Inclusion in codes and regulatory action is what it may take as otherwise this is the type of thing that might too often be "Value Engineered" out of projects by those nut fully understanding or recognizing the potential implications.The changes coming to Life Safety Code and other regulatory action will draw attention to this issue.
Bill, there was a related issue brought to my attention the other day. In order to remove or install our pit cover, we must remove the net. A construction worker passed by and mentions that "according to OSHA they must have some sort of fall arrest system when working with an elevation difference of over 6 feet." Is this the case or is there some sort of OSHA exception for employees working on a stage.
Based on your last post, it seems as though we may only need to have "a written plan shall be developed and maintained to mitigate the fall hazards of unguarded raised floor areas and vertical openings on stages."
Would this be the case in my situation?
I've played with idea of removing a pit filler all from below but ultimately, I think that it usually does end up with people "at the precipice" and I would concur that OSHA would require they be protected.
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I'm not an OSHA expert but I'm pretty sure it doesn't exempt theatre or art from the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe working environment for their employees.
Unfortunately it is supported from the pit floor (I have no Idea why they would choose this route on a new build) which is why we can't have the net up while we take it down and put it back up. I know its a sticky issue, just trying to come up with the best solution. I would love to know how other venues deal with the situation.
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