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Double connections during steel erection

Summary An OSHA region asked about double connections while erecting beams and girders. OSHA accepted the described sequence with one end wrench-tight and the other finger-tight. A later correction directs readers to OSHA's 2002 steel-erection directive for current policy.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1978-05-31
Date issued
May 31, 1978
Status
Superseded
OSHA's June 20, 2005 correction directs readers to Directive CPL 02-01-034, published March 22, 2002, for the current steel-erection policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Steel Erection Double Connections
Source
View the official document

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This document has been superseded
OSHA's June 20, 2005 correction directs readers to Directive CPL 02-01-034, published March 22, 2002, for the current steel-erection policy. It no longer reflects the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

May 31, 1978

MEMORANDUM FOR: BARRY J. WHITE
Regional Administrator

THROUGH: DONALD E. MACKENZIE
Field Coordinator

FROM: BRUCE HILLENBRAND
Acting Director, [Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs]

SUBJECT: Request for Interpretation Clarification of Standard 1926.751(c) Pertaining to "Double Connection"

The "Double Connection" is frequently used in structural steel assembly to bolt perlins or beams to the web of girders. The procedure you described is acceptable for the erection of beams or girders at columns, provided the bolts are wrench-tight after the initial connection at one end of the beams or girder and finger tight at the other end.
[Correction 6/20/2005. See OSHA Directive CPL 02-01-034 "Inspection policy and procedures for OSHA's steel erection standards for construction" published on 3/22/2002 for the current policy on OSHA's steel erection standards (1926 Subpart R) for construction.]

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