1926.758: Erecting Systems-Engineered Metal Buildings
Steel erection rules apply to systems-engineered metal buildings, except column anchorage and open web joists. Each column needs at least four anchor rods, and rigid frames need 50 percent of their bolts or the maker's number, whichever is greater, tightened before releasing the hoist. Joists must be fully bolted or welded at both ends before workers or loads go on them, and construction loads must stay within 8 feet of the primary support member's center-line.
Key takeaways
- 1926.758 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $173,393 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most-cited part: 1926.758(f) (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.758, "Systems-engineered metal buildings", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It has 12 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 1926.758 (12 paragraphs)
(a) All of the requirements of this subpart apply to the erection of systems-engineered metal buildings except §§ 1926.755 (column anchorage) and 1926.757 (open web steel joists).
(b) Each structural column shall be anchored by a minimum of four anchor rods (anchor bolts).
(c) Rigid frames shall have 50 percent of their bolts or the number of bolts specified by the manufacturer (whichever is greater) installed and tightened on both sides of the web adjacent to each flange before the hoisting equipment is released. 1 citations
(d) Construction loads shall not be placed on any structural steel framework unless such framework is safely bolted, welded or otherwise adequately secured. Open (d) 1 citations
(e) In girt and eave strut-to-frame connections, when girts or eave struts share common connection holes, at least one bolt with its wrench-tight nut shall remain connected to the first member unless a manufacturer-supplied, field-attached seat or similar connection device is present to secure the first member so that the girt or eave strut is always secured against displacement.
(f) Both ends of all steel joists or cold-formed joists shall be fully bolted and/or welded to the support structure before: Open (f) 2 citations
(1) Releasing the hoisting cables; Open (f)(1)
(2) Allowing an employee on the joists; or Open (f)(2)
(3) Allowing any construction loads on the joists. Open (f)(3)
(g) Purlins and girts shall not be used as an anchorage point for a fall arrest system unless written approval is obtained from a qualified person. Open (g) 2 citations
(h) Purlins may only be used as a walking/working surface when installing safety systems, after all permanent bridging has been installed and fall protection is provided. Open (h) 1 citations
(i) Construction loads may be placed only within a zone that is within 8 feet (2.5 m) of the center-line of the primary support member. Open (i)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.758.
At 12:20 p.m. on November 5, 2023, Employee #1 was working for a structural steel contractor. Employee #1 walked approximately 12 feet along two metal purlins. Employee #1, who had disconnected his lifeline, slipped, and fell approximately 12 feet to the concrete slab below. Employee…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Evaluation if moving point-to-point on concrete wall to make initial connections of structural steel is "connecting" work; landing loads on systems-engineered metal building. (2005-04-05)
- 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
- 1926.758(f) 2 citations
- 1926.758(g) 2 citations
- 1926.758(d) 1 citations
- 1926.758(h) 1 citations
- 1926.758(f)(1)
- 1926.758(f)(2)
- 1926.758(f)(3)
- 1926.758(i)
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Frequently asked questions
How many anchor rods must each column have?
A minimum of four anchor rods (anchor bolts).
Can purlins be used as a fall arrest anchor?
Not unless written approval is obtained from a qualified person.
Where can construction loads be placed?
Only within a zone within 8 feet (2.5 m) of the center-line of the primary support member.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.758 (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.