Temporary bracing of masonry walls

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

September 11, 1978

Mr. G. Camardo
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Camardo:

This is in response to your letter concerning the temporary bracing of brick walls during construction. Please accept our apology for the delay in response.

Citations for failure to shore or brace masonry walls are cited solely as a Section 5(a)(1) violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as discussed in the attached OSHA Program Directive #100-50 on the same subject. It should also be noted, however, that 29 CFR 1926.700(a) of the Construction Safety and Health Regulations (copy enclosed) does incorporate by reference all the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) requirements in A 10.9-1970.

Paragraph 12.5 of ANSI A10.9-1970 requires masonry walls to be temporarily shored and braced until the designed lateral strength is reached, to prevent collapse due to wind or other forces.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
John K. Barto, Chief
Division of Occupational
Safety Programming

Enclosures