1926.850: Demolition Preparatory Operations
Before demolition starts, a competent person must make an engineering survey of the structure and any exposed adjacent structures, with written evidence kept. Damaged structures must be shored or braced, utilities shut off or controlled outside the building line with utility companies notified, hazardous substances tested and purged, glass hazards removed, wall openings protected to about 42 inches, and dropped debris areas protected.
Key takeaways
- 1926.850 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart T).
- OSHA cited it 117 times in the last 3 years, in 102 inspections, with $715,693 in current penalties.
- 10 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (20), VA (10), PA (10).
- Most-cited part: 1926.850(a) (76 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.850, "Preparatory operations", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart T). 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 1926.850 (11 paragraphs)
(a) Prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey shall be made, by a competent person, of the structure to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure. Any adjacent structure where employees may be exposed shall also be similarly checked. The employer shall have in writing evidence that such a survey has been performed. Open (a) 76 citations
(b) When employees are required to work within a structure to be demolished which has been damaged by fire, flood, explosion, or other cause, the walls or floor shall be shored or braced. Open (b) 7 citations
(c) All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines shall be shut off, capped, or otherwise controlled, outside the building line before demolition work is started. In each case, any utility company which is involved shall be notified in advance. Open (c) 13 citations
(d) If it is necessary to maintain any power, water or other utilities during demolition, such lines shall be temporarily relocated, as necessary, and protected. 3 citations
(e) It shall also be determined if any type of hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives, flammable materials, or similarly dangerous substances have been used in any pipes, tanks, or other equipment on the property. When the presence of any such substances is apparent or suspected, testing and purging shall be performed and the hazard eliminated before demolition is started. 6 citations
(f) Where a hazard exists from fragmentation of glass, such hazards shall be removed. 1 citations
(g) Where a hazard exists to employees falling through wall openings, the opening shall be protected to a height of approximately 42 inches. 1 citations
(h) When debris is dropped through holes in the floor without the use of chutes, the area onto which the material is dropped shall be completely enclosed with barricades not less than 42 inches high and not less than 6 feet back from the projected edge of the opening above. Signs, warning of the hazard of falling materials, shall be posted at each level. Removal shall not be permitted in this lower area until debris handling ceases above. 1 citations
(i) All floor openings, not used as material drops, shall be covered over with material substantial enough to support the weight of any load which may be imposed. Such material shall be properly secured to prevent its accidental movement. 6 citations
(j) Except for the cutting of holes in floors for chutes, holes through which to drop materials, preparation of storage space, and similar necessary preparatory work, the demolition of exterior walls and floor construction shall begin at the top of the structure and proceed downward. Each story of exterior wall and floor construction shall be removed and dropped into the storage space before commencing the removal of exterior walls and floors in the story next below.
(k) Employee entrances to multi-story structures being demolished shall be completely protected by sidewalk sheds or canopies, or both, providing protection from the face of the building for a minimum of 8 feet. All such canopies shall be at least 2 feet wider than the building entrances or openings (1 foot wider on each side thereof), and shall be capable of sustaining a load of 150 pounds per square foot. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 102 inspections cited 1926.850 in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
10 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.850.
At 6:45 a.m. on February 24, 2025, Employee #1 was working as a construction laborer and was tearing down a hotel entrance canopy. The canopy also served as a carport for arriving guests. Employee #1 was under the canopy when it suddenlycollapsed. Employee #1 was…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 23 |
Top states: NY (20), VA (10), PA (10), KY (9), NJ (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALASKA DOT&PF | GIRDWOOD, AK | $113,136 |
| TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | TOMS RIVER, NJ | $56,000 |
| ICI CONSTRUCTION, INC. | FRIENDSWOOD, TX | $32,262 |
| GREENHEART COMPANIES LLC | YOUNGSTOWN, OH | $32,262 |
| JAMES G DAVIS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | ARLINGTON, VA | $31,750 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.850.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.850(a) 76 citations
- 1926.850(c) 13 citations
- 1926.850(b) 7 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What is required before demolition begins?
An engineering survey by a competent person of the structure's condition and possibility of unplanned collapse, with written evidence that it was done.
What must be done with utilities before demolition?
Electric, gas, water, steam, sewer and other lines must be shut off, capped or controlled outside the building line, and involved utility companies notified in advance.
How high must wall opening protection be?
Approximately 42 inches, where workers could fall through wall openings.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.850 (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 2026-11-06
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.