Openings In Roof That Are Used As Access Points

Differences in the regulatory text between paragraphs 1910 23 a 2 and 1910 23 c 1 and silence on this issue in paragraph 1910 23 c 2 and in the fixed ladder standard at 1910 27 have led to some confusion.

Openings in roof that are used as access points.

Every open sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level. Some code officials indicated a preference for fail safe locks on the roof doors which unlock upon fire alarm to allow access to the roof but this is not currently a requirement of the ibc or nfpa 101. These include providing ventilation or additional light smoke venting and or allowing maintenance workers roof access. Anchor points are usually installed on the roof and are used to connect lanyards lifelines and other forms of tie off which prevent a worker from falling.

Roof openings are present in virtually all non residential buildings. It supports multiple operating modes including being used as an access point a client a wds repeater or a wireless bridge. These operations may also be performed from the ground level using snow rakes. Employees might need to climb directly onto the roof and use equipment such as shovels snow rakes snow blowers and ladders.

Do you think the ladder access point to this platform meets the osha standard for guarding. Whether a roof door is required to provide free egress from the roof depends on what the roof is used for. The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify the requirements for guarding access openings to fixed ladders. On the cathedral side the ratio of ventilation openings to insulated ceiling should be at least 1 150.

There are many different fixed anchor points in the market today which are suitable for different types of surfaces such as concrete bricks or steel. Roof anchors can be as simple as a d ring connection or as complex as a complete lifeline system. On the accessible side the ratio of ventilation openings to insulated ceiling should be at least 1 300. Regardless of the openings function however failure to protect workers from the hazards these openings present can.

Several types of products can be used to cover them which serve a variety of purposes. Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches. In the case of a roof with an accessible attic combined with a cathedral ceiling there are specific rules for each side. Osha s general industry standard dealing with walking and working surfaces 1910 23 c protection of open sided floors platforms and runways section 1 states the following.

Both permanent and temporary roof anchor points are available. Aerial lifts are sometimes used to access roofs and apply de icing materials.