Safe Access and Egress Requirements
| Purpose |
Protecting Workers from injuries by following the requirements concerning safe access and egress. |
| Definition |
Ensuring that a work area’s entrances (access) and exits (egress) are safe, controlled, and in good working order. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
|
Physical:
- Slips/Trips
- Fall from heights
- Blocked or obstructed exits
- Inadequate lighting
- Becoming trapped in the work area
|
| Controls |
Administrative:
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Basic PPE: Safety Footwear, Hard Hat
|
| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure the protective mechanisms are in place for access and egress.
- Ensure Workers are familiar with the emergency response evaluation plan for the work site.
- Ensure that entrances and exits are free from materials, equipment, accumulation of waste / debris or any other obstructions.
- Ensure emergency evacuation routes are clearly marked and accessible.
- Ensure access/egress points to and from a work site are maintained and can be opened without substantial effort.
- Ensure at least two access/egress points are established at the work site.
- Conduct inspections of the work site to ensure proper access/egress routes have been established and maintained.
- Ensure walkways, runways or ramps are strong enough to support equipment and Workers, have a one-third slope or less and meet Applicable Legislation.
- Install guardrails in areas that lead to unfinished areas or unguarded edges.
Do not
- Allow work to continue if there is unsafe access / egress.
|
| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Use proper controls as listed above.
- Report all unsafe access and egress to a Supervisor/Superintendent.
- Use designated access/egress points.
- Ensure you are familiar with the emergency evacuation plan for the work site.
- Ensure to follow all signage or barriers that are in place.
Do not
- Enter a work area that does not have safe access or egress.
|
