May one move Muktzah items if they are a safety hazard?
As a general rule, Muktzah items may not be moved on Shabbos. However, Chazal recognized that situations arise in which leaving a Muktzah object in place may endanger people or create a genuine risk of injury. Accordingly, the Sages did not apply their decrees of Muktzah in cases involving a public safety hazard. This leniency reflects the Torah’s concern for human wellbeing and allows dangerous obstacles to be removed even when they would otherwise be forbidden to handle. This principle applies to common situations such as broken glass scattered on the floor, sharp objects left in walkways, thorns in public areas, open pits, and other hazards that might cause injury. The precise parameters of this allowance depend on whether the danger affects the public or only an individual, whether the danger is known and avoidable, and whether the object must be moved normally or with a Shinui. This section discusses the relevant laws and practical applications.
- The General Rule[1]
Muktzah items that pose a danger to the public may be moved on Shabbos in order to prevent injury. This applies even if the object is a severe level of Muktzah which may not be moved for any purpose. The Sages did not apply their decree of Muktzah in cases of a public safety hazard.
- Broken glass and the like:[2]
All broken pieces which are forbidden to move, even those which are not fit for any purpose [at all], [nevertheless] if they are found in an area that is able to cause damage, such as for example a glass vessel which broke on a table or in a place where people walk, then it is permitted to move the broken pieces in order to clear it from the area, and thus prevent a public[3] safety hazard.[4]
- Thorns and Sharp Objects[5]
A thorn lying in an area frequented by people may be removed in order to prevent injury.
Likewise, the same principle applies to:
- Nails
- Needles
- Sharp metal fragments
- Splintered wood
- Other dangerous objects
when found in an area where people may be harmed.
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Q&A If an item poses a safety hazard to the public may it be moved regularly or only with an irregularity? It may be moved regularly.[6] However some Poskim are stringent.[7]
If an item poses a safety hazard only to an individual, such as he is the only one home, may it be moved?[8] No. It is only allowed to be moved if it poses a hazard to the public [see next question for definition].[9] [See footnote for opinion of M”B[10]]
How many people are defined as a “public” for it to be considered a public safety hazard?[11] Three people are defined as a public, with exception to a case where toddlers are found, in which case even by less than three it is considered like a public hazard.
If the people are able to avoid the hazard may it nevertheless be moved?[12] If all the people who could possibly be injured are in the area and know to avoid the hazard then the hazard may not be moved.
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Summary
Muktzah objects that pose a public safety hazard may be moved on Shabbos in order to prevent injury. Thus, dangerous items such as broken glass, thorns, sharp objects, and similar hazards may be removed from areas where people may be harmed, and according to the primary ruling they may be moved in the regular manner without requiring a Shinui.
| Case | May It Be Moved? |
| Broken glass in a public walkway | Yes |
| Sharp shard on a table | Yes |
| Thorn in a public area | Yes |
| Dangerous nail in a hallway | Yes |
| Hazard affecting the public | Yes |
| Hazard affecting only one individual | Generally no |
| Hazard known to everyone and easily avoidable | No |
| Public hazard | May be moved normally |
| Public hazard according to some opinions | Preferably with a Shinui |
Practical Examples
Example 1
A drinking glass falls and shatters in the middle of a busy kitchen. The broken pieces may be picked up and removed immediately.
Example 2
A nail is discovered in a hallway where family members frequently walk barefoot. The nail may be removed.
Example 3
Sharp shards of ceramic are lying in a playroom where children are present. The shards may be cleared away.
Example 4
A thorn is found in a common walkway. It may be removed to prevent injury to passersby.
Example 5
A gas burner goes out while gas continues flowing. The gas may be shut off due to the safety danger.
[1] Admur 308:28 “All broken pieces which are forbidden to move, even those which are not fit for any purpose [at all], [nevertheless] if they are found in an area that is able to cause damage, such as for example a glass vessel which broke on a table or in a place where people walk, then it is permitted to move the broken pieces in order to clear it from the area, and thus prevent a safety hazard to the public. The reason for this is because in a circumstance [that not moving an object will cause] a safety hazard to the public, the [Sages] did not make the decree of the Muktzah prohibition. [They did] not even [apply the decree against] carrying in a Karmalis [in such a situation], as is explained [next].”; 308:49 “A thorn which is in public domain is permitted to be moved less than 4 cubits at a time, until he removes it to the sides of the public domain. While [if found] in a Karmalis one is to carry it in a regular fashion, even a long distance, with having lifted it up only once. The reason that this is permitted is because we suspect that perhaps [if the thorn were to be left there] it will cause injury to the public, and in a case of a public safety hazard the Sages did not make a decree against carrying [for a distance of] 4 cubits in a Karmalis or [carrying] less than 4 Amos at a time in a public domain, as well as [they did not apply their decree against] moving Muktzah [in such a situation].”; 518:5 “[On Yom Tov] a skewer which had meat roasted on it, if it was not designated for use as a skewer but one rather took a sharp stick similar to a skewer and in mere randomness roasted on it, then after the roasting is complete one is to remove the stick from in front of him by dragging and moving it from the side , until it is moved from his presence to a corner area in order so one not get injured from it. However, it is forbidden to move it in a complete form of moving after the roast has been removed from it being that it has become repulsive and is thus Muktzah”; Rama 308:6; Michaber 308:18
[2] Admur 308:28; Rama ibid; Kol Bo 31; Orchos Chaim 361
[3] Admur ibid limits this allowance to a public safety hazard. This is based on the Michaber ibid which also states that his law applied only by a public safety hazard, and so rules Aruch Hashulchan 308:8
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that even by a safety hazarad to an individual the Sages did not decree the law of Muktzah and it hence may be moved. [P”M 308:37; M”B 308:77]
[4] The reason: The reason for this is because in a circumstance [that not moving an object will cause] a safety hazard to the public, the [Sages] did not make the decree of the Muktzah prohibition. [They did] not even [apply the decree against] carrying in a Karmalis [in such a situation], as is explained [next]. [Admur 308:28; based on Michaber 308:18; Admur 308:49]
[5] Admur 308:49; Michaber ibid
[6] Simple implication of Poskim in 308, as otherwise there would be no novelty in this ruling. [SSH”K 23 footnote 71 in name of Rav SZ”A] See previous footnote for opinion of Admur!
[7] Olas Shabbos 308; Biur Halacha 518:3 “Leshamto”
[8] Piskeiy Teshuvos 308:19
[9] In 308:28 it says that when the Muktzah item poses a public safety hazard then one may move it, being, in such a case the decree of Muktzah was never instituted. This would imply that if it only poses a hazard to an individual, it would be forbidden for him to move it and he would have to be careful to avoid the item. Vetzaruch Iyun what is the reason to differentiate between a hazard to an individual or to the public.
[10] The M”B [308:77] rules that by a hazard to one’s household (in one’s house) one may move a Muktzah item, as by Muktzah the Sages allowed to move it even if it does not pose a public hazard, and only regarding carrying from one domain to another were they stringent to only allow moving the hazard if it endangers the public.
[11] SSH”K 25:8
[12] SSH”K 25:8