WORKING NEAR OPEN EDGES TOOLBOX TALK
An unprotected edge can turn one small step into a fatal fall.
Control of unprotected edges, openings and fall distances.
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Toolbox Topic
WORKING NEAR OPEN EDGES TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent falls from unprotected edges, platform openings and temporary guardrail removal.
WHY IT MATTERS
Workers can approach open edges unintentionally during routine movement.
Even temporary guardrail removal creates a serious fall hazard.
Personal fall arrest should not replace collective protection where guardrails can be installed.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A section of guardrail was removed temporarily for material transfer.
It was not reinstated after the task was completed.
A worker stepping backwards approached the open edge.
Temporary barriers and reinstatement control would have prevented the exposure.
REMEMBER
If edge protection is removed, equivalent protection must immediately replace it.
KEY HAZARDS
Unprotected edges.
Temporarily removed guardrails.
Floor and platform openings.
Backward movement and poor visibility.
Poor lighting.
Slippery surfaces.
Unsuitable anchorage.
Material handling near edges.
CONTROLS
Protect open edges with fixed guardrails.
Install equivalent temporary barriers when guardrails are removed.
Secure covers over openings.
Mark work zones near edges.
Use full-body harnesses and suitable anchorage where required.
Keep walking routes away from open edges.
Provide sufficient lighting.
Remove slip hazards.
Plan material transfer activities.
Do not release the area until edge protection is reinstated.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, open edges are never normal work areas. If guardrails are missing, we will restore them or provide equivalent protection before work continues.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Where are today's open edges?
Are guardrails complete?
Has any guardrail been removed?
Is anchorage required?
Is lighting adequate?
Who verifies reinstatement?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Open edges identified
Guardrails secure
Temporary barriers installed
Openings covered
Anchorage suitable
Walking route safe
Lighting adequate
Surface clean
Material transfer controlled
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.