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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-hole-cover-twice-weight

What must a cover for a hole in a construction walking surface do?

Support twice the expected weight and be secured.

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  1. Support twice the expected weight and be secured ✔
  2. Support the weight of one worker and be painted
  3. Be marked HOLE, with no strength rule

Why: 1926.502(i) says a hole cover must hold at least twice the weight that may be put on it and be secured so wind, equipment or workers cannot move it.

Huh, didn't know that: Covers must also be color coded or marked with the word HOLE or COVER.

The dad joke
Why did the hole cover get checked? It had to support double the weight.
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References

Answer: Support twice the expected weight and be secured. 1926.502(i) says a hole cover must hold at least twice the weight that may be put on it and be secured so wind, equipment or workers cannot move it.

  1. 29 CFR 1926.502(i)(2) and (i)(3) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/29/1926.502
    at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time. (3) All covers shall be secured
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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