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29 CFR 1926.850: Preparatory operations

Subpart T—Demolition

767citations since 2015
627employers cited
80%serious, willful or repeat
$2,100median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1926.850 767 times since 2015, against 627 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $2,907,071 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1926.850(a) · 499 citations

(a) Prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey shall be made, by a competent person, of the structure to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure. Any adjacent structure where employees may be exposed shall also be similarly checked. The employer shall have in writing evidence that such a survey has been performed.

1926.850(c) · 71 citations

(c) All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines shall be shut off, capped, or otherwise controlled, outside the building line before demolition work is started. In each case, any utility company which is involved shall be notified in advance.

1926.850(b) · 38 citations

(b) When employees are required to work within a structure to be demolished which has been damaged by fire, flood, explosion, or other cause, the walls or floor shall be shored or braced.

1926.850(i) · 38 citations

(i) All floor openings, not used as material drops, shall be covered over with material substantial enough to support the weight of any load which may be imposed. Such material shall be properly secured to prevent its accidental movement.

1926.850(g) · 29 citations

(g) Where a hazard exists to employees falling through wall openings, the opening shall be protected to a height of approximately 42 inches.

1926.850(e) · 27 citations

(e) It shall also be determined if any type of hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives, flammable materials, or similarly dangerous substances have been used in any pipes, tanks, or other equipment on the property. When the presence of any such substances is apparent or suspected, testing and purging shall be performed and the hazard eliminated before demolition is started.

1926.850(k) · 18 citations

(k) Employee entrances to multi-story structures being demolished shall be completely protected by sidewalk sheds or canopies, or both, providing protection from the face of the building for a minimum of 8 feet. All such canopies shall be at least 2 feet wider than the building entrances or openings (1 foot wider on each side thereof), and shall be capable of sustaining a load of 150 pounds per square foot.

1926.850(h) · 17 citations

(h) When debris is dropped through holes in the floor without the use of chutes, the area onto which the material is dropped shall be completely enclosed with barricades not less than 42 inches high and not less than 6 feet back from the projected edge of the opening above. Signs, warning of the hazard of falling materials, shall be posted at each level. Removal shall not be permitted in this lower area until debris handling ceases above.

Industries cited most

  • Construction 688
  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 29
  • Manufacturing 19
  • Wholesale Trade 8
  • Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 6
  • Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 4

States cited most

Recently cited employers