Purpose and Scope
To formalize a department policy to ensure the safety of personnel while performing maintenance operations in window wells.
Policy
Written guidelines establish responsibilities and procedures to be followed by all Miami University employees while working in window wells. These guidelines are available to all employees upon request from the PFD Facilities Safety Coordinator and through department managers and supervisors.
Procedure
- Use a grate hook obtainable from the tool room.
- Secure grate with a rope. If a grate begins to fall, do not attempt to stop it. Use the rope to pull it out instead of climbing in the window well to push it out.
- Take grate completely off window well, place on the ground away from the opening.
- In a multiple grate window well, all grates should be removed and placed on the ground away from the opening.
- There should always be at least two employees present when moving window well grates and entering window wells.
- When removing grates, make sure to check which grates are supported and how they are supported. If there is a need to stand on a grate, make sure all supports are in good working order.
Revision History