1926.700: Concrete and Masonry Rules: Scope and Definitions
The concrete and masonry subpart protects all construction employees from hazards of concrete and masonry operations in workplaces covered by part 1926, and other relevant parts of 1910 and 1926 also apply. This section defines terms such as bull float, formwork, lift slab, limited access zone, precast concrete, reshoring, shore and vertical slip forms.
Key takeaways
- 1926.700 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Q).
- Most-cited part: 1926.700(a) Scope and application.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.700, "Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Q). 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 1926.700 (11 paragraphs)
(a) Scope and application. This subpart sets forth requirements to protect all construction employees from the hazards associated with concrete and masonry construction operations performed in workplaces covered under 29 CFR part 1926. In addition to the requirements in subpart Q, other relevant provisions in parts 1910 and 1926 apply to concrete and masonry construction operations. Open (a)
(b) Definitions applicable to this subpart. In addition to the definitions set forth in § 1926.32, the following definitions apply to this subpart. Open (b)
(1) Bull float means a tool used to spread out and smooth concrete.
(2) Formwork means the total system of support for freshly placed or partially cured concrete, including the mold or sheeting (form) that is in contact with the concrete as well as all supporting members including shores, reshores, hardware, braces, and related hardware. Open (b)(2)
(3) Lift slab means a method of concrete construction in which floor, and roof slabs are cast on or at ground level and, using jacks, lifted into position.
(4) Limited access zone means an area alongside a masonry wall, which is under construction, and which is clearly demarcated to limit access by employees.
(5) Precast concrete means concrete members (such as walls, panels, slabs, columns, and beams) which have been formed, cast, and cured prior to final placement in a structure.
(6) Reshoring means the construction operation in which shoring equipment (also called reshores or reshoring equipment) is placed, as the original forms and shores are removed, in order to support partially cured concrete and construction loads.
(7) Shore means a supporting member that resists a compressive force imposed by a load.
(8) Vertical slip forms means forms which are jacked vertically during the placement of concrete.
(9) Jacking operation means the task of lifting a slab (or group of slabs) vertically from one location to another (e.g., from the casting location to a temporary (parked) location, or from a temporary location to another temporary location, or to its final location in the structure), during the construction of a building/structure where the lift-slab process is being used.
[53 FR 22643, June 16, 1988, as amended at 55 FR 42328, Oct. 18, 1990]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.700, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Standards and enforcement policy for construction concrete pumping operations using 'concrete boom pump trucks. ' (2013-05-02)
- Scaffolding/shoring (2005-04-11)
- Lift Slab Construction. (1987-09-26)
- Clarification of the term "clip" as used in the last sentence of the subject ANSI reference. (1985-02-26)
- Temporary bracing of brick walls during construction. (1978-09-11)
- Walers used as access ladders. (1978-03-22)
- Allowable TLV of coke gases at the breathing levels of the employees. (1977-08-17)
- The standard was not intended to apply to properly constructed and equipped solid fuel salamanders which are fueled by coke or coal and are used in structures under construction. (1977-03-25)
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.700(a) Scope and application
- 1926.700(b) Definitions applicable to this subpart
- 1926.700(b)(2) Formwork
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Frequently asked questions
What does the concrete and masonry subpart cover?
Hazards of concrete and masonry construction operations in workplaces covered under part 1926.
What is a limited access zone?
An area alongside a masonry wall under construction that is clearly marked to limit employee access.
What is reshoring?
Placing shoring equipment as the original forms and shores are removed, to support partially cured concrete and construction loads.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.700 (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.