Subpart Q
This subpart protects all construction employees working on concrete and masonry construction operations, and other relevant OSHA provisions also apply to those operations. See the Scope and application in 1926.700(a) which explains that the subpart sets requirements to protect construction employees and that "other relevant provisions in parts 1910 and 1926 apply".
Yes. This subpart uses the definitions in 1926.32 and adds specific terms used for concrete and masonry work. The standard text states that "in addition to the definitions set forth in 1926.32, the following definitions apply to this subpart," and then lists terms such as bull float, formwork, lift slab, limited access zone, precast concrete, reshoring, shore, vertical slip forms, and jacking operation. For the general definitions referenced, see 1926.32.
Formwork includes the entire support system for freshly placed or partially cured concrete — the forms in contact with the concrete plus all supporting members and hardware. The definition of "formwork" in 1926.700(b)(2) explicitly covers the mold or sheeting (form) and "all supporting members including shores, reshores, hardware, braces, and related hardware."
Reshoring is placing shoring equipment to support partially cured concrete as original forms and shores are removed. The definition in 1926.700(b)(6) states that reshoring is used "in order to support partially cured concrete and construction loads" when the original formwork is taken down.
A "lift slab" is the construction method; a "jacking operation" is the task of lifting slabs during that method. 1926.700(b)(3) defines "lift slab" as casting slabs at or near ground level and then using jacks to lift them into position, while 1926.700(b)(9) defines "jacking operation" as the task of lifting a slab (or group of slabs) from one location to another during the lift-slab process.
A "limited access zone" is an area next to a masonry wall under construction that is clearly marked to limit employee access. The definition in 1926.700(b)(4) requires the area be "clearly demarcated to limit access by employees," so employers should use physical barriers, signage, or other clear demarcation to keep unauthorized or unprotected workers out of that zone.
Yes—precast concrete elements are covered by the subpart and are defined as members formed, cast, and cured before final placement. The definition of "precast concrete" in 1926.700(b)(5) explains these are concrete members such as walls, panels, slabs, columns, and beams that are fabricated prior to installation.
A bull float is a hand tool used to spread and smooth concrete after placement. The definition in 1926.700(b)(1) simply states it "means a tool used to spread out and smooth concrete," so it is used during finishing operations soon after concrete is placed.
A "shore" is any supporting member that resists compressive forces from a load, and it is therefore a fundamental part of formwork support. The definition in 1926.700(b)(7) clarifies that a shore must be accounted for when designing and inspecting formwork systems because it resists vertical compressive loads from concrete and construction activities.
Yes—employers must follow this subpart and other relevant OSHA standards in parts 1910 and 1926 that apply to the work. The scope language in 1926.700(a) states that "other relevant provisions in parts 1910 and 1926 apply to concrete and masonry construction operations." For example, OSHA has clarified in a letter that remediation activities involving asbestos-containing building materials are covered by the construction asbestos standard [29 CFR 1926.1101] (see OSHA letter on asbestos remediation: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-11-14).
No—the definitions clarify terms used in this subpart but do not, by themselves, create new employer duties beyond applicable requirements in this subpart and other OSHA standards. The preamble to the rule and the definitions in 1926.700 are intended to clarify scope and terminology; employers must still follow the substantive requirements in this subpart and other relevant OSHA standards such as 1910 and other parts of 1926.
Vertical slip forms are forms that are jacked vertically during concrete placement and are used when continuously forming tall concrete elements. The definition in 1926.700(b)(8) describes them as "forms which are jacked vertically during the placement of concrete," typically used for structures like towers, columns, or silos where the formwork is raised as the concrete sets.
A jacking operation includes lifting slabs or groups of slabs vertically from one location to another during lift-slab construction, and employers must treat the lift and movement as a planned, controlled operation. The definition in 1926.700(b)(9) describes the task; because lifting and moving heavy slabs involve overhead hazards and potential falling-object risks, employers should follow applicable OSHA requirements (including head protection where overhead hazards exist — see OSHA head protection guidance: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-06-06-2) and implement engineered controls, clear exclusion zones, and worker training.
If remediation activities involve asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM), they are generally covered by OSHA's construction asbestos standard rather than the general industry asbestos standard, even if the contractor is not a typical construction company. OSHA clarified this in the asbestos remediation letter: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-11-14, which explains that remediation activities involving ACBM are covered by [29 CFR 1926.1101]. Although that standard is not part of subpart Q (concrete and masonry), it is an example of how other OSHA construction standards can apply.
Yes—employers should clearly demarcate limited access zones when masonry walls or other operations create a hazard area, and the definition of "limited access zone" in 1926.700(b)(4) requires the area be "clearly demarcated to limit access by employees." For lifting precast members, demarcation and exclusion of unprotected employees is a fundamental control to prevent entry into hazardous zones.
Yes—shores and reshores are explicitly part of the formwork system and must be considered during design and inspection. The definition of "formwork" in 1926.700(b)(2) includes "shores, reshores, hardware, braces, and related hardware," so employers should include those members in any inspections and safety checks.
The employer must control the jacking operation area by planning the lift, establishing exclusion zones, and using properly engineered jacking systems because a jacking operation moves heavy slabs and creates high hazards. The definitions of "lift slab" and "jacking operation" in 1926.700(b)(3) and (b)(9) describe the method and task, implying the need for planning, qualified personnel, and controls such as exclusion (e.g., limited access zones) and protective equipment; where overhead hazards exist, consult guidance like OSHA's head protection letter (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-06-06-2).
No—the applicable construction or general industry standard depends on the nature of the work; activities that fall under construction coverage should follow the construction standard. For example, OSHA explained in the asbestos remediation letter that remediation activities involving asbestos-containing building materials are covered by the construction asbestos standard [29 CFR 1926.1101] even when performed by remediation firms that are not typical construction contractors (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-11-14). The scope language in 1926.700(a) also reminds employers that other provisions in parts 1910 and 1926 apply as relevant.