Bridging terminus point guidelines

The Appendix C illustrations are non-mandatory guidance and are not mandatory requirements. Appendix C provides visual, example designs to help employers comply with the mandatory text in 1926.757(a)(10) and 1926.757(c)(5), but they do not replace the obligations in the standard itself; employers must meet the requirements of the standard even if they choose a different, but equally protective, method. See Appendix C to Subpart R for the non-mandatory illustrations.

Yes — temporary guy cables are shown in Appendix C as an acceptable temporary means to secure bridging terminus points provided they give the required stability. The non-mandatory illustrations in Appendix C include examples titled "HORIZONTAL BRIDGING TERMINUS POINT SECURED BY TEMP. GUY CABLES" and "DIAGONAL BRIDGING TERMINUS POINT SECURED BY TEMP. GUY CABLES." Employers must still ensure that the temporary cables and attachments meet the performance expectations of 1926.757(c)(5) and the overall requirements of 1926.757 (for example, adequate strength and secure anchorage).

Appendix C shows several acceptable example details for anchoring horizontal bridging at a wall, including bolted connections and direct attachment to structural elements. The illustrations in Appendix C titled "HORIZONTAL BRIDGING TERMINUS AT WALL" provide visual examples; however, employers must ensure the chosen anchorage method complies with the performance and safety expectations of 1926.757(a)(10) and the rest of 1926.757, including that attachments are secure and capable of resisting anticipated forces.

Yes — Appendix C presents "X-bridging" as an optional non-mandatory method that can be used at a bridging terminus point. The illustration titled "HORIZONTAL BRIDGING TERMINUS AT STRUCTURAL SHAPE WITH OPTIONAL "X-BRIDGING"" in Appendix C shows that X-bridging is one acceptable illustrative technique; employers must still meet the substantive requirements in 1926.757(a)(10) when implementing it.

Yes — Appendix C includes illustrations showing bridging terminus points at a joist pair and at a joist pair with a horizontal truss. The images "JOISTS PAIR BRIDGING TERMINUS POINT" and "JOISTS PAIR BRIDGING TERMINUS POINT W/HORIZ. TRUSS" in Appendix C show example terminations; employers must still ensure such terminations meet the requirements of 1926.757(c)(5) and the overall strength, attachment, and stability expectations in 1926.757.

Bolted diagonal bridging at a wall is shown in Appendix C and can be used if the connection and components are secure and capable of resisting expected loads. The illustrations "BOLTED DIAGONAL BRIDGING TERMINUS AT WALL" in Appendix C provide examples, but employers must ensure the bolts, plates, and attachment points are appropriate for the job and satisfy the performance expectations of 1926.757(a)(10) and 1926.757. When in doubt, consult a qualified engineer or the site’s competent person to verify adequacy.

The employer must ensure that whatever method is used—whether matching an Appendix C illustration or another design—meets the mandatory safety requirements of 1926.757 and 1926.757(c). Appendix C provides non-mandatory example details (see Appendix C), but the employer remains responsible for ensuring attachments, components, and installation are adequate for the loads, provide required stability, and are inspected and maintained in accordance with the standard.

Yes — Appendix C includes both horizontal and diagonal bridging terminus illustrations as non-mandatory examples. The Appendix contains images labeled "HORIZONTAL BRIDGING TERMINUS" and "BOLTED DIAGONAL BRIDGING TERMINUS" that demonstrate different terminus configurations; employers should use these examples as guidance while meeting the mandatory requirements of 1926.757(a)(10) and the rest of 1926.757.

Yes — Appendix C includes an illustration titled "HORIZONTAL BRIDGING TERMINUS AT PANEL WALL" showing a bridging terminus at a panel wall as a non-mandatory example. Employers must still ensure that any attachment to a panel wall complies with the performance expectations of 1926.757(a)(10) and 1926.757 regarding stability and strength.

No — employers should not treat the Appendix C illustrations as a prescriptive checklist; they are non-mandatory examples meant to assist in compliance. Appendix C explicitly provides illustrative, non-mandatory guidance (Appendix C), and employers must still satisfy the mandatory elements and performance criteria in 1926.757(c)(5) and the other applicable provisions of 1926.757. Documenting the basis for your chosen method (engineering, competent person verification, etc.) is good practice.

If site conditions differ from Appendix C illustrations, employers should use a design and attachment method that provides equal or greater protection and have it verified by a competent person or qualified engineer. Appendix C offers non-mandatory examples (Appendix C), but the employer remains responsible for meeting the requirements of 1926.757(a)(10) and 1926.757(c)(5). Relying on competent-person or engineering judgment helps show that the chosen solution is adequate.

No — Appendix C illustrations do not eliminate the need for engineering calculations when those calculations are necessary to ensure a termination is safe. Appendix C is non-mandatory guidance (Appendix C), and employers must still meet the substantive requirements of 1926.757(a)(10) and 1926.757; where load paths, connections, or unusual conditions require engineering analysis, a qualified engineer or competent person should perform and document those analyses.

No — Appendix C provides illustrative examples but is not exhaustive. The Appendix C drawings in Appendix C show commonly used methods such as horizontal and diagonal terminations, bolted connections, joist-pair terminations, and temporary guy cables, but employers may use other methods that meet the mandatory requirements of 1926.757 and its subsections like 1926.757(a)(10) and 1926.757(c)(5) as long as the alternative provides equal or better protection.

An employer should document the basis for using an Appendix C example by recording which illustration was followed, noting any site-specific deviations, and keeping evidence that the termination meets 1926.757(c)(5) and 1926.757—for example, photographs, engineer or competent-person approval, design calculations, and inspection records. Appendix C (Appendix C) is non-mandatory guidance, so documenting how your method meets the mandatory standards demonstrates due diligence and compliance.