NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorSpecialties and EquipmentMedium
A contractor is planning the installation of a complex conveying system, including several escalators and passenger elevators, in a high-rise commercial building. During the planning phase, which of the following is the most critical safety consideration to address first to prevent falls into hoistways or open shafts?
- AImplementing a strict lockout/tagout procedure for all power sources.
- BConducting daily safety briefings with all workers on site.
- CInstalling temporary barricades and warning signage around all openings.
- DEnsuring all personnel wear appropriate fall protection harnesses.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Installing temporary barricades and warning signage around all openings.
Temporary barricades and warning signage directly address the immediate physical hazard of open hoistways and shafts, preventing accidental falls, which is the most critical initial step for this specific hazard.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lockout/tagout is for electrical safety, preventing accidental energization, not falls into openings.
- B. Safety briefings are important, but they are an administrative control and do not physically prevent falls like barricades do.
- D. Fall protection harnesses are for workers who are exposed to fall hazards, but barricades prevent exposure for everyone.
Hoistway Fall Protection
Measures taken to prevent personnel or objects from falling into elevator or escalator hoistways/shafts during construction or maintenance activities.
- Open hoistways are major fall hazards.
- Physical barriers are the primary protection method.
- OSHA mandates guarding of floor openings.
Memory trick: Open shafts need 'Barricades' first, then 'Briefings' and 'Belts'.