Subpart H
The employer must ensure materials are handled and stored so they do not create hazards to employees. Employers should arrange, stack, and secure materials to prevent collapse, sliding, or tipping and provide safe access around stored materials. See the Requirement in 1926.250 and the broader 1926 Subpart H materials-handling provisions for the full duties and examples.
Loose material must be piled, stacked, or racked in a way that prevents sliding, collapse, or accidental displacement. Use stable bases, level surfaces, and appropriate tiering or blocking to secure piles; avoid stacking too high relative to the pile base so stability is maintained. For specific stacking rules and examples, refer to 1926.250 and the general requirements in 1926 Subpart H.
Materials stored on floors, platforms, or scaffolds must be arranged so they do not create a hazard from tipping, collapsing, or overloading the supporting structure. Employers must ensure storage does not exceed the rated load for scaffolds or platforms and maintain clear access and egress. See 1926.250 for requirements on safe storage locations and load limits.
Long or bulky materials must be blocked, chocked, or otherwise restrained to prevent rolling, sliding, or falling. Use wedge blocks, cribbing, or racks to secure cylindrical items and avoid single high stacks that can become unstable. See the handling and blocking guidance in 1926.250.
Employers must store materials so they do not block passageways, stairways, exits, or other means of egress and must maintain clear access for employees. If storage must be near these areas, it must be arranged to preserve safe travel routes and emergency exits. See 1926.250 for related requirements.
Employers should maintain storage areas by removing or controlling hazards such as protruding nails, sharp edges, splinters, and loose strapping so materials do not create injuries when handled. Regular housekeeping, inspection, and repair or covering of hazardous edges should be used. See the general storage safety obligations in 1926.250.
Conveyors, chutes, and bins must be used and maintained to prevent loads from falling or shifting, and employees must be protected from contact with moving parts. Employers must guard pinch points and provide safe means to clear jams. For operational and guarding rules, see 1926.250.
Employers must secure materials stored or handled at elevations to prevent falling, using guardrails, stops, barriers, or tie-downs and by keeping workers clear of drop zones. Ensure storage tiers are secure and that workers use appropriate fall or falling-object protection where required. See the fall and falling object control guidance in 1926.250 and other related construction standards in 1926 Subpart H.
Yes. Compressed gas cylinders must be stored upright, secured to prevent tipping, and separated by type (e.g., oxygen vs. fuel gases) with appropriate valves capped when not in use. Cylinders should be kept away from heat sources and handled per the manufacturer's guidance. See 1926.250 for compressed gas safety and related storage requirements.
Pallets and crates must be stacked and stored on stable, level surfaces, with adequate support and blocking so stacks do not tip or collapse. Avoid overhanging loads and keep stack heights within safe limits for the materials in use. See the stacking and piling guidance in 1926.250.
Masonry materials must be stacked on level, stable ground with adequate blocking and distance between tiers to prevent leaning or collapse; stacks should be kept to safe heights and away from edges where they could fall onto workers. When in doubt, reduce stack height and secure the stacks. See masonry storage guidance in 1926.250.
Reinforcing steel must be stored and stacked to prevent collapse and should have exposed ends covered or bent to eliminate impalement hazards; when stored at elevations, ends should be guarded or capped. Follow the storage precautions in 1926.250 and related protective measures in 1926 Subpart H.
Heavy rolls should be stored on chocks, racks, or cradles and restrained to prevent rolling; store them in a way that provides stable support and prevents uncontrolled movement. See the general roll-storage and blocking recommendations in 1926.250.
Flammable liquids and combustible materials must be stored in approved containers or cabinets, away from sources of ignition, and in accordance with applicable fire-safety guidance; keep quantities controlled and provide proper ventilation. Consult 1926.250 and applicable fire codes for detailed storage limits and segregation requirements.
When using cranes or hoists, employers must ensure loads are properly rigged, balanced, and secured; use qualified riggers and signal-persons where required and follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and applicable lifting rules. Inspect slings and rigging hardware before use and avoid lifting over workers. See lifting and materials-handling rules in 1926.250 and the broader construction safety provisions in 1926 Subpart H.
Employers must maintain storage areas in a clean and orderly condition, remove waste and debris that could create tripping or fire hazards, and ensure aisles and exits remain clear. Regular inspections and prompt cleanup are expected as part of compliance with 1926.250.
Stacking lumber on edge is acceptable only when it is stable, properly blocked, and restrained so it cannot tip; stacks on edge should be tied or braced and placed on level footing. Use racks or supports designed for upright storage and follow the stacking guidance in 1926.250.
Employees performing materials handling that exposes them to hazards must be trained in safe procedures, proper equipment use, and hazard recognition; employers must provide training and supervision appropriate to the task. Where PPE is required, employers must follow the PPE-assessment and certification requirements discussed in OSHA's PPE guidance, such as the letter clarifying hazard assessments: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28 and the applicable provisions in 1926.250.
No; employers should not rely solely on PPE when other hazard controls (like better storage, blocking, guarding, or engineering controls) can eliminate or reduce the hazard. OSHA guidance on PPE hazard assessment explains that PPE is part of a hierarchy of controls and must be selected after assessing hazards, with written certification when PPE is required, as summarized in https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28 alongside 1926.250.
Best practices include keeping stacks stable with blocking or restraint, limiting stack height, maintaining clear aisles, using mechanical handling where possible, and training workers to stay clear of unstable stacks. Regular inspections and immediate corrective action for leaning or damaged stacks are required under the general duties in 1926.250.
When demolition or removal may involve hazardous materials like asbestos, employers must follow the applicable hazardous-materials standards (for asbestos, see 29 CFR 1926.1101) and use appropriate controls, monitoring, and respiratory protection; treat materials as presumed asbestos-containing until evaluated. OSHA's asbestos interpretation clarifies that many remediation activities fall under the construction asbestos standard: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-11-14 and see general materials-handling obligations in 1926 Subpart H.
Before employees enter areas under hoisting operations, employers must control the load path, use tag lines or landing zones to prevent uncontrolled swinging, keep workers out of the fall zone, and communicate signals; where required, provide overhead protection or restrict access. See hoisting and materials handling provisions in 1926.250 and other crane/rigging standards in Subpart H of 1926 for detailed duties.
Employers must regularly inspect storage racks, slings, and rigging for damage, deformation, corrosion, or other defects and remove defective items from service until repaired or replaced; inspections should follow manufacturer guidance and occur before use. See the general inspection and maintenance obligations in 1926.250.