Which safety feature is essential around an open manhole to protect workers?

Which safety feature is essential around an open manhole to protect workers?

• A. Barricades or warning devices around a manhole
• B. Barrel
• C. Catch basin
• D. Cleanout

Answer: (A)

Barricading an open manhole with barriers and warning devices creates a visible and physical boundary that prevents workers or bystanders from accidentally stepping into the hole. This boundary signals a fall hazard, helps control access to the work area, and supports safe work practices like keeping the area clear, using proper lighting, and following established permit or safety procedures. The other options don’t provide a boundary or warning: a barrel offers no protective barrier, a catch basin is a drainage feature and not a fall protection device, and a cleanout is simply an access point that isn’t a protective measure by itself.

Barricading an open manhole with barriers and warning devices creates a visible and physical boundary that prevents workers or bystanders from accidentally stepping into the hole. This boundary signals a fall hazard, helps control access to the work area, and supports safe work practices like keeping the area clear, using proper lighting, and following established permit or safety procedures. The other options don’t provide a boundary or warning: a barrel offers no protective barrier, a catch basin is a drainage feature and not a fall protection device, and a cleanout is simply an access point that isn’t a protective measure by itself.