Ala. Admin. Code r. 480-3-4-.03
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024
Section 480-3-4-.03 - Safe Means Of Access(1) Access (a) Safe means of access shall be provided to all working places in any pit or quarry.(2) Wooden ladders constructed as follows shall be accepted in lieu of iron or steel or combination iron and steel and wood ladders.(a) Ladders 1. Stringers of ladders shall be built of not less than two by four (2 x 4) inch sound lumber or its equivalent.(b) Rungs 1. The distance between the centers of the rungs of the ladder shall not exceed twelve (12) inches and shall not vary more than one (1) inch in any ladderway. The length of the ladder rungs (width of ladder) shall not be less than ten (10) inches between the stringers.2. The back side of the rungs of the ladder shall in no case be less than six and one-half (6 1/2) inches from any obstruction.3. Wooden ladder rungs shall be set flush with the outer surface of the stringers. (g) Ladderways having an inclination of more than seventy (70) degrees from the horizontal and where the distance between the top and bottom of the ladderway is more than thirty (30) feet, shall have substantial platforms at intervals of not more than thirty (30) feet. If possible, the sections of the ladder shall be staggered at each platform so that no section shall be directly in line with the section above or below it. Ladders shall project at least three and one-half (3 1/2) feet above every platform or landing in the ladderway. All fixed ladders used to gain access to elevated places in pits or quarries shall be of sufficient length to extend at least three and one-half (3 1/2) feet above the landing and the top of the ladder shall be firmly secured to the ledge to prevent slipping.(4) All fixed ladders shall be securely fastened.(5) Under no circumstances shall any ladder inclining backward from the vertical be installed or used.(6) Maintenance (a) Ladderways shall be maintained in safe condition and shall be inspected regularly.(7) Steps (a) Where stairs are used they shall comply with the requirements set forth in the Basic Safety Manual, State of Alabama.(8) Travel (a) Access to pits or quarries over railway haulage shall be prohibited while trains or cars are being operated over such tracks.(9) Walkway (a) Where access to pits or quarries is by walkway, it shall be properly graded, and if travel along the walkway is unsafe by reason of danger of falling into the pit the walkway should be protected by hand rails; drain ditches shall be laid out and both walk and drain ditches shall be kept free of broken stone, trash, and debris at all times. All means of access shall be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition, free of rot and mold and clear of oils, grease, mud and other slippery materials. In cases where slippery materials are constantly being deposited on stairs and ladders, coarse sand or equivalent material shall be applied to improve traction.
(10) After safe and adequate means of descent and ascent in quarry and pit excavations have been provided for, strict rules shall be made prohibiting workmen from using any other means than those provided. Author: Department of Industrial Relations
Ala. Admin. Code r. 480-3-4-.03
Prior to October 1, 1982, this regulation was designated as General Rule 3.Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 25-2-2(3)