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.
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. [29 CFR 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. [29 CFR 1915.91(a)] See Figure 4.
- All working areas must be kept reasonably free of debris (scrap). [29 CFR 1915.91(b)]
- Material such as drums and pipes must be stacked as not to present a hazard to workers. [29 CFR 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. [29 CFR 1915.91(d)] See Figure 5.
