Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.858(d): Any structural member being dismembered shall not be overstressed: a) Gap Warehouse, 110 Merritt Blvd, Fishkill, NY 12524, Project #102860 Gap Fire Repair, Two Bays Constructed By Column B-8, B-9 and B-9.9 - On or about December 9, 2016, four workers who were required to perform demolition activities including torch burning, ground spotting, and heavy equipment operations on/and or near structural steel members, structural columns, and portions of roof OWSJ, within the two bays supported by columns B-8, B-9 and B-9.9. Demolition progressed in a manner which caused overstressing of columns thereby exposing workers and support crew to a potential unplanned structural collapse. Specifically, hinge cuts made near the base of these columns resulted in the columns being overstressed. Once the column was cut on three sides, the last remaining side was subjected to the axial stress due to the weight of the roof structure and flexural stress due to the eccentricity of the axial load. The typical HSS-12x12x3/8 column was subjected to an approximate 7,350 pounds (weight of the steel deck, OWSJ and roofing material over the tributary area supported by the column) at an eccentricity of nearly six inches. This loading condition resulted in approximately 152ksi stress which far exceeds the ultimate stress of 58ksi, for the grade of steel used for the columns.