools, and various exercise equipment. There is a potential slip and fall hazard if water is spilled on the floor or if electrical or other cords run across pathways. OSHA requires safe cleanup of spills and walkways free of obstructions. Floors must be kept clean and dry. Nonslip mats and other dry standing places should provide traction. Use nonslip floor mats in whirlpool areas. Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that may create a hazard. Provide floor plugs for equipment, so power cords do not run across pathways. Place a table to the side of the hydrocollator machine that stores the moist heat packs. 

Potential exists for slips and falls in the radiology area Ensure floors don t contain slip hazards snch as water, blood, vomit, or excreta. Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good repair with no obstruction across or in the aisles. Provide floor pings for eqnipment to prevent the need for placing cords across pathways. Report and clean all spills immediately. Correctly maintain floors by nsing nonskid waxes. 

Does the facility have mechanical handling equipment which must be operated along aisles and passageways ... 

This subpart deals with the proper handling of materials. Stored materials must be stacked, racked, and secured to prevent sliding or falling. All materials must be stored away from aisles and passageways so employees can walkthrough these areas safely. 

Does the design provide for floors, aisles, and passageways being free from obstruction Refer to 1910.22(b)(1). 

Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear to provide for the free and safe movement of material handling equipment or employees. Such areas shall be kept in good repair. 

All crossovers, aisles, and passageways shall be conspicuously marked by suitable signs, as required by Subpart G of this part. 

Are aisles and passageways kept clear and marked as appropriate ... 

Where mechanical handling equipment is used, 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 and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. 

The width of aisles and passageways is generally not specified in OSHA standards, other than in specific instances. Examples of these specific instances include requirements for aisles 3 feet wide in inside storage rooms holding flammable and combustible liquids (1910.106) and requirements for minimum exit access widths of 28 inches (1910.36(g)(2)-(3)). And while 1910.22(b) and 1910.176(a) outlines general aisle requirements, they do not specify aisle widths. 

This is in response to your inquiry concerning issuance of citations where there are no painted markings of permanent aisles and passageways for dirt floors or floors covered with sand or dust. 

All passageways used by employees must be kept clear of obstructions and tripping hazards. Materials in excess of supplies needed for immediate operations should not be stored in aisles or passageways, and permanent aisles and passageways must be marked appropriately. 

Exit areas, corridors, aisles, and passageways must be kept clear at all times with no obstructions that could create a hazard. The proper maintenance of aisles, corridors, and exits is extremely important. Some examples of the most common items found in hallways are carts, boxes, laboratory equipment, and fimiiture. Exit doors should not be obscured or concealed in any way. A door designed for fire block purposes must be kept closed and not secured in an open position. 

Are we required to mark aisles and passageways with painted lines ... 

Ensure permanent aisles and passageways are appropriately marked. 

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