Did you know that a poorly designed or poorly maintained industrial walkway can compromise not only the safety, but also the operability of an entire facility?
Here’s everything you need to know about industrial walkway regulations in Spain, including technical requirements, safety measures and the importance of maintenance.
Contenidos
- What regulations govern industrial walkways in Spain?
- What are the technical requirements for building industrial walkways?
- What safety measures are mandatory for industrial walkways?
- Why is it essential to inspect and maintain industrial walkways?
- Frequently asked questions about regulations and industrial gateways
What regulations govern industrial walkways in Spain?
The regulation of industrial walkways in Spain is based on several key laws and regulations that seek to ensure structural safety and the prevention of occupational accidents. The main legal texts include:
- Technical Building Code (Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE))This document establishes the basis for ensuring that buildings, including industrial walkways, comply with safety, stability and accessibility standards.
- Occupational Risk Prevention Law (Law 31/1995): Focused on protecting workers, it requires industrial walkways to include specific safety measures to minimize risks in the work environment.
- Royal Decree 486/1997: This decree establishes the minimum health and safety provisions for workplaces. It connects directly with the needs of prevention of risks of falling from heights, linking with the ISO 14122 standard.
- UNE-EN ISO 14122: This international standard, adopted in Spain as UNE-EN ISO 14122, focuses specifically on permanent means of access to machines and industrial facilities, including walkways. It defines requirements for the design, manufacture, installation and use of these structures. (Part 2:2002 and amendments. Working platforms and walkways )
It is essential that those responsible for industrial facilities are aware of these regulations and implement them correctly to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of workers.
What are the technical requirements for building industrial walkways?
The construction of industrial walkways must comply with a series of technical and structural requirements established by regulations. Some of the most relevant include:
- Materials: Walkways should be manufactured from corrosion and wear resistant materials such as galvanized steel or treated aluminum. This ensures durability, especially in aggressive environments such as chemical plants or outdoors.
- Load capacity: The structure must support the maximum specified load, considering both the weight of workers and the weight of tools and machinery. According to the regulations, specific calculations must be made for each installation.
- Dimensions: The recommended minimum width for an industrial walkway is 60 cm, although in higher traffic environments it may be greater. In addition, there must be a minimum clearance to facilitate safe passage.
- Non-slip flooring: The walkway flooring should be slip-resistant to prevent accidents, especially in areas prone to liquid or dust spills.
Proper design of these features not only ensures regulatory compliance, but also operational efficiency in the plant.
What safety measures are mandatory for industrial walkways?
The regulations also establish various mandatory safety measures that must be integrated into industrial walkways to prevent accidents. These include:
- Protective handrails: It is mandatory that walkways have side railings at least 90 cm high, with intermediate protection to prevent falls.
- Fall arrest systems: In the case of work at heights, harnesses or lifelines that meet safety standards must be installed.
- Signage: Walkways should be properly signed to indicate their use, load limits and potential hazards, such as changes in level or restricted access.
- Adequate lighting: It is crucial to ensure that walkways are well lit to avoid tripping or accidents in areas of low visibility.
These measures not only protect workers, but also improve the perception of safety in the facilities, a key aspect in any industrial environment.
Why is it essential to inspect and maintain industrial walkways?
Preventive maintenance is as important as the initial design of an industrial walkway. Regulations require periodic inspections to ensure that structures are maintained in optimum condition.
What should be evaluated in an inspection?
- Condition of materials: Check for corrosion, cracks or wear on structural components.
- Fastenings: Ensure that the fasteners are firm and do not exhibit looseness.
- Safety systems: Verify that guardrails, signaling and fall arrest systems are working properly.
In case of non-compliance, penalties can be severe, ranging from financial penalties(civil and/or criminal liability) to temporary cessation of the activity.
Safeway360, as experts in industrial safety, offers inspection and maintenance services to ensure that your walkways are compliant and operate safely.
Frequently asked questions about regulations and industrial gateways
What happens if industrial walkway regulations are not complied with?
Non-compliance can result in significant fines, as well as the risk of workplace accidents and possible legal liabilities for the company.
How often should industrial walkways be inspected?
The regulations recommend at least annual inspections, although in high-risk environments, these should be carried out more frequently.
Is it mandatory to install guardrails on all industrial walkways?
Yes, according to occupational risk prevention regulations, all walkways (that place the worker above 50 cm from the ground) must have handrails if there is a risk of falling from a height.
Complying with industrial gateway regulations is not only a legal obligation, but also an investment in the safety and productivity of your facilities.
If you need advice or specialized services, Safeway360 is here to help you implement solutions that meet the highest standards.
Contact us and ensure peace of mind for your team and your company.
