1926.851: Demolition Stairs, Passageways and Ladders
During demolition, only stairways, passageways and ladders designated as access to the building may be used, and all other access ways must be closed at all times. These must be periodically inspected and kept clean and safe. In multistory buildings, a stairwell in use must be lit and covered not less than two floors below the work floor, with access to the work floor through a lighted, protected, separate passageway.
Key takeaways
- 1926.851 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart T).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.851, "Stairs, passageways, and ladders", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart T). It has 3 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 1926.851 (3 paragraphs)
(a) Only those stairways, passageways, and ladders, designated as means of access to the structure of a building, shall be used. Other access ways shall be entirely closed at all times.
(b) All stairs, passageways, ladders and incidental equipment thereto, which are covered by this section, shall be periodically inspected and maintained in a clean safe condition.
(c) In a multistory building, when a stairwell is being used, it shall be properly illuminated by either natural or artificial means, and completely and substantially covered over at a point not less than two floors below the floor on which work is being performed, and access to the floor where the work is in progress shall be through a properly lighted, protected, and separate passageway.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
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OSHA interpretation letters
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Frequently asked questions
Which stairways can be used during demolition?
Only those designated as means of access to the structure; other access ways must be entirely closed at all times.
How must a stairwell in use be protected in a multistory building?
It must be properly lit and completely and substantially covered over at a point not less than two floors below the floor where work is being performed.
How often must demolition access ways be inspected?
Periodically, and they must be kept in a clean, safe condition.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.851 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
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.