Toe Kick

[shopper1732]

Does OSHA require a Vertical Toe Plate all around edge of any/all walking /standing platforms, no matter the platform area or height off grade? Are there exceptions, i.e. say you have a four footspanthat sits on grade and merely crosses a shallow ditch ... would it still be required in such a case?

What are height requirements above the grate?

 

[kslee1000]

The purpose of the toe plate is to prevent objects rolling over the free edges of the grating that will leads to injuries of persons stand below. Most building code require a 4 inches toe plate.

 

[graybeach]

I just pondered this very question designing an outdoor timber walkway that is situated about 4 feet above grade. I could not find specific guidance in OSHA, but did not use a toe kick because no one would be standing below.

 

[shopper1732]

This question relates to low-height items auch as:
1. a cat that sets on grade used to cross adrainage trench
2. a stile used to cross a low level pipe, dike, or low level obstruction
3. a platform that is only 18", 24", or 42" above grade used to access an instrument or valve ... In other words, the size and nature and elevation of the grating would be such that no person would be able to walk UNDER it.

 

[JStephen]

Toeboard is not required when there is no way to have workers below. See this OSHA Interpretation, for example:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=21442

 

[archeng59]

kslee, can you provide the section of the code requiring the toe plate? not doubting you, but would like to know the section where it's required. I have worked on several fine arts centers with catwalks above the auditorium and in the stage. Always used toe plates and once had an argument with an architect on the use of those plates. The architect wanted to reduce costs by eliminating the toe plates which he deemed un-necessary. When I explained the plates would prevent items from falling off of the catwalk, the architect said that there would not be anyone in the auditorium while someone is on the catwalk. regardless, having the toe plate makes sense from a practical standpoint of not losing a tool or whatever while I'm on the catwalk then having to travel down to retrieve it.

 

[redrushin]

Besides the dropped tool/item train of thought, one of the reasons our HSE group requires a toe/kick plate on an access platform, landing, or catwalk is to keep the end user from falling from the walking surface by slipping between the lowest rung of the handrail and top of walking surface. Not to big an issue if you only have a 12" - 24" drop to a dry or safe surface, but could be a major safety concern if your shallow ditch could have harmfull chemicals, plant/animal life, or sharp obstructions. But then again I work in offshore design and there is usually a long fall to deep, cold saltwater if you fall or drop something from darn near anywhere on the platform.

 

[JStephen]

red- while that can happen- that isn't what the toeboard is there for- it so, OSHA would require it to be a lot stronger, like the other rails. (if I'm not mistaken, you can just use 1x4 or something for the toeboard)