Last updated April 4, 2007 3:09 PM

Confined Space Entry in the Workplace

Ladder Use Guidelines in the Workplace

Lockout/Tagout in the Workplace

Slip/Trip/Fall Prevention in the Workplace

Smoke-Free Buildings in the Workplace

Confined Space Entry

Employees who are required to enter OSHA-defined confined spaces must attend Confined Space Entry Training prior to making the entry. Conversely, those who have no need to enter a confined space are prohibited from doing so. Because of the serious nature of confined space accidents there are no exceptions to this rule.

OSHA defines a confined space as a space that:

• Is large enough and so configured that an employee can enter and perform work, AND


• Is not intended for continuous occupancy, AND


• Has a limited or restricted means of entrance or egress.

In addition, if all three of these conditions exist and any of the following also are present or potentially present, a written entry permit must be obtained from EH&S prior to entry:

• hazardous atmosphere, OR


• material which could engulf an entrant


• an internal configuration such that the entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated.

Determination of any space in question can be made by EH&S. Prior to entry, contact us at 8-8182 and we can make an evaluation. We also will arrange for training and an atmospheric check.

To learn more about the regulations addressing confined space entry, go to OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.146

Ladder Use Guidelines

Nearly everyone is called on to use a ladder at some time. EH&S offers a ladder training course that is recommended for anyone using a ladder in the course of their job. For others, the following guidelines should prove useful any time you find yourself needing to use a ladder

• Inspect ladders before using (make sure there are no breaks or cracks, all components must be in good working condition, no oil or grease on side rails or steps, no frayed or worn ropes, movable parts operate freely, no excessive wear, rungs securely attached to siderails, and are you using the proper ladder for the job?)


• Before using a ladder, consider any external hazards: overhead obstructions, presence of electrical equipment, congested area, uneven surfaces, weather conditions, etc.


• Never use a ladder that is too long or too short for what you are going to work on, and NEVER stand on a swivel chair, stool, desk, or other object when you need to reach something. Check the ladder’s load limits before putting it into service. Use this table to interpret the ladder rating that will be marked on the ladder somewhere:

Only Types I, I-A, or I-AA are to be used at CMU

• Do not use ladders as a brace, platform, scaffold, plank, or lever, and do not use the rungs for storage.
• Never use a metal ladder near electrical sources, don’t use step ladders as straight ladders (i.e., leaned against the wall), and don’t tie ladders together to make a longer ladder.
• If you have to use a ladder near a doorway, take one or more of these precautionary steps to make sure nobody comes through the door and knocks you from the ladder: lock the door, put up barricades, secure the ladder, and/or have somebody stand watch to warn others that a ladder is in use.
• Set up straight ladders using the 4 to 1 rule: 1 foot from the wall for every 4 feet of the ladder’s working length.
• When using a stepladder, open it fully, place it on a solid surface, and make sure the spreaders are locked into position. Do not stand on the top two rails, and never stand on the back section.
• When using a straight ladder or extension ladder, be sure the rails are supported equally at both the top and bottom. The bottom side rails must be on a firm surface. Also, extend the top at least 3 feet beyond the support point, make sure the upper section of an extension ladder overlaps the lower portion adequately, and check to be sure the rungs are locked in place. Do not stand on the top four rails.
• Face the ladder when ascending or descending. And remember, you will be farther from the wall as you descend the ladder. If you find it difficult to reach the wall as you near the bottom, you should be using a different ladder.
• Grip the rails with both hands whenever possible, and always use the 3-point contact rule (i. e., always have one hand and both feet in contact with the ladder, or one foot and both hands).
• Keep your beltbuckle within the side rails to ensure against over-reaching. Move the ladder if you have to get to something beyond your normal reach.
• Never allow more than one person on the ladder at any given time.
• Hoist tools or other materials up to you, rather than carrying them up the ladder with you. Wear a toolbelt so you don’t have to hold onto tools.
• Never paint wooden ladders. Paint will conceal cracks and defects.
• Do not try to move the ladder while you are still on it, and do not allow anyone else to move a ladder while it is still occupied.
• Remove any defective ladder from service immediately, tag it (or better yet, break it so that it can not be used), and report it so that it can be replaced.
• Be constantly aware of where you are and what you are doing. Many injuries have occurred because ladder users were not paying attention.
• Use slip resistant “shoes” on the bottoms of portable ladders. If a ladder can not be safely secured, have someone brace it at the bottom.
• If the top of a ladder must rest against a window or a corner, use a ladder stabilizer.
• Ladders longer than 8’ must be carried by two people.
• Store ladders safely and properly: step ladders in vertical, closed position; straight ladders horizontal, on ladder racks or wall brackets.
• Do not jump from the last rung to the ground.

If you follow these guidelines, you should never have to worry about being injured in a ladder-related incident.

Lockout / Tagout

Anyone who works with equipment or machinery where there is a risk of an unexpected startup, energization, or release of stored energy that could cause injury must implement the lockout/tagout program and receive training in that program. 

Types of energy that have the potential to cause injury include (but are not limited to):

• Electricity


• Trapped pressure


• Spring tension


• Components that could fall or shift position


• Hydraulic


• Pneumatic


• Piping and vessels


• Temperature extremes

Any form of energy that could cause injury, whether on the above list or not, must be neutralized and a lock attached. NOBODY is permitted to remove someone else’s lock except under very specific conditions, and then only in a specific manner. If you encounter a locked out system that creates a problem for you, you must contact the person whose name is on the lock. If no name is available, contact EH&S (8-8182), but DO NOT remove the lock. To do so could jeopardize the safety of someone working on or near the system.

To learn more about OSHA’s lockout/tagout standard, go to 29 CFR 1910.147.

Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention

Slips, trips, and falls account for 15% of all accidental deaths, second only to automobile fatalities. They are the leading cause of accidents at CMU, accounting for 30% of all reported accidents.

What is the difference between a slip, trip, or fall? Very little, if you are the victim. The pain is the same, so it really doesn’t matter which of the three caused your accident, right? Actually, though, there really are some significant differences.

Slips occur when there is too little friction or traction between your feet and the walking surface. The most common causes of slips are wet surfaces, ice or other weather hazards, spills, and poor tread on footwear. Preventive measures include:

• Wet surfaces: Shorten your stride, walk with feet pointed out slightly, and make wider turns.


• Spills: Clean up immediately. If you are unfamiliar with the contents of the spill, contact EH&S (8-8182).


• Weather hazards: Walk more slowly so you can react to traction changes. Wear slip resistant shoes or boots, and dry off shoes as soon as practical after entering a building (wet shoes on dry floors are as dangerous as dry shoes on wet floors). Wear sunglasses on sunny winter days so you can more easily see slippery areas.


• Poor tread on footwear, or generally poor traction: Wear slip resistant footwear, apply abrasive strips to smooth walking surfaces, post warnings.

Trips commonly occur when you foot strikes an object and your momentum throws you off balance. To minimize the potential for this type of injury:

• Do not allow carried packages to obstruct your view.


• If glasses fog due to atmospheric changes, clear them immediately.


• Use only proven walkways.


• Close desk and file drawers when not in use.


• Report burned out or missing lights.


• Be aware of elevator threshold positions


• Report any uneven or broken pavement, sidewalks, or handrails

Falls usually take place from one level to another. One of the most common examples of this type of injury at CMU involves falling down stairs. Another involves using chairs as ladders. Preventive measures include:

• NEVER stand on a chair to reach a high object. Always use a ladder.


• When using ladders, select the proper type and size, and use it properly. EH&S offers ladder training if you are unsure.


• Walk up and down stairs, and never jump from the last step.


• Use handrails.


• Walk.


• Report any unsafe conditions.

There is one more precautionary tip that applies in all these cases, and that is to PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU ARE DOING. This is among the most common causes of injuries, and is the easiest to correct. The best walking surfaces and ideal weather conditions won’t be of any help if you are not watching where you are going.

In addition to the ladder safety training mentioned above, EH&S offers training on how to prevent slips, trips, and falls, including those that take place in offices. Click the link above to register.

Smoke-Free Buildings

Medical evidence clearly shows that smoking is harmful to the health of smokers and non-smokers alike. Adverse health affects are also found in people exposed to second-hand smoke. In addition, people with lung diseases, such as asthma, find second-hand smoke highly irritating and a trigger to attacks.

At Carnegie Mellon University, smoking is prohibited in all academic, administrative, and health service buildings (including athletics department facilities), and in all university-owned transportation vehicles. In addition, smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of all academic, administrative, and housing buildings.

All residence halls at Carnegie Mellon University are 100% smoke free.

Interior smoking areas must be approved by Environmental Health & Safety and must meet the following criteria: 

• The area must be dedicated solely as a smoking area


• University business may not be conducted in a smoking area


• Ventilation that would prevent release of second-hand smoke to adjacent areas must be present


• The smoking area must be a private room with floor-to-ceiling walls


• Smoking area signage must be posted by Environmental Health & Safety


• All costs for the interior smoking area will be assumed by the requestor

Compliance with this university policy is the responsibility of all members of the university community.

In the event of a complaint relating to smoking, the university reserves the right to take appropriate action, including requiring the smoker to move.

To learn more about this smoking policy, refer to the university's policies website:

• http://www.cmu.edu/policies/documents/Smoking.htm.