Subpart D, Walking-Working Surfaces

Note that noncompliance with OSHA s requirements for guarding hole and well openings is listed as one of the top ten violations in Table 9.12. 

22(a)(2)—Housekeeping includes maintaining the floor of every work space in a clean, dry condition. Where wet processes are used, dry standing places should be provided where practicable. 

22(b)(1)—In aisles and passageways, where mechanical handling equipment is used safe clearance shall be provided in aisles, at loading docks, through doorways, and wherever turns or passage must be made. 

22(d)(1)—Floor loading protection requires that every structure have floors or mezzanines approved for load bearing when using for storage. These areas shall be marked on plans of approved design. 

23(a)(9)—Floor holes into which a person can accidentally walk shall be protected by a cover that leaves no opening more than 1 inch wide. The cover must be securely held in place. 

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Appendixes A and B. Each subpart addresses a different major topical area. These areas include such items as Subpart D, Walking-Working Surfaces. This subpart appears in 1910.21-1910.32. Subpart E, Means of Egress, follows in 1910.35-1910.70. Each subpart is further broken down so that when one looks under Subpart E, one will find the subsection 1910.37, Means of Egress, general. The reader can turn to that section to see an explanation of means of egress and find that it is broken down even further. References to specific standards are typically found as follows ... 

Specifically, OSHA says that employers would not be cited under Subpart D, Walking-Working Surfaces. However, the letter also says that The General Duty Clause requires an employer to provide employees with a workplace that is free from hazards that are recognized by the employer s industry and that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Thus, where feasible means exist to eliminate or materially reduce the hazard, a citation can be issued for a General Duty Clause violation. In other words, employers need to assess whether fall protection can be used when working on top of rolling stock. If it can, it must be. 

The purpose of this subpart addresses the requirements for maintaining walking and working surfaces. Subpart D applies to all permanent places... 

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