OSHA 1926.701(b): guarding protruding reinforcing steel
Under 29 CFR 1926.701(b), all protruding reinforcing steel that workers could fall onto or into must be guarded to eliminate the hazard of impalement.
Official text
(b) Reinforcing steel. All protruding reinforcing steel, onto and into which employees could fall, shall be guarded to eliminate the hazard of impalement.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- The rule applies wherever workers could fall onto or into protruding reinforcing steel.
- Guarding must eliminate the impalement hazard, not just cover sharp ends.
- Many plastic rebar caps are made for scratch protection only. Use caps or troughs designed and tested for impalement where impalement is possible.
Where it shows up on site
- Vertical dowels along a walkway or below a working deck
- Footing and wall starter bars left uncapped after the pour
- Scratch-only caps where workers could fall from above
Verify on site before you call it
A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:
- Could employees fall onto the protruding rebar from an adjacent work level?
- What is the height of the protruding rebar and surrounding work surface?
- What activity is the worker performing near the rebar?
- Are rebar caps or covers installed but not visible in the photo?
Typical corrective actions
- Install rebar caps, covers, or other guarding on exposed vertical bar ends where fall exposure exists.
- Have a competent person verify guarding is in place before employees work at or near the rebar.
- Restrict access or provide fall protection where employees could fall onto the protruding bars.
Related standards
This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.