ExxonMobil/Fluor W3QR
Site Specific Procedure 3323
Date 18Jan2011 Rev 0
Practice 000.653.3306
Date 01Sep2009
Page 1 of 7
®
GRATING, FLOOR PLATE, AND GUARDRAIL REMOVAL
PURPOSE
This procedure establishes the requirements for removing grating, floor plate, and
guardrails, and protecting personnel from potential fall hazards as a result.
SCOPE
This procedure includes the following major sections:



General Requirements
Permits
Grating and Floor Plate Removal/Reinstalling
APPLICATION
This procedure applies to work activities and employees under the control of Fluor and its
contractors.
DEFINITIONS
None.
Health, Safety, and Environmental
ExxonMobil/Fluor W3QR
Site Specific Procedure 3323
Date 18Jan2011 Rev 0
Practice 000.653.3306
Date 01Sep2009
Page 2 of 7
®
GRATING, FLOOR PLATE, AND GUARDRAIL REMOVAL
1.0
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A Grating/Floor Plate/Guardrail Removal Checklist and Permit (Form F0170) must be
completed and approved before any grating, floor plate, or guardrail or clamp, clip, or
other retaining piece is loosened, adjusted, modified, or removed (whether partial or
fully).
Supervision must ensure that removal of grating, floor plate, or guardrail is necessary to
perform the task. Once it is established that removal is necessary, supervision must
review the work to minimize the amount of grating, floor plate, and/or guardrail to be
removed.
Supervisors, together with the HSE Representative, must review the actual work location
to confirm that removal of the grating, floor plate, or guardrail is the only way to perform
the task safely.
Only those crafts/trades that are specifically trained to perform such work (such as
“structural steel workers”) will be allowed to remove/replace grating, floor plate, and
guardrail.
Fall protection must be provided for those working inside a barricade, as required by
Procedure 3001.
No opening must ever be left unguarded … post a watch if necessary.
When working in the area of removed grating or floor plate, ensure adequate lighting is
provided to illuminate the opening.
Warn and inform other personnel in the area of the removed grating or floor plate.
All grating or floor plate must either be reinstalled at the completion of the work task or
at the end of the shift, or a floor hole cover is installed that meets the requirements of
section 3.1. No opening must remain beyond the end of a shift, unless a new permit is
obtained.
General rules for handling floor grating and floor plate include the following:

Comply with all building, area, and site safety rules.

Wear the minimum personal protective equipment (such as safety glasses, leather
gloves, and toe protection).

Use safety harness and life lines as required by Procedure 3001, Fall Protection.
Health, Safety, and Environmental
ExxonMobil/Fluor W3QR
Site Specific Procedure 3323
Date 18Jan2011 Rev 0
Practice 000.653.3306
Date 01Sep2009
Page 3 of 7
®
GRATING, FLOOR PLATE, AND GUARDRAIL REMOVAL

Determine the weight of the item to be lifted before attempting the lift.

Ensure the appropriate lifting tools/equipment will be used; do not use hands
unless hand-holds or handles are provided.

Avoid placing hands near the opening of grating, floor plate, decking, or manhole
covers when removing or replacing them.

Be alert for pinch points.

Request assistance in lifting when necessary, then lift together and coordinate
movements carefully.

Maintain proper footing when prying or lifting.

Be aware of potentially unsafe conditions that may exist if a pry/lifting bar should
slip.
Barricaded areas will be large enough to maintain adequate work area space and good
housekeeping procedures in accordance with Procedure 3300, Housekeeping.
Permanent lifting handles must be installed if grating or floor plate is routinely removed
for maintenance access.
Floor penetrations will be adequately protected with “kick plates.”
2.0
PERMITS
2.1
Permit to Work
If the permit to work process is in use, a Permit to Work must be obtained (Form F 0181)
in accordance with Procedure 1302, Permit to Work.
2.2
Grating, Floor Plate, and Guardrail Removal
Before grating, floor plate, or guardrail can be removed, a Grating/Floor Plate/Guardrail
Removal Checklist and Permit will be completed by the supervisor and the required
approvals obtained. A copy of the checklist and permit must be placed in the general
area where the grating/floor plate/guardrail is removed, with the original filed in the
project office.
The requirements of this permit must be addressed during the pre-task safety meeting
held with all involved employees before work commences.
Health, Safety, and Environmental
ExxonMobil/Fluor W3QR
Site Specific Procedure 3323
Date 18Jan2011 Rev 0
Practice 000.653.3306
Date 01Sep2009
Page 4 of 7
®
GRATING, FLOOR PLATE, AND GUARDRAIL REMOVAL
2.3
Grating/Floor Plate/Guardrail Removal Permit Issuer Training and Authorization
The appointment and training of Grating/Floor Plate/Guardrail Removal Authorized
Permit Issuers is similar to Permit to Work and Confined Space Entry Permit Authorized
Permit Issuers (refer to Procedure 1302). However, in addition, they will have sound and
thorough knowledge in matters relating to the preparation and conduct of grating, floor
plate, and guardrail removal. Practical experience in preparing grating/floor
plate/guardrail removal permits under guidance may be appropriate. Appointment is
made in writing on Form F0205, Authorized Permit Issuers, by the Project Manager.
Note:
3.0
When performing grating/floor plate/guardrail removal in an operating facility,
it is a common requirement to use the facility “grating/floor plate/guardrail
removal permit process” instead of the process described above.
GRATING AND FLOOR PLATE REMOVAL/REINSTALLING
3.1
Removal
A hazard checklist and Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Form F0100, and a Safety Task
Assignment (STA), Form F0101, will be completed.
A piece of grating or floor plate will never be removed or left out without:

installing a rigid barricade, guardrail, or equivalent, which will entirely encompass
the opening, or

properly covering the opening.
If a floor hole cover(s) is used, it must:

Be constructed to adequately support without failure, at least twice the weight of
any person(s) and/or equipment to which the cover may be subjected

Be cleated or secured by means of wire tie downs, clips, or other equivalent
fastening method

Visibly identify the hazard on the cover, DANGER – HOLE COVER – DO NOT
REMOVE (refer to Procedure 3301, Barricades, Signs, and Tags).
Health, Safety, and Environmental
ExxonMobil/Fluor W3QR
Site Specific Procedure 3323
Date 18Jan2011 Rev 0
Practice 000.653.3306
Date 01Sep2009
Page 5 of 7
®
GRATING, FLOOR PLATE, AND GUARDRAIL REMOVAL
If rigid barricading or guardrail is used, it will:

Be constructed of wood (2 inches by 4 inches/5.1 centimeters by 10.2 centimeters),
angle iron or rigid material of comparable strength, or a combined system of
components capable of achieving the same level of protection such as wire rope and
stanchions

Have a complete toprail (no voids)

Have a toprail height of not less than 39 inches (99.1 centimeters) and not more than
42 inches (106.9 centimeters) above the grate floor

Have a complete midrail installed at a point midway between the top edge of the
toprail and the grate floor, with exception of the designated access point to the
removed grate(s) opening
Employees working inside the barricaded area will wear appropriate fall protection.
The area below the intended opening (whether grating, floor plate, or guardrail removal)
that may be affected by the overhead hazard(s) will be barricaded and sign-posted to
prevent access.
3.2
Reinstalling
The remaining grates/floor plates bordering the removed grate(s)/floor plate(s) opening
must be protected from movement or slippage. The existing grating/floor plate can be
secured by wiring down, installing clips, or other means capable of being secured.
Grating/floor plates must be set in an area so as not to create a tripping hazard or interfere
with other contractors or work activities.
Stacks will be organized and uniform in accordance with floor-loading limits, and not
present a safety hazard.
When reinstalling gratings and floor plates, ensure that the grating/floor plate is correctly
positioned and fastened.
After work has been completed and before the barricade is removed, all grating, floor
plates, and guardrails must be checked to verify that all clamps and clips have been
secured.
Health, Safety, and Environmental