[F118 Dangerous substances.E+W+S
(1)Every fixed vessel, structure, sump or pit of which the edge is less than [F2920 millimetres]] above the highest ground or platform from which a person might fall into it shall, if it contains any scalding, corrosive or poisonous liquid, either be securely covered or be securely fenced to at least [F2920 millimetres] above that ground or platform, or where by reason of the nature of the work neither secure covering nor secure fencing to that height is practicable, all practicable steps shall be taken by covering, fencing or other means to prevent any person from falling into the vessel, structure, sump or pit.
(2)Where any fixed vessel, structure, sump or pit contains any scalding, corrosive or poisonous liquid but is not securely covered, no ladder, stair or gangway shall be placed above, across or inside it which is not—
(a)at least [F2460 millimetres] wide, and
(b)securely fenced on both sides to a height of at least [F2920 millimetres] and securely fixed.
(3)Where any such vessels, structures, sump or pits as are mentioned in subsection (2) of this section adjoin, and the space between them, clear of any surrounding brick or other work, is less than [F2460 millimetres] in width or is not securely fenced on both sides to a height of at least [F2920 millimetres], secure barriers shall be so placed as to prevent passage between them.
(4)For the purposes of this section a ladder, stair or gangway shall not be deemed to be securely fenced unless it is provided either with sheet fencing or with an upper and a lower rail and toe boards.
(5), (6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F3
Textual Amendments
F1S. 18 repealed (1.1.1993 with respect to certain premises and 1.1.1996 with respect to certain further premises) by S.I. 1992/3004, regs. 1(2)(3), 2, 3, 27(1), Sch. 2 Pt.I (with reg. 27(2)).
F2Words substituted by S.I. 1983/978, regs. 3, 4, Sch. 1
F3Ss. 1(5), 2(4), 3(3), 4(2), 5(2), 7(2), 9, 10, 14(3)(4)(6), 17(3)–(5), 18(5)(6), 25(4), 53–55, 58(2)–(4), 59(2)(3), 62, 66, 70, 71, 72(2), 73(2), 76, 81, 83, 121(7), 122(6), 124(2)(3), 129(1), 134, 137(5), 142, 145, 149, 150, 153(3), 159, 164(3), 174(2), 177, 179, 180(5)(7)(8)(10), 181(2), 182(5)(6), Schs. 3, 4 repealed by S.I. 1974/1941, reg. 7, Sch. 1