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Write a toolbox talk on stairs

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Toolbox Talk: Stair Safety

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate participants on the importance of stair safety, identify common hazards associated with stairs, and discuss control measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

Introduction

Stairs are a common feature in many workplaces, but they can also be a significant source of accidents if not properly maintained or used. Ensuring stair safety is crucial to prevent slips, trips, and falls, which are among the leading causes of workplace injuries.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to stair safety.

Key Points

  • Uniformity of Stairs: Ensure that the widths of treads, the depths of treads, and the vertical distances between treads are uniform throughout the length of any stairway [1].
  • Handrails and Guardrails: Stairs with five or more treads must have handrails that extend the entire length of the stairway and are adequately secured [2].
  • Regular Inspections: Walking-working surfaces, including stairs, must be inspected regularly and maintained in a safe condition [3].
  • Clearance and Obstructions: Ensure vertical clearance above any stair tread is at least 6 feet 8 inches to avoid head injuries [3].
  • Load Capacity: Each stair must support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds [4].

Hazard Identification

Common hazards related to stairs include:

  • Slippery Surfaces: Can lead to slips and falls, especially if stairs are wet or icy.
  • Uneven Treads: Variations in tread height or depth can cause trips.
  • Obstructions: Items left on stairs can create tripping hazards.

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

Discuss the hierarchy of controls:

  • Engineering Controls: Install slip-resistant treads and ensure uniformity in tread and riser dimensions [3].
  • Administrative Controls: Implement regular inspection and maintenance schedules to identify and rectify hazards [3].
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate footwear with good traction to prevent slips.

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Inspect stairs regularly for any damage or hazards.
  2. Ensure handrails are secure and in good condition.
  3. Keep stairs clear of obstructions and debris.
  4. Use slip-resistant materials on stair treads.
  5. Report any hazards or defects immediately.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Footwear: Wear shoes with non-slip soles to prevent slipping.

[Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance]

Real-World Example or Case Study

Discuss a scenario where a worker slipped on a wet stairway due to inadequate maintenance, leading to a serious injury. Highlight the importance of regular inspections and prompt hazard correction.

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are some common causes of stair-related accidents in our workplace?
  2. How can we improve stair safety in our facility?
  3. What should you do if you notice a hazard on the stairs?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency related to stairs:

  1. Call for medical assistance if someone is injured.
  2. Secure the area to prevent further accidents.
  3. Report the incident to a supervisor immediately.
  4. Document the incident and any contributing factors.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions and provide answers to common questions related to stair safety.

  • Q: What should you do if you find a damaged stair?

A: Report it immediately and ensure it is marked to prevent use until repaired.

Summary

Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk:

  • Importance of uniformity in stair design.
  • Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial.
  • Use of handrails and guardrails to prevent falls.
  • Importance of wearing appropriate footwear.

Action Items

List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk:

  1. Conduct a stair safety inspection in your area.
  2. Report any hazards or maintenance needs immediately.
  3. Ensure all employees are aware of stair safety procedures.

Remember: Safety on stairs is everyone's responsibility. Always use handrails and report hazards immediately.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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4 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 352

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (3) You must provide, and ensure each employee uses, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces. - (4) Inspection, maintenance, and repair. You must ensure: - (a) Walking-working surfaces are inspected, regularly and as necessary, and maintained in a safe condition. - (b) Hazardous conditions on walking-working surfaces are corrected or repaired before an employee uses the walking-working surface again. If the correction or repair cannot be made immediately, the hazard must be guarded to prevent employees from using the walking-working surface until the hazard is corrected or repaired. - (c) When any correction or repair involves the structural integrity of the walkingworking surface, a qualified person performs or supervises the correction or repair. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 15-24-100, § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 12/1/15, effective 1/5/16. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; WSR 89-11-035 (Order 89-03), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/15/89, effective 6/30/89; Order 73-5, § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-740 Stairways. This section contains specifications for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial stairs. This classification includes interior and exterior stairs around machinery, tanks, and other equipment, and stairs leading to or from floors, platforms, or pits. This section does not ap…

[2] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 137

Open source document

Source excerpt

## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 ## Travelways - 16-3 (1) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that every travelway: - (a) is strong enough to withstand any traffic to which the travelway may be subjected; - (b) has secure footing for workers and adequate traction for vehicles or equipment; and - (c) is at least: - (i) 600 millimetres wide, in the case of travelways installed before July 1, 1997; and - (ii) 900 millimetres wide, in the case of travelways installed on and after July 1, 1997. - (2) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that every travelway that may give rise to a hazard described in subsection 9-2(2) is provided with a guardrail. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s16-3. ## Stairs - 16-4 An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that: - (a) the widths of treads, the depths of treads and the vertical distances between treads are uniform throughout the length of any stairway and that each tread is level; and - (b) any stairs installed on or after the day on which this section comes into force, including temporary stairs, are at least 600 millimetres wide. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s16-4. ## Ladders - 16-5 (1) An employer, contractor or supplier shall ensure that every ladder is designed, constructed, used and maintained to perform its function safely. - (2) An employer, contractor or supplier shall ensure that: - (a) no wooden ladder or stepladder is painted with any substance other than a transparent coating; and - (b) no ladder is made by fastening cleats across a single rail or post. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s16-5. ## Portable ladders - 16-6 (1) In this section and section 16-7, 'portable ladder' means any ladder that is not fixed in place, and includes a stepladder. - (2) An employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) a portable ladder is equipped with non-slip feet;

[3] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 353

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (b) Less than 22 inches (56 cm) for stair platforms installed on or after June 1, 2020 (see Figure D-7 of this section). - (6) Each stair can support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) applied at any point. - (7) Standard stairs are used to provide access from one walking-working surface to another when operations necessitate regular and routine (once per week) travel between levels, including access to operating platforms for equipment. Winding stairways may be used on tanks and similar round structures when the diameter of the tank or structure is at least 5 feet (1.5 m). - (8) Spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs are used only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs. - (9) When subsection (8) of this section allows the use of spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs, they are installed, used, and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. - (10) Each tread and the top landing of a stairway, where risers are used, should have a nose which extends .5 inch to 1 inch beyond the face of the lower riser. - (11) Stair tread noses should have an even leading edge. Figure D-7 - Door or Gate Opening on Stairway <!-- image --> [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Standard stairs. In addition to WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code], you must also ensure standard stairs: - (1) Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal. - (2) Have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm). - (3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (…

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 72

Open source document

Source excerpt

S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 - (2) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that every area where a worker could be struck by a falling object is clearly marked by barriers, notices, warning lights or other warning devices. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s9-8. ## Protection from objects falling from scaffolds, etc. - 9-9 (1) If a suspended scaffold, suspended powered scaffold or load-carrying unit is suspended from or attached to a structure, an employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that wire mesh, or other material equally effective to prevent objects from falling from the working surface, is installed from the working surface to a height of at least 900 millimetres on all sides except the side adjacent to the structure. - (2) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that wire mesh is installed from the working surface of a platform to a height of 2 metres on all sides of: - (a) a tower hoist as defined in section 13-1; - (b) a building shaft hoist; and - (c) a hoist cage in an excavated shaft. - (3) If it is necessary to hoist or lower materials that are of such a nature that the sides of a cantilever hoist platform or skip cannot be equipped as required by subsection (1), an employer, contractor or owner shall provide another equally effective means for the protection of workers against falling materials. - (4) If it is necessary for workers to pass through a safeguard required by this section, an employer, contractor or owner shall install a gate that is equally effective to prevent objects from falling from the working surface and shall ensure that the gate is kept closed except when the gate is in use. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s9-9. ## Handrails - 9-10 (1) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that a stairway with 5 or more treads: - (a) is equipped with a handrail that: - (i) extends the entire length of the stairway; - (ii) is adequately secured to the structure; - (iii) is installed on …

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