Steel construction removal requirements

Yes. When floor arches have been removed, employers must provide planking for workers engaged in razing the steel framing in accordance with the standard.Requirement in 1926.858(a)

• The planking must meet the specifications referenced by the steel-removal rule, which point you to the planking requirements found in 1926.855(b).
• Planking provides a stable working surface and helps prevent falls and accidental drops of materials while framing members are being razed.

Employers must install planking that meets the specifications described in 1926.855(b) whenever planking is required by 1926.858(a). See 1926.855(b).

• 1926.855(b) sets the minimum characteristics and placement requirements for planking used as temporary walking/working surfaces during demolition or razing activities.
• Use planking that is of adequate strength and secured to prevent movement; follow the exact configuration, spans, and supports outlined in 1926.855(b) to ensure worker safety.

Employers must ensure cranes, derricks, and other hoisting equipment used during steel removal meet the requirements specified in the applicable subparts of the construction standards. See 1926.858(b).

• The standard requires compliance with the provisions in the construction rules for hoisting equipment (refer to the relevant subparts N and CC cited in 1926.858(b)).
• That means operators, inspections, rigging, load charts, signals, and other equipment-specific controls must conform to those subparts' requirements; employers should consult the specific subpart rules for detailed obligations. See 29 CFR part 1926 for the full regulatory text.

Steel construction must be dismantled column length by column length, and tier by tier, with columns permitted to be in two‑story lengths. See 1926.858(c).

• Follow a controlled sequence so that the structure remains stable as members are removed.
• Avoid removing multiple adjacent columns or tiers at once unless engineered supports and controls are in place; the rule allows columns to be removed in two‑story lengths when done safely.

Yes. 1926.858(c) explicitly allows columns to be dismantled in two‑story lengths as part of tier‑by‑tier, column‑by‑column dismantling. See 1926.858(c).

• Even when two‑story lengths are used, employers must ensure the removal sequence does not compromise stability or create a hazardous condition for workers.

No. Any structural member being dismembered must not be overstressed during removal. See 1926.858(d).

• Prevent overstressing by using proper cutting sequences, temporary supports, bracing, and by controlling loads transferred to remaining members.
• Employers should plan the dismantling so that load paths are maintained or temporarily replaced before removing load‑bearing components.

The 1926.858 text itself does not explicitly require a written dismantling plan, but it prescribes mandatory methods (e.g., column‑by‑column, tier‑by‑tier removal and controls to avoid overstressing members) that employers must follow. See 1926.858.

• Although not explicitly written into 1926.858, documenting the removal sequence, load controls, and equipment plans is a common and practical way to demonstrate compliance with the standard's requirements.
• Employers should incorporate these procedures into their job‑site safety plans and ensure workers understand the sequence and controls before work begins.

If full planking described in 1926.855(b) cannot be installed after floor arches are removed, the employer must still provide an equivalent safe working surface or protective measure so workers are not exposed to hazards. See 1926.858(a) and 1926.855(b).

• Any alternative must offer the same level of protection as the required planking (adequate strength, secure attachment, and stable footing).
• Employers should not let workers operate on unsafe or unsupported surfaces and must implement fall protection and other controls until compliant planking or equivalent protection is in place.

Yes. Compliance with the hoisting equipment requirements referenced in 1926.858(b) includes meeting the detailed provisions of the applicable subparts (which address operator qualification, inspections, rigging, and equipment safeguards). See 1926.858(b) and 29 CFR part 1926.

• Although 1926.858(b) refers employers to the specific subparts (N and CC), those subparts contain the explicit requirements for operator training/qualification, pre‑use and periodic inspections, and rigging practices that must be followed when hoisting during steel removal.

Employers should use temporary supports, bracing, controlled cutting sequences, and load monitoring to ensure structural members are not overstressed while being dismembered. See 1926.858(d).

• Provide shores, props, or temporary frames before removing load‑bearing connections.
• Sequence cuts so that remaining members are not suddenly forced to carry additional unplanned loads.
• Use taglines, controlled lifts, and qualified rigging to manage transferred loads; stop work and reassess if unexpected movement or stress is observed.

Yes. 1926.858(c) requires dismantling column length by column length and tier by tier, so employers must remove members in a controlled tier‑by‑tier sequence rather than removing many adjacent tiers at once. See 1926.858(c).

• If an employer needs to alter the sequence for practical reasons, they must ensure the alternate method maintains stability and prevents overstressing of remaining members in accordance with 1926.858(d).