29 CFR 1926 · Construction · Subpart R

1926.756: Beams and Columns in Steel Erection

By Black Belt Safety Editorial Team Official text as of octubre 15, 2026 Data updated octubre 20, 2026 3 min read

In plain words:

During final placing of solid web structural members, the load must not be released from the hoisting line until each connection has at least two bolts drawn up wrench-tight or the equivalent, and a competent person decides if cantilevered members need more. Diagonal bracing needs at least one bolt per connection, and double connections must keep at least one bolt connected unless a seat or equivalent device is used.

Key takeaways

  • 1926.756 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
  • OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $5,306 in current penalties.
  • Most-cited part: 1926.756(a) General (1 citations).
  • Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
2citations, 3 years
$5,306current penalties
2inspections
0linked injury cases
In this article
  1. What this rule covers
  2. Official text
  3. Where and how often it was cited
  4. Free toolbox talk
  5. OSHA interpretation letters
  6. Most-cited parts of this rule
  7. Get your crew competent
  8. Frequently asked questions
  9. About this page

What this rule covers

29 CFR 1926.756, "Beams and columns", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It has 11 numbered paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.

Official text

Show the full text of 1926.756 (11 paragraphs)

(a) General. Open (a) 1 citations

(1) During the final placing of solid web structural members, the load shall not be released from the hoisting line until the members are secured with at least two bolts per connection, of the same size and strength as shown in the erection drawings, drawn up wrench-tight or the equivalent as specified by the project structural engineer of record, except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section. Open (a)(1) 1 citations

(2) A competent person shall determine if more than two bolts are necessary to ensure the stability of cantilevered members; if additional bolts are needed, they shall be installed.

(b) Diagonal bracing. Solid web structural members used as diagonal bracing shall be secured by at least one bolt per connection drawn up wrench-tight or the equivalent as specified by the project structural engineer of record.

(c) Open (c) 1 citations

(1) Double connections at columns and/or at beam webs over a column. When two structural members on opposite sides of a column web, or a beam web over a column, are connected sharing common connection holes, at least one bolt with its wrench-tight nut shall remain connected to the first member unless a shop-attached or field-attached seat or equivalent connection device is supplied with the member to secure the first member and prevent the column from being displaced (See appendix H to this subpart for examples of equivalent connection devices). Open (c)(1) 1 citations

(2) If a seat or equivalent device is used, the seat (or device) shall be designed to support the load during the double connection process. It shall be adequately bolted or welded to both a supporting member and the first member before the nuts on the shared bolts are removed to make the double connection.

(d) Column splices. Each column splice shall be designed to resist a minimum eccentric gravity load of 300 pounds (136.2 kg) located 18 inches (.46 m) from the extreme outer face of the column in each direction at the top of the column shaft.

(e) Perimeter columns. Perimeter columns shall not be erected unless: Open (e)

(1) The perimeter columns extend a minimum of 48 inches (1.2 m) above the finished floor to permit installation of perimeter safety cables prior to erection of the next tier, except where constructibility does not allow (see appendix F to this subpart); Open (e)(1)

(2) The perimeter columns have holes or other devices in or attached to perimeter columns at 42-45 inches (107-114 cm) above the finished floor and the midpoint between the finished floor and the top cable to permit installation of perimeter safety cables required by § 1926.760(a)(2), except where constructibility does not allow. (See appendix F to this subpart).

Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.

Where and how often it was cited

Free toolbox talk

A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.756, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.




OSHA interpretation letters

Most-cited parts of this rule

Get your crew competent

Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes

Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.

Frequently asked questions

How many bolts before releasing the hoisting line?

At least two bolts per connection, of the same size and strength as shown in the erection drawings, drawn up wrench-tight or the equivalent, except as specified for diagonal bracing.

Who decides if cantilevered members need more bolts?

A competent person.

What is required for diagonal bracing?

At least one bolt per connection drawn up wrench-tight or the equivalent.

About this page

Sources

3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.

Written and reviewed by

Black Belt Safety Editorial Team

Site Safety Officer and Safety Professional

OSHA 30 · CPR · USACE CQM

Written and reviewed by the Black Belt Safety team. Every post is checked against the OSHA standard or agency source it cites.

Desplácese hacia arriba