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Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 1. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders
Article 4. Access, Work Space, and Work Areas
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§3272. Aisles, Walkways, and Crawlways.


(a) Crawlways shall not be less than 24 inches in width and as high as the opening or 30 inches, whichever is greater.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Whenever any openings to such equipment are provided in weatherproof enclosures, such openings may be reduced to 15 inches in the least dimension if the equipment can be properly serviced, repaired, or replaced from these openings without removing any permanent construction.

2. Underfloor crawlways shall be not less than 24 inches by 24 inches.

(b) Where aisles or walkways are required, machinery equipment, parts, and stock shall be so arranged and spaced as to provide clear walkways or aisles of not less than 24 inches in width and 6 feet 8 inches clear headroom to a safe means of egress from the building.

In existing installations, which do not comply with the minimum headroom clearance specified above, the obstruction shall be removed, or if this is impracticable, a suitable warning sign shall be placed near or on the obstruction so as to notify employees of its presence. When the nature of the hazard is such that padding it will increase safety, this also shall be done. In no case shall the clear headroom be less than 6 feet.

(c) Permanent aisles, ladders, stairways, and walkways shall be kept reasonably clear and in good repair. Where, due to lack of proper definition, such aisles or walkways become hazardous, they shall be clearly defined by painted lines, curbings, or other method of marking.

(d) Whenever aisles, walkways, or crawlways become slippery, high-friction surfaces, cleats, coverings, or other equivalent protection against slipping will be required.

(e) Where industrial vehicles are in customary use, traffic aisles designed for the passage of a single vehicle shall be at least 2 feet wider than the widest vehicle. Two-way traffic aisles shall be at least 3 feet wider than twice the width of the widest vehicle. The Division will permit the use of suitable turnouts adjacent to one-way traffic aisles for two-way traffic when the use of such turnouts will provide equivalent safety.

EXCEPTION: Storage access aisles as defined in Section 3207.

(f) Where normal clearances present a hazard with the use of industrial vehicles, clearance limit warning signs shall be provided.

(Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3313(i))

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943(c), Health and Safety Code.

HISTORY

1. Amendment of subsections (b) and (f) filed 5-10-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 20). For prior history, see Register 76, No. 29.

2. Amendment of subsection (e) filed 10-5-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 41).

3. Amendment of subsection (f) filed 12-23-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 52).

4. Amendment of subsection (f) filed 2-26-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 9).

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