Subpart T
Under 1926.860, selective demolition by explosives must be conducted in accordance with the applicable sections of Subpart U. See Selective demolition by explosives — 1926.860 and the broader 29 CFR Part 1926 for context.
The governing rule is [1926.860], which directs that selective demolition by explosives follow the applicable sections of Subpart U. See Selective demolition by explosives — 1926.860 and consult the other sections of 29 CFR Part 1926 that make up Subpart U (Blasting and Explosives) for specific requirements.
Under 1926.860, the employer is responsible for conducting selective demolition by explosives in compliance with the applicable sections of Subpart U. See Selective demolition by explosives — 1926.860 and the general employer obligations found throughout 29 CFR Part 1926. Additionally, employers must assess hazards and provide suitable PPE when required, as explained in OSHA's interpretation on PPE hazard assessments (see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28).
If explosive demolition may disturb asbestos-containing building materials, the OSHA construction asbestos standard applies: employers must follow 29 CFR 1926.1101. OSHA confirms that remediation and disturbance of asbestos in construction activities are covered under the construction asbestos standard in the Asbestos remediation protocols Letter of Interpretation.
Yes — employers must assess the workplace to determine if hazards exist that require personal protective equipment and provide written certification when PPE is required. OSHA's interpretation on PPE hazard assessments explains these obligations; see the PPE hazard assessment requirements Letter of Interpretation and the broader regulatory framework in 29 CFR Part 1926.
For Class I asbestos work where exposures exceed 1 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc) as an 8-hour TWA, employers must provide full facepiece supplied‑air respirators (SARs) operated in pressure‑demand mode with an auxiliary positive‑pressure self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). This requirement is described in OSHA's interpretation on respirator selection for asbestos work; see the Respirator selection for asbestos work Letter of Interpretation and consult 29 CFR 1926.1101 for the construction asbestos standard.
Yes — where explosive demolition creates fall or falling-object hazards, employers must provide fall protection and falling object protections consistent with OSHA's fall and scaffold requirements. OSHA's scaffold and fall protection interpretation points to the fall protection rules in 29 CFR 1926.451(g) and falling object protection in 29 CFR 1926.451(h); see the Scaffold and fall protection clarification Letter of Interpretation along with 1926.860.
If work disturbs arsenic-treated or chemically treated wood, employers must follow OSHA's Hazard Communication requirements and provide training and information about those hazards. OSHA explains that exposures to treated wood dust are covered by the Hazard Communication standard in the Arsenic-treated wood standard coverage Letter of Interpretation; also see 1926.860 for the requirement to follow Subpart U when explosives are used in demolition.
Yes — where OSHA sanitation standards apply to construction sites, employers must provide sanitation facilities (restrooms, potable water, etc.) for employees working on or near the demolition site as required by OSHA construction sanitation rules. OSHA's interpretation about sanitation applicability explains that sanitation requirements in 29 CFR 1926.51 apply to construction activities; see the OSHA sanitation standards applicability Letter of Interpretation and 1926.860.
Under 1926.860, employers must conduct explosive selective demolition in compliance with Subpart U and must identify and control hazards through appropriate measures (engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE) as part of compliance with OSHA requirements. For hazard assessment and PPE selection guidance, see OSHA's PPE hazard assessment requirements Letter of Interpretation and 1926.860.
Employers should identify potential airborne contaminants and take appropriate monitoring and protective steps (air monitoring, exposure assessment, engineering controls, and proper respiratory protection) consistent with applicable OSHA standards. If asbestos is a possibility, follow the construction asbestos rules in 29 CFR 1926.1101 as clarified in the Asbestos remediation protocols Letter of Interpretation; for PPE and hazard assessment requirements see the PPE hazard assessment requirements Letter of Interpretation and refer to 1926.860.