Demolition rules for interior rehabilitation work

January 27, 1994 [Reviewed 11/03/2017]

Mr. Paul Vincent Bonfiglio
Vincent Safety Service Company
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Bonfiglio:

This is in response to your November 9 letter requesting an interpretation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards addressing demolition safety. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

With regard to whether 29 CFR 1926, Subpart T applies to a "Gut Re-Hab" project that does not disturb exterior walls, roof or foundation, please be advised that OSHA's demolition regulations do apply to the removal of ceilings and interior non-load bearing walls and partitions. When OSHA does not specifically define a term, such as "demolition," in our standards, we use recommended standard definitions such as those listed in American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standards. The ANSI A10.6-1990 standard for demolition operations defines "demolition" as the dismantling, razing, or wrecking of any fixed building or structure or any part thereof. The ANSI A10.6 committee which is responsible for developing the safety requirements for demolition operations has informed us that the committee intentionally included in their definition of demolition all partial dismantling and razing activities including those where structural members of the structure are not removed. Accordingly, Subpart T applies not only to dismantling, razing, or wrecking activities, but to activities involving rehabilitation, repair, or remodeling including those where no removal of load supporting structural members takes place.

With regard to whether an engineering survey must be made prior to starting a rehab project as required by 1926.850(a), please be advised that the scope of the engineering survey depends on the nature of the work to be performed (e.g. whether load bearing structural members are removed and the condition of the existing structure.) If a rehab project does not affect the load bearing structural components of the structure and is performed within an environment known to be free from structural hazards, then a violation of 1926.850(a) would be considered to be de minimis and an engineering survey would not be necessary.

However, while some of these situations may not require an engineering survey, there may be additional hazards associated with a demolition project, rehab project, or portions in a larger demolition project. These hazards may include removal of non-structural walls, internal systems such as equipment, piping or machinery, as examples, which could potentially fall, collapse, and/or result in an injury to an employee. In these cases, the General Safety and Health Provisions in Subpart C of 29 CFR 1926 will help prevent or minimize potential employee exposures. For example, the hazard recognition provisions in 1926.21(b)(2) and the accident prevention responsibilities in 1926.20(b) may be applicable.*

With regard to the use of scaffolds, please be advised that all scaffolds used in demolition must comply with the requirements in Subpart L of part 1926.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA requirements are set by statue, standards, and regulations. Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirement but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impact a standard, or changes in technology affect the interpretation. To assure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020.*

Sincerely,

Roy F. Gurnham, P.E., J.D.
Director
Office of Construction and Maritime
Compliance Assistance

*[This letter has been modified (substantive changes) on 11/03/2017 and reflects current OSHA regulations and policies.]

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]