Marking aisles on dirt or dusty floors

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

Date: February 14, 1977

MEMORANDUM FOR: Donald E. MacKenzie, Acting Director
Office of Field Coordination and Experimental Programs

SUBJECT: 29 CFR 1910.22(b)(2), Aisles and Passageways

ATTENTION: Maureen Kelleher

REFERENCES: Hal Bingham

This is in response to your inquiry concerning issuance of citations where there are no painted markings of permanent aisles and passageways for dirt floors or floors covered with sand or dust.

The wording of the standard, 29 CFR 1910.22(b)(2), that aisles and passageways be appropriately marked, does not require marking by painted yellow lines only. Painted yellow lines are usually recognized as the most convenient and inexpensive way to mark aisles and passageways since the lines normally last several years without maintenance or repainting. Dirt floors or floors having continuous concentrations of sand or dust would render the application of painted floor markings infeasible and impractical, especially in foundries. Other appropriate methods such as marking pillars, powder stripping, flags, traffic cones, barrels and many other devices are considered appropriate as long as recognition of such is included in the vehicle operator and employee training programs. However, where the need exists and there are no appropriate markings, citations will be issued.

Richard P. Wilson, Deputy Director
Federal Compliance and State Programs

[Corrected 4/24/2004]