1. This building's exhaust air pit isn't properly guarded and presents a fall hazard. It's very unlikely the plastic barricade tape would keep this construction worker from falling to the bottom of this pit, 11 feet below. At the very least, serious injury would occur from any fall at such a height.

   OSHA/ILHR require that all floor openings, work platforms, open sides, and other fall hazards be guarded with a "standard railing" or cover. In general, the railing shall be provided on all exposed sides. OSHA goes on to say that: "...floor holes into which persons can accidentally walk shall be guarded by either a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides, or a standard floor hole cover. While the cover is not in place, the floor hole shall be protected by a standard railing." A standard railing system is normally defined as a top-rail, mid-rail, and toeboard, capable of withstanding a force of 200 pounds. As seen in this picture, the plastic tape isn't what OSHA/ILHR had in mind in regard to effective fall protection.

2. The pit is also a potential confined space hazard. Confined space entry and worker retrieval rules must be followed when entering such spaces.

Same location after guardrails installed.