1926.756: Beams and Columns in Steel Erection
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.
In this article
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
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification on the use of double connections at beams not framing into columns. (2012-06-01)
- Do the requirements in §1926.756(c) apply to double connections made at a beam away from a column? (2006-05-09)
- Whether ladders must be provided for access/egress for employees climbing columns to make initial connections; whether the initial connection referenced in Question #42 of Directive Number CPL 02-01-034 must be by two wrench-tight bolts? (2005-09-19)
- Requirements for perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables in the Steel Erection standard. (2003-08-26)
- Decision to release the new compliance directive for the steel erection standard in draft form. (2001-12-21)
- History and background of the Steel Erection Final Rule. (2001-09-27)
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.756(a) General 1 citations
- 1926.756(a)(1) 1 citations
- 1926.756(c) 1 citations
- 1926.756(c)(1) Double connections at columns and/or at beam webs over a column 1 citations
- 1926.756(e) Perimeter columns
- 1926.756(e)(1)
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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
- 29 CFR 1926.756 (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 2026-10-19
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.