Bracing of masonry block walls. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Standard Number:

1926.706

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

February 16, 1993

Mr. Mark W. Monson
Manager of Projects
Chicagoland Construction
Safety Council
4415 W. Harrison St.
Suite 403
Hillside, IL 60162

Dear Mr. Monson:

This is in response to your September 24 letter requesting an interpretation of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard addressing the construction of masonry block walls. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

With regard to the procedure of not bracing the scaffolded side of a wall until after the wall is completed and the scaffold is removed, please be advised that all walls over eight feet in height, and not otherwise adequately supported, must be braced to prevent overturning or collapse of the wall in either direction. The degree of difficulty in bracing the scaffolded side of a wall depends on the type of scaffold used. For example, because there are fewer components that would get in the way of bracing installation, a mason tower type of scaffold might be an easier system to install bracing around than would be a tubular welded frame system.

As you know, the requirements for masonry block walls contained in 1926.706 address two wall heights. For walls eight feet and less in height, the employer has the option of adequately supporting the wall during and after construction or establishing a limited access zone on the unscaffolded side as outlined in paragraphs 1926.706 a(1) through (5). For walls over eight feet in height, the option of maintaining a limited access zone may not be used in lieu of adequately bracing or supporting the wall to prevent collapse or overturning in either direction.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact me or Dale Cavanaugh of my staff at (202) 219-8136.

Sincerely,

Roy F. Gurnham, Director
Office of Construction and Maritime
Compliance Assistance

September 24, 1992

Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

Ms. Clark,

I have recently been asked how to interpret 1926.706(5)(b) regarding bracing of masonry block walls. The question that was asked is this: It is industry practice to brace masonry block walls on the side opposite the scaffolding system being used to build the wall. After the scaffold is dismantled, bracing on that side is then put in place, this is due to the interference of the scaffold which prohibits the installation of bracing on the scaffold side until the scaffold is dismantled. Is this practice in compliance with the above mentioned standard? Could compliance be achieved by only allowing those workers building the wall to be on the unbraced side? I have researched ANSI 10.9a - 1989 regarding masonry construction and neither OSHA nor ANSI address this question. As a note - The scaffold in use is masonry scaffolding with standard cross-bracing.

I appreciate your time and efforts and await your reply.

Sincerely,

Mark W. Monson
Manager of Projects
Chicagoland Construction
Safety Council
4415 W. Harrison St.
Suite 403
Hillside, IL 60162