1926.855(b): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.855(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart T).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.855(b) is one requirement inside 1926.855 Manual removal of floors, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart T). 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
(b) Before demolishing any floor arch, debris and other material shall be removed from such arch and other adjacent floor area. Planks not less than 2 inches by 10 inches in cross section, full size undressed, shall be provided for, and shall be used by employees to stand on while breaking down floor arches between beams. Such planks shall be so located as to provide a safe support for the workmen should the arch between the beams collapse. The open space between planks shall not exceed 16 inches.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.855.
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.855(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of 29 CFR 1926.855(b) and (f) (1979-07-05)
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.855 (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.