Potential Hazards:
Cluttered work areas can lead to accidents and cause
worker injuries, due to slips, trips, and falls, being struck by falling
objects, impeded access to exit routes and firefighting equipment, and
fires because of improper disposal of flammable or combustible materials
such as rags, paper and cardboard).
Requirements and Example Solutions:
Good housekeeping conditions must be maintained at all
times.
- Adequate aisles and passageways must be maintained in all work
areas. [1915.91(a)] Passageways
may be restricted or blocked by:
- Lines (electrical, air, gas)
- Ventilation ducts
- Welding leads
- Equipment
- Debris (scrap)
- Hose and electric conductors must be elevated over or placed under
the walkway or working surfaces or be covered by adequate crossover
planks. [1915.91(a)]
See Figure 4.
- All working areas must be kept reasonably free
of debris (scrap). [1915.91(b)]
- Material such as drums and pipes must be stacked as not to present a hazard to
workers. [1915.91(b)]
- Means of egress must be maintained at all times to all exits and to all
fire-alarm boxes or fire-extinguishing equipment. [1915.91(d)]
See Figure 5.
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Figure 2: Improper practice: Poor housekeeping.
Figure 3: Work area kept clean of scrap debris.
Figure 4: Metal trees used to elevate hoses and cables over gangway.
Figure 5: Gangway kept clear for easy egress from vessel.
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