“Are we required to have safety nets over our pump access hatch openings?”
This is a question I have heard several times in my short tenure with the League of Minnesota Cities. It may be phrased in several ways.
“Really, I’m supposed to have nets over my inspections hatches?!”
Or
“Are nets required or can I use my temporary manhole guards?”
The answer to all these questions is “YES.”
According to MNOSHA standard 29 CFR1926.502(c) any opening into which a person could walk (or fall) must be guarded. The specific requirements of the guard system can be found clearly and understandably within the language of the standard. In general industry the fall height of 4 feet or more requires guarding, in construction that height (or depth) is 6 feet.
So, what constitutes “guarded”? The short answer is permanent railings, temporary railing systems, mesh net systems, or expanded steel type grates. Once again, a web search of the standard will provide details you need to be compliant.
“How about fall arrest systems? A lanyard or retractable device?” The answer is “maybe.” In this case the first thing to remember is that the pit you are guarding is a confined space, so the primary goal is to keep people out of the area, not dangling safely above it. So, if you are following the two-person method of confined space entry and you have the proper rescue equipment and an attendant, then a lanyard may meet OSHA’s standard. However, consider the risk associated. What if the lanyard is longer than the distance to the surface of the wastewater? How about air quality for the entrapped person while the attendant retrieves them? Suddenly lanyards are not an acceptable option. Preventing a person from toppling into the hole should be the goal.
So in the end, take a look at your access hatches. Are there guard rails or safety nets installed? If not, consider applying for an OSHA safety grant to update your facilities today before you or a coworker is in up to their necks!
Samples of acceptable systems:
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| Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County Water Resources Department |
Resources:
MNOSHA Safety Grant online application
Hillsborough County Wet Well Dilemma
Article from the Florida Water Resource Journal
Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant
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