1926.858: Removing Steel Construction
When floor arches have been removed, planking must be provided for workers razing the steel framing. Cranes and hoisting equipment must meet subparts N and CC. Steel must be dismantled column length by column length and tier by tier, and no structural member being dismembered may be overstressed.
Key takeaways
- 1926.858 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart T).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $34,875 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most-cited part: 1926.858(d) (4 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.858, "Removal of steel construction", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart T). It has 4 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 1926.858 (4 paragraphs)
(a) When floor arches have been removed, planking in accordance with § 1926.855(b) shall be provided for the workers engaged in razing the steel framing.
(b) Cranes, derricks, and other hoisting equipment. Employers must meet the requirements specified in subparts N and CC of this part.
(c) Steel construction shall be dismantled column length by column length, and tier by tier (columns may be in two-story lengths).
(d) Any structural member being dismembered shall not be overstressed. Open (d) 4 citations
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979 , 75 FR 48135, Aug. 9, 2010; 77 FR 49730, Aug. 17, 2012; 78 FR 23843, Apr. 23, 2013]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.858.
On October 31, 2023, Employee #1 and Employee #2 were conducting demolition operations for a site preparation contractor. The 11-story coal tipple collapsedtrapping the two employees under the rubble, killing them.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.858, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.858.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.858(d) 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How must steel construction be dismantled?
Column length by column length, and tier by tier (columns may be in two-story lengths).
What protection is needed after floor arches are removed?
Planking in accordance with 1926.855(b) for the workers razing the steel framing.
Can a member be overloaded while being cut apart?
No. Any structural member being dismembered shall not be overstressed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.858 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
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.