Under what circumstance must barriers be installed when accessing the pit?

Barriers must be installed when the hoistway door will be opened more than 5 inches to ensure safety during elevator maintenance or inspection. This requirement is in place to prevent accidental falls into the elevator pit or exposure to any moving parts that may pose a danger. Keeping the hoistway area secured reduces the risk of injury for maintenance personnel or anyone working nearby.

In situations where the elevator is inspected or the motor is being maintained, such as during maintenance on the elevator motor or performing cable replacements, there are established safety protocols that should be followed, which may not necessitate barriers in the same way as when the hoistway door is notably ajar. The emphasis on barrier installation specifically relates to any situation where the potential for falls or accidents increases, particularly when the opening exceeds a certain threshold, in this case, 5 inches. This is a critical safety measure in the industry, underscoring the importance of maintaining safe working environments in areas where heavy machinery operates.