Perimeter column safety guidelines

Place the column splice high enough so it does not interfere with attachments used for perimeter safety cables or other necessary column attachments.

• The non-mandatory guideline in Appendix F to Subpart R explains that when holes in the column web are used for perimeter safety cables, "the column splice must be placed sufficiently high so as not to interfere with any attachments to the column necessary for the column splice." See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e).

Yes — Appendix F recommends placing column splices at every other level or at every fourth level, as the design allows.

• The guideline states that splices "are recommended to be placed at every other or fourth levels as design allows," and notes that third-level splices should be avoided when possible because they can harm the erection process. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e).

Because third-level splices can be detrimental to the erection process and may interfere with temporary or permanent attachments needed for safe erection and fall protection.

• Appendix F explicitly states that "column splices at third levels are detrimental to the erection process and should be avoided if possible." Avoiding these mid-range splice locations helps prevent conflicts with perimeter safety cable attachments and other erection hardware. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e).

Practically, "sufficiently high" means placing the splice above the highest permanent or temporary attachment point (such as perimeter cable anchor holes, brackets, decking connections, or brace connections) so those attachments and their fasteners are not obstructed by the splice.

• To put this into practice, coordinate with the erector and designer to locate the splice so that safety cable holes and other attachment features are below the splice or otherwise unobstructed. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e).

Common column attachments that could be interfered with include perimeter safety cable anchor points (holes in the web), temporary erection brackets, decking connections, bracing or guy attachment points, and anchor-bolt or clip angles used for floors.

• The Appendix F guidance focuses on holes in the column web used for perimeter cables but the same interference risk applies to any attachment necessary for erection or fall-protection systems. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e).

The employer (including designers, erectors, and general contractors) is responsible for planning and coordinating splice locations so they do not interfere with safety attachments or erection operations.

• Appendix F provides non-mandatory guidance for complying with 1926.756(e). Employers must implement measures to protect workers on walking/working surfaces, and coordinating splice placement is part of that obligation under the construction standards in 1926.

Yes — a splice can be placed at a third level if design or site constraints require it, but it should be avoided when possible and only used after evaluating and controlling the resulting hazards.

• Appendix F recommends avoiding third-level splices because they can disrupt erection, but it does not outright ban them; instead, employers should plan to control any risks created by atypical splice locations. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e). Employers should document their hazard assessment and protective measures as part of their safety plan; OSHA emphasizes the need for workplace hazard assessments in practice (see OSHA’s PPE hazard assessment guidance at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28).

Yes — splice locations can directly affect the installation and effectiveness of perimeter safety cables and other fall-protection attachments, so splices must be located to avoid interfering with those systems.

• Appendix F specifically addresses holes in the column web used for perimeter safety cables and instructs that splices be positioned so they won’t interfere with necessary attachments. When determining fall protection requirements for suspended or elevated work platforms, OSHA also directs employers to follow the fall protection rules in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L and M (for example 1926.451(g)). See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e).

Splice-location coordination should occur during design and erection planning so splice heights, hole locations, and attachment details are resolved before fabrication and field erection.

• Appendix F recommends planning splice placement (for example, at every other or every fourth level as design allows) to avoid interference with safety attachments. Early coordination reduces field changes that could compromise fall-protection or erection operations. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e).

The Appendix F perimeter column text is non-mandatory guidance; it offers recommended practices to help comply with the mandatory requirement in [1926.756(e)].

• Appendix F is titled "Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying With 1926.756(e)," meaning the appendix explains ways to meet the mandatory rule but is not itself a regulation. The underlying requirement is in 1926.756(e); Appendix F provides practical recommendations on splice placement. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e).

Inspect column splices to confirm they are at the planned elevation, verify that web holes or attachments for perimeter cables are unobstructed, and ensure no splice components block or weaken attachment points.

• Recommended checks include verifying splice height vs. attachment locations, confirming hole alignment and clearance for cable anchors, and ensuring splices are fully assembled per design before installing perimeter safety cables. These steps follow the Appendix F guidance to prevent interference with attachments and support compliance with 1926.756(e) and the broader 1926 construction standards.

Alternatives include using temporary clamp-on anchors or brackets, welded or bolted anchor plates placed clear of the splice, perimeter guardrail systems, or other engineered fall-protection anchors that do not rely on web holes obstructed by the splice.

• Any alternative must provide equivalent or better protection and be installed per the equipment/manufacturer instructions and applicable fall-protection rules. Appendix F highlights the problem of web-hole interference and implies the need to plan for alternate attachment methods when splice placement conflicts with cable holes. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e). Also review fall-protection requirements found in OSHA guidance on suspended/scaffold fall protection at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2023-12-05.

Document the decision with an engineering justification, a written hazard assessment, and a description of the controls or alternate anchorage methods used to protect workers.

• OSHA emphasizes completing hazard assessments and documenting PPE and control decisions in practice (see OSHA's PPE hazard assessment interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28). Although Appendix F is non-mandatory, keeping written records showing why a non-recommended splice location was necessary and how hazards were controlled supports compliance with 1926.756(e) and good safety management. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R).

Yes — splice placement can affect erection sequencing, access, and connection methods, so splice location should be considered during erection planning to avoid disrupting the erection process.

• Appendix F warns that certain splice placements (for example, at third levels) are "detrimental to the erection process." Employers and erectors should plan splice heights to minimize rework, avoid blocked attachment points for safety systems, and maintain safe access and connection sequences. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R) and 1926.756(e).

Designers, structural engineers, erectors, and safety professionals should collaborate to select splice locations that meet structural requirements while preserving attachment points for perimeter safety systems.

• Appendix F's recommendations reflect the need for coordination between design and erection trades to avoid interference with safety cable holes and other attachments; involving safety staff early supports compliance with 1926.756(e) and good construction safety practice. See the Perimeter Columns guidelines (Appendix F to Subpart R).