Condition of floors and traffic routes12
1
Every floor in a workplace and the surface of every traffic route in a workplace shall be of a construction such that the floor or surface of the traffic route is suitable for the purpose for which it is used.
2
Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the requirements in that paragraph shall include requirements that—
a
the floor, or surface of the traffic route, shall have no hole or slope, or be uneven or slippery so as, in each case, to expose any person to a risk to his health or safety; and
b
every such floor shall have effective means of drainage where necessary.
3
So far as is reasonably practicable, every floor in a workplace and the surface of every traffic route in a workplace shall be kept free from obstructions and from any article or substance which may cause a person to slip, trip or fall.
4
In considering whether for the purposes of paragraph (2)(a) a hole or slope exposes any person to a risk to his health or safety—
a
no account shall be taken of a hole where adequate measures have been taken to prevent a person falling; and
b
account shall be taken of any handrail provided in connection with any slope.
5
Suitable and sufficient handrails and, if appropriate, guards shall be provided on all traffic routes which are staircases except in circumstances in which a handrail can not be provided without obstructing the traffic route.