Ergonomic
Cuts, lacerations, and impalement
Cuts from sheet metal, glass, blades, and banding, and impalement on exposed rebar. 1926.701(b) requires protruding reinforcing steel that workers could fall onto or into to be guarded against impalement.
Where it shows up
- Handling sheet metal, duct, and metal studs
- Utility knives for opening material and cutting insulation
- Exposed rebar dowels and vertical bars
- Glass and glazing
Controls, most effective first
Work down the list. Rely on PPE only for the risk the controls above it cannot remove.
| Level | Control |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Rebar caps or troughs rated for impalement protection |
| Self-retracting or safety knives | |
| Edge protection on slings around sharp corners | |
| Administrative | Cut away from your body |
| Dispose of blades in a closed container | |
| PPE | Cut-resistant gloves and sleeves |
PPE to list on the JHA
Cut-resistant glovesSafety glasses with side protection1926.102
OSHA standards
| Citation | Title |
|---|---|
| 29 CFR 1926.701 | General requirements (concrete and masonry) |
| 29 CFR 1926.95 | Criteria for personal protective equipment |
Federal OSHA construction standards. State plans can be stricter, and owners or contracts can add requirements. This page is general information. Check the full standard for your work.