<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>l95516aexv23w1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>
<PAGE>


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

         Pursuant to Rule 437a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(Release No. 33-8070, effective March 18, 2002), Olympic Steel, Inc. is not
required to obtain or file the written consent of its independent public
accountants, Arthur Andersen LLP.





</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
