Small Business Safety Management Series

OSHA 3150

2002 (Revised)

Scaffold Use in the

Construction Industry

A Guide to
This informational booklet is intended to provide

a generic, non-exhaustive overview of a particular

standards-related topic. This publication does not

itself alter or determine compliance responsibilities,

which are set forth in OSHA standards themselves

and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of

1970.

Moreover, because interpretations and enforcement

policy may change over time, for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements, the reader

should consult current administrative interpretations

and decisions by the Occupational Safety and

Health Review Commission and the courts.

Material contained in this publication is in the

public domain and may be reproduced, fully or

partially, without permission of the Federal

Government. Source credit is requested but not

required.

This information will be made available to sensory

impaired individuals upon request.

Voice phone: (202) 219-8615;

Teletypewriter (TTY): (887) 889-5627
Small Business Safety Management Series

U.S. Department of Labor

Elaine L. Chao, Secretary

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

John L. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary

OSHA 3150

2002 (Revised)

A Guide to Scaffold Use

in the Construction Industry
How to Use This Booklet .............................................................................................................................. v

Summary ....................................................................................................................................................... 1

General Requirements for Scaffolds §1926.451 ......................................................................................... 3

Capacity .................................................................................................................................................... 3

Scaffold Platform Construction ................................................................................................................ 3

Criteria for Supported Scaffolds............................................................................................................... 4

Criteria for Suspended Scaffolds .............................................................................................................. 4

Access Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 7

Use Requirements .................................................................................................................................... 7

Fall Protection Requirements ................................................................................................................... 7

Falling Object Protection.......................................................................................................................... 8

Specific Scaffold §1926.452 and Aerial Lift Requirements §1926.453 ..................................................... 9

Training Requirements §1926.454 ............................................................................................................ 10

Non-Mandatory Appendices to the Standard .......................................................................................... 11

OSHA Assistance, Services, and Programs .............................................................................................. 12

Safety and Health Program Management Assistance ............................................................................. 12

State Plans .............................................................................................................................................. 12

Consultation Assistance.......................................................................................................................... 12

Voluntary Protection Programs .............................................................................................................. 13

OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program .................................................................................................. 14

Training and Education .......................................................................................................................... 15

Other Assistance Materials ..................................................................................................................... 15

OSHA Regional and Area Offices ............................................................................................................. 16

OSHA-Approved Safety and Health Plans............................................................................................... 21

OSHA Onsite Consultation Offices........................................................................................................... 23

Construction Focused Inspection Guidelines........................................................................................... 28

Regulatory Text.......................................................................................................................................... 29

Contents iii

Contents
v

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

charges the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with protecting all working men

and women across the United States. To do so, the

agency sets federal standards1

 for general industry,

construction, and shipyard employment. OSHA also

promotes a variety of voluntary programs that strive

to form partnerships with businesses, labor, and

other groups to help employers provide safer and

more healthful workplaces for employees. Some of

the agency’s voluntary initiatives include safety and

health management programs, the Voluntary Protection Programs, consultation assistance, and training

and education programs and grants. For more

information on these outreach efforts, see page 12 of

this booklet.

The agency’s recent rule, Safety Standards for

Scaffolds Use in the Construction Industry rule aims

to protect workers using scaffolding in construction

work. Scaffolding hazards continue to rank high on

the list of the most frequently cited standards in the

construction industry. Scaffold-related fatalities

account for a significant number of fatalities in the

construction workplace. This booklet addresses

some of the most common questions about OSHA’s

scaffold standard. It is all part of the agency’s effort

to provide guidance to employers who need help in

complying with OSHA’s standards to protect the

working men and women across the nation.

This booklet is organized in a question and

answer format to highlight pertinent information

that employers and employees need to know. The

subjects addressed in each question follow the basic

organization of the standard. In addition, each

answer references the regulatory text where that

particular information can be located. These references appear at the end of each answer in boldface

type.

An appendix also includes an alphabetical index

to the standard for quick reference.

It is important to note that the question and

answer section of this booklet simply provides an

overview of the standard. For compliance with all

of the regulation’s requirements, refer to the regulatory text or Title 29 of the Code Federal Regulations

(CFR) Part 1926, Subpart L.

How to Use This Booklet

1 Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act

of 1970, P.L. 91-596, encourages states to develop and

operate, under OSHA guidance, their own job safety and

health plans. An OSHA-approved state plan must have

safety and health requirements at least as effective as those

of Federal OSHA and must adopt comparable state

standards within 6 months of promulgation of federal

standards.

How to Use This Booklet
Summary and Explanation of the Final Rule 1

What are the highlights of the scaffolding

standard?

OSHA’s scaffolding standard has several key

provisions:

• Fall protection or fall arrest systems—Each employee more than 10 feet above a lower level shall

be protected from falls by guardrails or a fall arrest

system, except those on single-point and two-point

adjustable suspension scaffolds. Each employee on

a single-point and two-point adjustable suspended

scaffold shall be protected by both a personal fall

arrest system and a guardrail. 1926.451(g)(1)

• Guardrail height—The height of the toprail for

scaffolds manufactured and placed in service after

January 1, 2000 must be between 38 inches (0.9

meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters). The height of

the toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in

service before January 1, 2000 can be between 36

inches (0.9 meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters).

1926.451(g)(4)(ii)

• Crossbracing—When the crosspoint of

crossbracing is used as a toprail, it must be

between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 48 inches (1.3

meters) above the work platform.

1926.451(g)(4)(xv)

• Midrails— Midrails must be installed approximately halfway between the toprail and the platform

surface. When a crosspoint of crossbracing is used

as a midrail, it must be between 20 inches (0.5

meters) and 30 inches (0.8 m) above the work

platform. 1926.451(g)(4)

• Footings—Support scaffold footings shall be level

and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold. The

legs, poles, frames, and uprights shall bear on base

plates and mud sills. 1926.451(c)(2)

• Platforms—Supported scaffold platforms shall be

fully planked or decked. 1926.451(b)

• Guying ties, and braces—Supported scaffolds with

a height-to-base of more than 4:1 shall be restained

from tipping by guying, tying, bracing, or the

equivalent. 1926.451(c)(1)

• Capacity—Scaffolds and scaffold compponents

must support at least 4 times the maximum intended

load. Suspension scaffold rigging must at least 6

times the intended load. 1926.451(a)(1) and (3)

• Training—Employers must train each employee

who works on a scaffold on the hazards and the

procedures to control the hazards. 1926.454

• Inspections—Before each work shift and after any

occurrence that could affect the structural integrity,

a competent person must inspect the scaffold and

scaffold components for visible defects.

1926.451(f)(3)

• Erecting and Dismantling—When erecting and

dismantling supported scaffolds, a competent

person2

 must determine the feasibility of providing a

safe means of access and fall protection for these

operations. 1926.451(e)(9) & (g)(2)

When is a competent person required for

scaffolding?

OSHA’s scaffolding standard defines a competent

person as “one who is capable of identifying existing

and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working

conditions, which are unsanitary, hazardous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”

The standard requires a competent person to perform

the following duties under these

circumstances:

• In General:

- To select and direct employees who erect, dismantle, move, or alter scaffolds. 1926.451(f)(7)

- To determine if it is safe for employees to work on

or from a scaffold during storms or high winds

and to ensure that a personal fall arrest system or

wind screens protect these employees. (Note:

Windscreens should not be used unless the

scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind

forces imposed.) 1926.451(f)(12)

• For Training:

- To train employees involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting scaffolds to recognize associated work hazards. 1926.454(b)

• For Inspections:

- To inspect scaffolds and scaffold components for

visible defects before each work shift and after

any occurrence which could affect the structural

integrity and to authorize prompt corrective

actions. 1926.451(f)(3)

2 See the standard’s requirements for and definition of a

competent person in the next question.

Summary
2

- To inspect ropes on suspended scaffolds prior

to each workshift and after every occurrence

which could affect the structural integrity and

to authorize prompt corrective actions.

1926.451(d)(10)

- To inspect manila or plastic (or other synthetic) rope being used for toprails or midrails.

1926.451(g)(4)(xiv)

• For Suspension Scaffolds:

- To evaluate direct connections to support the

load. 1926.451 (d)(3)(i)

- To evaluate the need to secure two-point and

multi-point scaffolds to prevent swaying.

1926.451(d)(18)

• For Erectors and Dismantlers:

- To determine the feasibility and safety of

providing fall protection and access.

1926.451(e)(9) and 1926.451(g)(2)

- To train erectors and dismantlers (effective

September 2, 1997) to recognize associated

work hazards. 1926.454(b)

• For Scaffold Components:

- To determine if a scaffold will be structurally

sound when intermixing components from

different manufacturers. 1926.451(b)(10)

- To determine if galvanic action has affected

the capacity when using components of

dissimilar metals. 1926.451(b)(11)

When is a qualified person required for

scaffolding?

The standard defines a qualified person as “one

who—by possession of a recognized degree,

certificate, or professional standing, or who by

extensive knowledge, training, and experience—has

successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or

resolve problems related to the subject matter, the

work, or the project.”

The qualified person must perform the following

duties in these circumstances:

• In General:

- To design and load scaffolds in accordance

with that design. 1926.451(a)(6)

• For Training:

- To train employees working on the scaffolds

to recognize the associated hazards and

understand procedures to control or minimize

those hazards. 1926.454(a)

• For Suspension Scaffolds:

- To design the rigging for single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. 1926.452(o)(2)(i)

- To design platforms on two-point adjustable

suspension types that are less than 36 inches

(0.9 m) wide to prevent instability.

1926.452(p)(1)

- To make swaged attachments or spliced eyes

on wire suspension ropes. 1926.451(d)(11)

• For Components and Design:

- To design scaffold components construction in

accordance with the design. 1926.451(a)(6)

When is an engineer required?

The standard requires a registered professional

engineer to perform the following duties in these

circumstances:

• For Suspension Scaffolds:

- To design the direct connections of masons’

multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

1926.451(d)(3)( i)

• For Design:

- To design scaffolds that are to be moved when

employees are on them. 1926.451(f)(5)

- To design pole scaffolds over 60 feet (18.3

meters) in height. 1926.452(a)(10)

- To design tube and coupler scaffolds over 125

feet (38 meters) in height. 1926.452(b)(10)

- To design fabricated frame scaffolds over 125

feet (38 meters) in height above their base

plates. 1926.452(c)(6)

- To design brackets on fabricated frame scaffolds used to support cantilevered loads in

addition to workers. 1926.452(c)(5)

- To design outrigger scaffolds and scaffold

components. 1926.452(i)(8)

What other standards apply to scaffolds?

29 CFR contains other standards that apply to

construction work such as the responsibility to initiate

and maintain programs (1926.29(b)(1)); exposures to

dusts and chemicals (1926.33, .55, .59, .62, and

.1101); hand and power tools (1926.300 - .307);

electrical (1926.300 - .449); personal fall arrest

systems (1926.502); and ladders (1926.1050 - .1060).

Summary
Capacity

What are the capacity requirements for all

scaffolds?

Each scaffold and scaffold component must

support without failure its own weight and at least

four times the maximum intended load applied or

transmitted to it. 1926.451(a)(1)

A qualified person must design the scaffolds,

which are loaded in accordance with that design.

1926.451(a)(6)

Scaffolds and scaffold components must not be

loaded in excess of their maximum intended loads

or rated capacities, whichever is less.

1926.451(f)(1)

Load carrying timber members should be a

minimum of 1,500 lb-f/in2

 construction grade

lumber. Appendix A (1)(a)

Scaffold Platform Construction

What are scaffold platform construction

requirements?

Each platform must be planked and decked as

fully as possible with the space between the

platform and uprights not more than 1 inch (2.5

centimeters) wide. The space must not exceed 9

inches (24.1 centimetersm) when side brackets or

odd-shaped structures result in a wider opening

between the platform and the uprights.

1926.451(b)(1)

What are the requirements for scaffold

planking?

Scaffold planking must be able to support,

without failure, its own weight and at least four

times the intended load. 1926.451(a)(1)

Solid sawn wood, fabricated planks, and fabricated platforms may be used as scaffold planks

following the recommendations by the manufacturer or a lumber grading association or inspection

agency. Appendix A (1)(b) and (c)

Tables showing maximum permissible spans,

rated load capacity, and nominal thickness are in

Appendix A (1)(b) & (c) of the standard.

General Requirements for Scaffolds §1926.451

What is the maximum deflection of a

platform?

The platform must not deflect more than 1/60 of

the span when loaded. 1926.451(f)(16)

Are there requirements for work on

platforms cluttered with debris?

The standard prohibits work on platforms

cluttered with debris. 1926.451(f)(13)

How wide does the work area need to be

on scaffolding?

Each scaffold platform and walkway must be at

least 18 inches (46 centimeters) wide. When the

work area is less than 18 inches (46 centimeters)

wide, guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems

must be used. 1926.451(b)(2)

Are guardrails required on all open sides

of scaffolding?

The standard requires employers to protect each

employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m)

above a lower level from falling to that lower level.

1926.451(g)(1)

To ensure adequate protection, install guardrails

along all open sides and ends before releasing the

scaffold for use by employees, other than the

erection and dismantling crews. 1926.451(g)(4)

Guardrails are not required, however,

• When the front end of all platforms are less than

14 inches (36 centimeters) from the face of the

work; 1926.451(b)(3)

• When outrigger scaffolds are 3 inches

(8 centimeters) or less from the front edge;

1926.451(b)(3)(l)

• When employees are plastering and lathing

18 inches (46 centimeters) or less from the front

edge. 1926.451(b)(3)(ii)

What materials are unacceptable for

 guardrails?

Steel or plastic banding must not be used as a

toprail or a midrail. 1926.451(g)(4)(xiii)

General Requirements for Scaffolds §1926.451

3
4

Criteria for Supported Scaffolds

What are supported scaffolds?

Supported scaffolds are platforms supported by

legs, outrigger beams, brackets, poles, uprights,

posts, frames, or similar rigid support. 1926.451(b)

The structural members, poles, legs, posts,

frames, and uprights, must be plumb and braced to

prevent swaying and displacement. 1926.451(c)(3)

Do employees working on supported

scaffolds need to be trained?

All employees must be trained by a qualified

person to recognize the hazards associated with the

type of scaffold being used and how to control or

minimize those hazards. The training must include

fall hazards, falling object hazards, electrical

hazards, proper use of the scaffold, and handling of

materials. 1926.454(a)

When do supported scaffolds need to be

restrained from tipping?

Supported scaffolds with a height to base width

ratio of more than 4:1 must be restrained by guying, tying, bracing, or an equivalent means.

1926.451(c)(1)

How can one prevent supported

scaffolding from tipping?

Either the manufacturers’ recommendation or the

following placements must be used for guys, ties,

and braces:

• Install guys, ties, or braces at the closest horizontal member to the 4:1 height and repeat

vertically with the top restraint no further than

the 4:1 height from the top.

• Vertically—every 20 feet (6.1 meters) or less for

scaffolds less than three feet (0.91 meters) wide;

every 26 feet (7.9 meters) or less for scaffolds

more than three feet (0.91 meters) wide.

• Horizontally—at each end; at intervals not to

exceed 30 feet (9.1 meters) from one end.

1926.451(c)(1)

What are the footing and foundation

requirements for supported scaffolds?

Supported scaffolds’ poles, legs, posts, frames, and

uprights must bear on base plates and mud sills, or other

adequate firm foundation. 1926.451(c)(2)(i) and (ii)

May forklifts, front-end loaders, or similar

equipment support platforms?

Forklifts can support platforms only when the

entire platform is attached to the fork and the forklift

does not move horizontally when workers are on the

platform. 1926.451(c)(2)(v)

Front-end loaders and similar equipment can

support scaffold platforms only when they have been

specifically designed by the manufacturer for such

use. 1926.451(c)(2)(iv)

What materials can be used to increase

the working level height of employees on

supported scaffolds?

Stilts may be used on a large area scaffold. When

a guardrail system is used, the guardrail height must

be increased in height equal to the height of the stilts.

The manufacturer must approve any alterations to the

stilts. 1926.452(v)

Note: A large area scaffold consists of a pole, tube

and coupler systems, or a fabricated frame scaffold

erected over substantially the entire work area.

1926.451(b)

Criteria for Suspended Scaffolds

What are suspension scaffolds?

A suspension scaffold contains one or more

platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid

means from an overhead structure, 1926.450(b),

such as the following scaffolds: single-point, multipoint, multi-level, two-point, adjustable, boatswains’

chair, catenary, chimney hoist, continuous run,

elevator false car, go-devils, interior hung, masons’,

and stone setters’.

General Requirements for Scaffolds §1926.451
5

Are there requirements for suspension

scaffolds?

Some of the requirements for all types of

suspension scaffolds include:

• Employers must ensure that all employees are

trained to recognize the hazards associated with the

type of scaffold being used. 1926.451(d)(1)

• All support devices must rest on surfaces capable

of supporting at least four times the load imposed

on them by the scaffold when operating at the rated

load of the hoist, or at least one-and-a-half times

the load imposed on them by the scaffold at the

stall capacity of the hoist, whichever is greater.

1926.451(d)(1)

• A competent person must evaluate all direct

connections prior to use to confirm that the supporting surfaces are able to support the imposed

load, 1926.451(d)(1)

• All suspension scaffolds must be tied or otherwise

secured to prevent them from swaying, as determined by a competent person. 1926.451(d)

• Guardrails, a personal fall arrest system, or both

must protect each employee more than 10 feet

(3.1 meters) above a lower level from falling.

1926.451(g)

• A competent person must inspect ropes for

defects prior to each workshift and after every

occurrence that could affect a rope’s integrity.

1926.451(d)(10)

• When scaffold platforms are more than 24

inches (61 centimeters) above or below a point

of access, ladders, ramps, walkways, or similar

surfaces must be used. 1926.451(e)(1)

• When using direct access, the surface must not

be more than 24 inches (61 centimeters) above

or 14 inches (36 cm) horizontally from the

surface. 1926.451(e)(8)

• When lanyards are connected to horizontal

lifelines or structural members on single-point

or two-point adjustable scaffolds, the scaffold

must have additional independent support lines

equal in number and strength to the suspension

lines and have automatic locking devices.

1926.451(g)(3)(iii)

• Emergency escape and rescue devices must not

be used as working platforms, unless designed

to function as suspension scaffolds and

emergency systems. 1926.451(d)(19)

Are there specific requirements for

counterweights?

Counterweights used to balance adjustable

suspension scaffolds must be able to resist at least

four times the tipping moment imposed by the

scaffold operating at either the rated load of the

hoist, or one-and-a-half (minimum) times the

tipping moment imposed by the scaffold operating

at the stall load of the hoist, whichever is greater.

1926.451(a)(2)

Only those items specifically designed as counterweights must be used. 1926.451(d)(3)(iii)

Counterweights used for suspended scaffolds

must be made of materials that can not be easily

dislocated. Flowable material, such as sand or

water, cannot be used. 1926.451(d)(3)(ii)

Counterweights must be secured by mechanical

means to the outrigger beams. 1926.451(d)(3)(iv)

Vertical lifelines must not be fastened to

counterweights. 1926.451(g)(3)(i)

Can sand, masonry units, or rolls of

roofing felt be used for counterweights?

No. Such materials cannot be used as

counterweights. 1926.451(d)(3)(ii) and (iii)

What are the specific requirements for

outrigger beams?

Outrigger beams (thrustouts) are the structural

members of a suspension or outrigger scaffold that

provide support. 1926.450(b) They must be placed

perpendicular to their bearing support.

1926.451(d)(3)(viii)

Where do tiebacks for outrigger beams,

cornice hooks, roof hooks, roof irons,

parapet clamps, or similar devices need

to be secured?

Tiebacks must be secured to a structurally sound

anchorage on the building or structure. Sound

anchorages do not include standpipes, vents, other

piping systems, or electrical conduit.

1926.451(d)(3)(ix) and (d)(5)

General Requirements for Scaffolds §1926.451
THE NEED FOR PPE

6

How do tiebacks need to be installed?

A single tieback must be installed perpendicular

to the face of the building or structure. Two tiebacks

installed at opposing angles are required when a

perpendicular tieback cannot be installed.

1926.451(d)(3)(x)

What are the requirements for

suspension ropes?

The suspension ropes must be long enough to

allow the scaffold to be lowered to the level below

without the rope passing through the hoist, or the

end of the rope configured to prevent the end from

passing through the hoist. 1926.451(d)(6)

The standard prohibits using repaired wire.

1926.451(d)(7)

Drum hoists must contain no less than four wraps

of the rope at the lowest point. 1926.451(d)(6)

Employers must replace wire rope when the

following conditions exist: kinks; six randomly

broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires

in one strand in one lay; one third of the original

diameter of the outside wires is lost; heat damage;

evidence that the secondary brake has engaged the

rope; and any other physical damage that impairs

the function and strength of the rope.

1926.451(d)(10)

Suspension ropes supporting adjustable suspension scaffolds must be a diameter large enough to

provide sufficient surface area for the functioning

of brake and hoist mechanisms. 1926.451(f)(10)

Suspension ropes must be shielded from

heat-producing processes. 1926.451(f)(11)

What are some of the requirements for

power-operated suspension scaffold

hoists?

Power-operated hoists used to raise or lower a

suspended scaffold must be tested and listed by a

qualified testing laboratory. 1926.451(d)(13)

The stall load of any scaffold hoist must not

exceed three times its rated load. 1926.451(a)(5)

The stall load is the load at which the prime-mover

(motor or engine) of a power-operated hoist stalls

or the power to the prime-mover is automatically

disconnected. 1926.451(b)

Gasoline power-operated hoists or equipment are

not permitted. 1926.451(d)(14)

Drum hoists must contain no less than four wraps

of suspension rope at the lowest point of scaffold

travel. 1926.451(d)(6)

Gears and brakes must be enclosed.

1926.451(d)(15)

An automatic braking and locking device, in

addition to the operating brake, must engage when

a hoist makes an instantaneous change in momentum or an accelerated overspeed. 1926.451(d)(16)

What are some of the requirements for

manually operated suspension scaffold

hoists?

Manually operated hoists used to raise or lower a

suspended scaffold must be tested and listed by a

qualified testing laboratory. 1926.451(d)(13)

These hoists require a positive crank force to

descend. 1926.451(d)(17)

When can welding be done from a

suspension scaffold?

Welding can be done from suspended scaffolds

when

• A grounding conductor is connected from the

scaffold to the structure and is at least the size of

the welding lead;

• The grounding conductor is not attached in

series with the welding process or the work

piece;

• An insulating material covers the suspension

wire rope and extends at least four feet (1.2

meters) above the hoist;

• Insulated protective covers cover the hoist;

• The tail line is guided, retained, or both, so that

it does not become grounded;

• Each suspension rope is attached to an insulated

thimble; and

• Each suspension rope and any other independent

lines are insulated from grounding.

1926.451(f)(17)

What materials can be used to increase

the working level height of employees on

suspended scaffolds?

No materials or devices may be used to increase

the working height on a suspension scaffold. This

includes ladders, boxes, and barrels.

1926.451(f)(14) and (15)

General Requirements for Scaffolds §1926.451
7

Access Requirements

What are the requirements for access to

scaffolds?

Employers must provide access when the scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet (0.6 meters)

above or below a point of access. 1926.451(e)(1)

Direct access is acceptable when the scaffold is

not more than 14 inches (36 centimeters) horizontally and not more than 24 inches (61centimeters)

vertically from the other surfaces. 1926.451(e)(8)

The standard prohibits the use of crossbraces as a

means of access. 1926.451(e)(1)

What types of access can be used?

Several types of access are permitted:

• Ladders, such as portable, hook-on, attachable,

and stairway 1926.451 (e)(2),

• Stair towers 1926.451(e)(4),

• Ramps and walkways 1926.451(e)(5), and

• Integral prefabricated frames (1926.451(e)(6).

What are the access requirements for

employees erecting and dismantling

supported scaffolds?

Employees erecting and dismantling supported

scaffolding must have a safe means of access

provided when a competent person has determined

the feasibility and analyzed the site conditions.

1926.451(e)

Use Requirements

Does the standard prohibit any types of

scaffolds?

Shore and lean-to scaffolds are strictly

prohibited. 1926.451(f)(2)

Also, employees are prohibited from working on

scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other slippery

materials, except to remove these substances.

1926.451(f)(8)

What are the clearance distances

between scaffolds and powerlines?

The standard requires specific clearance distances. See page 42 of this publication and

1926.451(f)(6) for a table listing those distances.

Fall Protection Requirements

What is fall protection?

Fall protection includes guardrail systems and

personal fall arrest systems. Guardrail systems are

explained below in another question. Personal fall

arrest systems include harnesses, components of the

harness/belt such as Dee-rings, and snap hooks,

lifelines, and anchorage point. 1926.451(g)(3)

Vertical or horizontal lifelines may be used.

1926.451(g)(3)(ii) through (iv)

Lifelines must be independent of support lines

and suspension ropes and not attached to the same

anchorage point as the support or suspension ropes.

1926.451(g)(3)(iii) and (iv)

When working from an aerial lift, attach the fall

arrest system to the boom or basket.

1926.453(b)(2)(v)

What are the fall protection requirements

for all scaffolds?

Employers must provide fall protection for each

employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1

meters) above a lower level. 1926.451(g)(1)

A competent person must determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for

employees erecting or dismantling supported

scaffolds. 1926.451(g)(2)

How will I know what kind of fall

protection to provide for a specific-type of

scaffold?

The chart on the next page illustrates the type of

fall protection required for specific scaffolds.

General Requirements for Scaffolds §1926.451
8

General Requirements for Scaffolds §1926.451

When can personal fall arrest systems be

used when working on scaffolding and

aerial lifts?

Personal fall arrest systems can be used on

scaffolding when there are no guardrail systems.

1926.451(g)(1)(vii)

Use fall arrest systems when working from the

following types of scaffolding: boatswains’ chair,

catenary, float, needle beam, ladder, and pump jack.

1926.451(g)(1)

Use fall arrest systems also when working from

the boom/basket of an aerial lift. 1926.453(b)(2)(v)

When are both fall arrest and guardrail

systems required?

Fall arrest and guardrail systems must be used

when working on single- and two-point adjustable

suspension scaffolds and self-contained adjustable

scaffolds that are supported by ropes.

1926.451(g)(1)

Falling Object Protection

What protections from overhead falling

objects do the standards require?

To protect employees from falling hand tools,

debris, and other small objects, install toeboards,

screens, guardrail systems, debris nets, catch

platforms, canopy structures, or barricades. In

addition, employees must wear hard hats.

1926.451(h)(1) & (2) and (3)

Type of Scaffold Fall Protection

Required

Aerial lifts Personal fall arrest

system

Boatswains’ chair Personal fall arrest

system

Catenary scaffold Personal fall arrest

system

Crawling board Personal fall

(chicken ladder) arrest system, or a

guardrail system, or

by a 3/4 inch (1.9 cm)

diameter grabline or

equivalent handhold

securely fastened

beside each crawling

board

Float scaffold Personal fall arrest

system

Ladder jack scaffold Personal fall arrest

system

Needle beam scaffold Personal fall arrest

system

Self-contained Both a personal

scaffold adjustable scaffold

arrest system and

a guardrail system

Single-point and Both a personal fall

two-point suspension arrest system and a

scaffolds guardrail system

Supported scaffold Personal fall arrest

system or guardrail

system

All other scaffolds Personal fall arrest

not specified above system or guardrail

systems that meet the

required criteria
9

Specific Scaffold Requirements

§1926.452

Are there additional requirements for

specific types of scaffolds?

The standard addresses other requirements for

specific types of scaffolds such as mobile, ladder,

and pump jack, fabricated frame, and tube and

coupler scaffolds. These are found in 1926.452,

“Additional Requirements Applicable to Specific

Types of Scaffolds.”

Aerial Lift Requirements §1926.453

What are aerial lifts?

Vehicle-mounted aerial devices used to elevate

employees—such as extensible boom platforms,

aerial lifts, articulating boom platforms, and

vertical towers—are considered “aerial lifts.”

1926.453(a)(1)

Do aerial lifts and mobile scaffolds have

the same requirements?

The 1926.453 and 1926.454 standards apply to

aerial lifts. The 1926.451, 1926.452, and 1926.454

standards apply to mobile scaffolds.

What are some of the specific

requirements for aerial lifts?

Some specific requirements include the

following:

• Only authorized personnel can operate aerial

lifts.

• The manufacturer or equivalent must certify any

modification.

• The insulated portion must not be altered to

reduce its insulating value.

• Lift controls must be tested daily.

• Controls must be clearly marked.

• Brakes must be set and outriggers used.

• Boom and basket load limits must not be

exceeded.

• Employees must wear personal fall arrest

systems, with the lanyard attached to the boom

or basket.

• No devices to raise the employee above the

basket floor can be used. 1926.453(b)

Specific Scaffold (§1926.452) and Aerial Lift (§1926.453) Requirements

Specific Scaffold (§1926.452) and Aerial Lift (§1926.453) Requirements
10

What are the training standards for

employees who work on scaffolds?

All employees who work on a scaffold must be

trained by a person qualified to recognize the

hazards associated with the type of scaffold used

and to understand the procedures to control and

minimize those hazards. 1926.454(a)

What are the training standards for

employees who work, erect, dismantle,

move, operate, repair, maintain, or inspect

scaffolds?

A competent person must train all employees

who erect, disassemble, move, operate, repair,

maintain, or inspect scaffolds. Training must cover

the nature of the hazards, the correct procedures for

erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the type of

scaffold in use. 1926.454(b)

Other recommended training topics include

erection and dismantling, planning, personal

protective equipment, access, guys and braces, and

parts inspection. Appendix D

What are the retraining requirements for

employees working on scaffolds?

The standard requires retraining when (1) no

employee training has taken place for the worksite

changes, scaffold changes, or falling object protection changes; or (2) where the employer believes

the employee lacks the necessary skill, understanding, or proficiency to work safely. 1926.454(c)

Training Requirements §1926.454

Training Requirements §1926.454
11

Why are the Appendices to the Subpart L

scaffolding standards important? Do

they address standard requirements?

All of the appendices are non-mandatory and

contain selection criteria for planks; American

National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard

references for aerial lifts; criteria for determining

the feasibility of providing safe access and fall

protection, and training for erectors and

dismantlers; and drawings of various types of

scaffolds and components.

To summarize, Appendix A of Subpart L

addresses scaffold specifications and provides

non-mandatory guidelines to assist employers in

complying with Subpart L requirements. These

guidelines and tables provide a starting point for

designing scaffold systems; however, they do not

provide all the information necessary to build a

complete system. Therefore, the employer is still

responsible for designing and assembling these

components so that the completed system meets the

final rule requirements in 1926.451(a).

Appendix C lists national consensus standards

related to aerial, vehicle mounted, manually

propelled, self-propelled, mast climbing, and other

such devices.

Appendix D serves as a guide to assist employers when evaluating the training needs for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds.

Appendix E provides drawings of particular

types of scaffolds and scaffold components as well

as graphic illustrations of bracing patterns and

tie-spacing patterns.

Non-Mandatory Appendices to the Standard

Non-Mandatory Appendices to the Standard
12 Other Sources of OSHA Assistance

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance

How can OSHA help me?

OSHA can provide extensive help through a

variety of programs, including assistance about

safety and health programs, state plans, workplace

consultations, voluntary protection programs,

strategic partnerships, training and education, and

more.

How does safety and health program

management help employers and

employees?

Effective management of worker safety and

health protection is a decisive factor in reducing the

extent and severity of work-related injuries and

illnesses and their related costs. In fact, an effective

safety and health management system forms the

basis of good worker protection and can save time

and money—about $4 for every dollar spent—and

increase productivity.

To assist employers and employees in developing effective safety and health programs, OSHA

published recommended Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (Federal Register

54(18):3904-3916, January 26, 1989). These

voluntary guidelines can be applied to all worksites

covered by OSHA.

The guidelines identify four general elements

that are critical to the development of a successful

safety and health management program:

• Management leadership and employee

participation,

• Worksite analysis,

• Hazard prevention and control, and

• Safety and health training.

The guidelines recommend specific actions

under each of these general elements to achieve an

effective safety and health program. The Federal

Register notice is available online at www.osha.gov.

What are state plans?

State plans are OSHA-approved job safety and

health programs operated by individual states or

territories instead of Federal OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act)

encourages states to develop and operate their own

job safety and health plans and permits state

enforcement of OSHA standards if the state has an

approved plan. Once OSHA approves a state plan,

it funds 50 percent of the program’s operating costs.

State plans must provide standards and enforcement

programs, as well as voluntary compliance activities, that are at least as effective as those of Federal

OSHA.

There are 26 state plans: 23 cover both private

and public (state and local government) employment, and 3 (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New

York) cover only the public sector. For more

information on state plans, see the listing at the end

of this publication, or visit OSHA’s website at

www.osha.gov.

How can consultation assistance help

employers?

In addition to helping employers identify and

correct specific hazards, OSHA’s consultation

service provides free, onsite assistance in developing and implementing effective workplace safety

and health management systems that emphasize the

Comprehensive consultation assistance provided

by OSHA includes a hazard survey of the worksite

and an appraisal of all aspects of the employer’s

existing safety and health management system. In

addition, the service offers assistance to employers

in developing and implementing an effective safety

and health management system. Employers also

may receive training and education services, as well

as limited assistance away from the worksite.

Who can get consultation assistance and

what does it cost?

Consultation assistance is available to small

employers (with fewer than 250 employees at a

fixed site and no more than 500 corporatewide)

who want help in establishing and maintaining a

safe and healthful workplace.

 Funded largely by OSHA, the service is provided at no cost to the employer. Primarily developed for smaller employers with more hazardous

operations, the consultation service is delivered by

state governments employing professional safety

and health consultants. No penalties are proposed

or citations issued for hazards identified by the

consultant. The employer’s only obligation is to

correct all identified serious hazards within the

agreed upon correction time frame. OSHA provides

consultation assistance to the employer with the
13

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance

assurance that his or her name and firm and any

information about the workplace will not be routinely reported to OSHA enforcement staff.

Can OSHA assure privacy to an employer

who asks for consultation assistance?

OSHA provides consultation assistance to the

employer with the assurance that his or her name

and firm and any information about the workplace

will not be routinely reported to OSHA

enforcement staff.

Can an employer be cited for violations

after receiving consultation assistance?

If an employer fails to eliminate or control a

serious hazard within the agreed-upon time frame,

the consultation project manager must refer the

situation to the OSHA enforcement office for

appropriate action. This is a rare occurrence,

however, since employers request the service for

the expressed purpose of identifying and fixing

hazards in their workplaces.

Does OSHA provide any incentives for

seeking consultation assistance?

Yes. Under the consultation program, certain

exemplary employers may request participation in

OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Eligibility for participation

in SHARP includes, but is not limited to, receiving

a full-service, comprehensive consultation visit,

correcting all identified hazards, and developing an

effective safety and health management system.

Employers accepted into SHARP may receive an

exemption from programmed inspections (not

complaint or accident investigation inspections) for

a period of 1 year initially, or 2 years upon renewal.

For more information concerning consultation

assistance, see the list of consultation directory at

the end of this publication, contact your regional or

area OSHA office, or visit OSHA’s website at

www.osha.gov.

What are the Voluntary Protection

Programs?

Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs) represent

one part of OSHA’s effort to extend worker protection beyond the minimum required by OSHA

standards. VPP—along with onsite consultation

services, full-service area offices, and OSHA’s

Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP)—represents

a cooperative approach which, when coupled with

an effective enforcement program, expands worker

protection to help meet the goals of the OSH Act.

How do the Voluntary Protection

Programs work?

There are three levels of VPPs: Star, Merit,

and Demonstration. All are designed to do the

following:

• Recognize employers who have successfully

developed and implemented effective and

comprehensive safety and health management

systems;

• Encourage these employers to continuously

improve their safety and health management

systems;

• Motivate other employers to achieve excellent

safety and health results in the same outstanding

way; and

• Establish a relationship between employers,

employees, and OSHA that is based on

cooperation.

How does VPP help employers and

employees?

VPP participation can mean the following:

• Reduced numbers of worker fatalities, injuries,

and illnesses;

• Lost-workday case rates generally 50 percent

below industry averages;

• Lower workers’ compensation and other injuryand illness-related costs;

• Improved employee motivation to work safely,

leading to a better quality of life at work;

• Positive community recognition and interaction;

• Further improvement and revitalization of

already good safety and health programs; and a

• Positive relationship with OSHA.

How does OSHA monitor VPP sites?

OSHA reviews an employer’s VPP application

and conducts a VPP Onsite Evaluation to verify

that the safety and health management systems
14

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance

described are operating effectively at the site.

OSHA conducts onsite evaluations on a regular

basis, annually for participants at the Demonstration level, every 18 months for Merit, and every 3

to 5 years for Star. Each February, all participants

must send a copy of their most recent annual

evaluation to their OSHA regional office. This

evaluation must include the worksite’s record of

injuries and illnesses for the past year.

Can OSHA inspect an employer who is

participating in the VPP?

Sites participating in VPP are not scheduled for

regular, programmed inspections. OSHA handles

any employee complaints, serious accidents, or

significant chemical releases that may occur at VPP

sites according to routine enforcement procedures.

Additional information on VPP is available from

OSHA national, regional, and area offices, listed at

the end of this booklet. Also, see Outreach on

OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

How can a partnership with OSHA

improve worker safety and health?

OSHA has learned firsthand that voluntary,

cooperative partnerships with employers, employees, and unions can be a useful alternative to

traditional enforcement and an effective way to

reduce worker deaths, injuries, and illnesses. This is

especially true when a partnership leads to the

development and implementation of comprehensive

workplace safety and health management system.

What is OSHA’s Strategic Partnership

Program (OSPP)?

OSHA Strategic Partnerships are alliances

among labor, management, and government to

foster improvements in workplace safety and

health. These partnerships are voluntary, cooperative relationships between OSHA, employers,

employee representatives, and others such as trade

unions, trade and professional associations, universities, and other government agencies. OSPPs are

the newest member of OSHA’s family of

cooperative programs.

What do OSPPs do?

These partnerships encourage, assist, and recognize the efforts of the partners to eliminate serious

workplace hazards and achieve a high level of

worker safety and health. Whereas OSHA’s Consultation Program and VPP entail one-on-one

relationships between OSHA and individual

worksites, most strategic partnerships seek to have

a broader impact by building cooperative relationships with groups of employers and employees.

Are there different kinds of OSPPs?

There are two major types:

• Comprehensive, which focus on establishing

comprehensive safety and health management

systems at partnering worksites; and

• Limited, which help identify and eliminate

hazards associated with worker deaths, injuries,

and illnesses, or have goals other than establishing comprehensive worksite safety and health

programs.

OSHA is interested in creating new OSPPs at

the national, regional, and local levels. OSHA also

has found limited partnerships to be valuable.

Limited partnerships might address the elimination

or control of a specific industry hazard.

What are the benefits of participation in

the OSHA Strategic Partnership

Program?

Like VPP, OSPP can mean the following:

• Fewer worker fatalities, injuries, and illnesses;

• Lower workers’ compensation and other

injury- and illness-related costs;

• Improved employee motivation to work safely,

leading to a better quality of life at work and

enhanced productivity;

• Positive community recognition and

interaction;

• Development of or improvement in safety and

health management systems; and

• Positive interaction with OSHA.

For more information about this program,

contact your nearest OSHA office or go to the

agency website at www.osha.gov.
15

Does OSHA have occupational safety and

health training for employers and

employees?

Yes. The OSHA Training Institute in Des

Plaines, IL, provides basic and advanced training

and education in safety and health for federal and

state compliance officers, state consultants, other

federal agency personnel, and private-sector employers, employees, and their representatives.

Institute courses cover diverse safety and health

topics including electrical hazards, machine guarding, personal protective equipment, ventilation, and

ergonomics. The facility includes classrooms,

laboratories, a library, and an audiovisual unit. The

laboratories contain various demonstrations and

equipment, such as power presses, woodworking

and welding shops, a complete industrial ventilation

unit, and a sound demonstration laboratory. More

than 57 courses dealing with subjects such as safety

and health in the construction industry and methods

of compliance with OSHA standards are available

for personnel in the private sector.

In addition, OSHA’s 73 area offices are fullservice centers offering a variety of informational

services such as personnel for speaking engagements, publications, audiovisual aids on workplace

hazards, and technical advice.

For more information on grants, training, and

education, write: OSHA Training Institute, Office

of Training and Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des

Plaines, IL 60018; call (847) 297-4810; or see

Outreach on OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

Does OSHA give money to organizations

for training and education?

OSHA awards grants through its Susan Harwood

Training Grant Program to nonprofit organizations

to provide safety and health training and education

to employers and workers in the workplace. The

grants focus on programs that will educate workers

and employers in small business (fewer than 250

employees), training workers and employers about

new OSHA standards or about high risk activities

or hazards. Grants are awarded for 1 year and may

be renewed for an additional 12 months depending

on whether the grantee has performed satisfactorily.

OSHA expects each organization awarded a

grant to develop a training and/or education program that addresses a safety and health topic named

by OSHA, recruit workers and employers for the

training, and conduct the training. Grantees are

also expected to follow up with people who have

been trained to find out what changes were made to

reduce the hazards in their workplaces as a result of

the training.

 Each year OSHA has a national competition that

is announced in the Federal Register and on the

Internet at www.osha-slc.gov/Training/sharwood/

sharwood.html. If you do not have access to the

Internet, you can contact the OSHA Office of

Training and Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des

Plaines, Illinois 60018, (847) 297-4810, for more

information.

Does OSHA have other assistance

materials available?

Yes. OSHA has a variety of materials and tools

available on its website at www.osha.gov. These

include e-Tools, Expert Advisors, Electronic

Compliance Assistance Tools (e-CATs), Technical

Links, regulations, directives, publications, videos,

and other information for employers and employees. OSHA’s software programs and compliance

assistance tools walk you through challenging

safety and health issues and common problems to

find the best solutions for your workplace. OSHA’s

comprehensive publications program includes more

than 100 titles to help you understand OSHA

requirements and programs.

OSHA’s CD-ROM includes standards, interpretations, directives, and more and can be purchased on

CD-ROM from the U.S. Government Printing

Office. To order, write to the Superintendent of

Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,

Washington, DC 20402, or phone (202) 512-1800.

Specify OSHA Regulations, Documents and

Technical Information on CD-ROM (ORDT), GPO

Order No. S/N 729-013-00000-5.

What do I do in case of an emergency?

Or if I need to file a complaint?

To report an emergency, file a complaint, or seek

OSHA advice, assistance, or products, call (800)

321-OSHA or contact your nearest OSHA regional

or area office listed at the end of this publication.

The teletypewriter (TTY) number is (877)

889-5627.

You can also file a complaint online and obtain

more information on OSHA federal and state

programs by visiting OSHA’s website at

www.osha.gov.

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance
16

OSHA Regional Offices

OSHA Regional Offices

REGION I

(CT,* ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*)

JFK Federal Building, Room E340

Boston, MA 02203

(617) 565-9860

REGION II

(NJ,* PR,* VI*)

201 Varick Street, Room 670

New York, NY 10014

(212) 337-2378

REGION III

(DE, DC, MD,* PA,* VA,* WV)

The Curtis Center

170 S. Independence Mall West

Suite 740 West

Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309

(215) 861-4900

REGION IV

(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC,* SC,* TN*)

Atlanta Federal Center

61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50

Atlanta, GA 30303

(404) 562-2300

REGION V

(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI)

230 South Dearborn Street, Room 3244

Chicago, IL 60604

(312) 353-2220

REGION VI

(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX)

525 Griffin Street, Room 602

Dallas, TX 75202

(214) 767-4731 or 4736 x224

REGION VII

(IA,* KS, MO, NE)

City Center Square

1100 Main Street, Suite 800

Kansas City, MO 64105

(816) 426-5861

REGION VIII

(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)

1999 Broadway, Suite 1690

Denver, CO 80202-5716

(303) 844-1600

REGION IX

(American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* Guram, HI,* NV*)

71 Stevenson Street, Room 420

San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 975-4310

REGION X

(AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)

1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715

Seattle, WA 98101-3212

(206) 553-5930
17

OSHA Area Offices

OSHA Area Offices

Anchorage, AK (907) 271-5152

Birmingham, AL (205) 731-1534

Mobile, AL (251) 441-6131

Little Rock, AR (501) 324-6291(5818)

Phoenix, AZ (602) 640-2348

San Diego, CA (619) 557-5909

Sacramento, CA (916) 566-7471

Denver, CO (303) 844-5285

Greenwood Village, CO (303) 843-4500

Bridgeport, CT (203) 579-5581

Hartford, CT (860) 240-3152

Wilmington, DE (302) 573-6518

Fort Lauderdale, FL (954) 424-0242

Jacksonville, FL (904) 232-2895

Tampa, FL (813) 626-1177

Savannah, GA (912) 652-4393

Smyrna, GA (770) 984-8700

Tucker, GA (770) 493-6644/

 6742/8419

Des Moines, IA (515) 284-4794

Boise, ID (208) 321-2960

Calumet City, IL (708) 891-3800

Des Plaines, IL (847) 803-4800

Fairview Heights, IL (618) 632-8612

North Aurora, IL (630) 896-8700

Peoria, IL (309) 671-7033

Indianapolis, IN (317) 226-7290

Wichita, KS (316) 269-6644

Frankfort, KY (502) 227-7024

Baton Rouge, LA (225) 389-0474

(0431)

Braintree, MA (617) 565-6924

Methuen, MA (617) 565-8110

Springfield, MA (413) 785-0123

Linthicum, MD (410) 865-2055/2056

Bangor, ME (207) 941-8177

Portland, ME (207) 780-3178

August, ME (207) 622-8417

Lansing, MI (517) 327-0904

Minneapolis, MN (612) 664- 5460

Kansas City, MO (816) 483-9531

St. Louis, MO (314) 425-4249

Jackson, MS (601) 965-4606

Billings, MT (406) 247-7494

Raleigh, NC (919) 856-4770

Omaha, NE (402) 221-3182

Bismark, ND (701) 250-4521

Concord, NH (603) 225-1629

Avenel, NJ (732) 750-3270

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ (201) 288-1700

Marlton, NJ (856) 757-5181

Parsippany, NJ (973) 263-1003

Carson City, NV (775) 885-6963

Albany, NY (518) 464-4338

Bayside, NY (718) 279-9060

Bowmansville, NY (716) 684-3891

New York, NY (212) 337-2636

North Syracuse, NY (315) 451-0808

Tarrytown, NY (914) 524-7510

Westbury, NY (516) 334-3344

Cincinnati, OH (513) 841-4132

Cleveland, OH (216) 522-3818

Columbus, OH (614) 469-5582

Toledo, OH (419) 259-7542

Oklahoma City, OK (405) 278-9560

Portland, OR (503) 326-2251

Allentown, PA (610) 776-0592

Erie, PA (814) 833-5758

Harrisburg, PA (717) 782-3902

Philadelphia, PA (215) 597-4955

Pittsburgh, PA (412) 395-4903

Wilkes-Barre, PA (570) 826-6538

Guaynabo, PR (787) 277-1560

Providence, RI (401) 528-4669

Columbia, SC (803) 765-5904

Nashville, TN (615) 781-5423

Austin, TX (512) 916-5783

(5788)

Corpus Christi, TX (361) 888-3420

Dallas, TX (214) 320-2400

(2558)

El Paso, TX (915) 534-6251

Fort Worth, TX (817) 428-2470

(485-7647)

Houston, TX (281) 591-2438

(2787)

Houston, TX (281) 286-0583/

0584 (5922)

Lubbock, TX (806) 472-7681

(7685)

Salt Lake City, UT (801) 530-6901

Norfolk, VA (757) 441-3820

Bellevue, WA (206) 553-7520

Appleton, WI (920) 734-4521

Eau Claire, WI (715) 832-9019

Madison, WI (608) 264-5388

Milwaukee, WI (414) 297-3315

Charleston, WV (304) 347-5937
18 OSHA-Approved Safety and Health Plans

Alaska

Alaska Department of Labor

and Workforce Development

Commissioner (907) 465-2700 Fax: (907) 465-2784

Program Director (907) 269-4904

Fax: (907) 269-4915

Arizona

Industrial Commission of Arizona

Director, ICA(602) 542-4411 Fax: (602) 542-1614

Program Director (602) 542-5795

Fax: (602) 542-1614

California

California Department of Industrial Relations

Director (415) 703-5050 Fax:(415) 703-5114

Chief (415) 703-5100 Fax: (415) 703-5114

Manager, Cal/OSHA Program Office

(415) 703-5177 Fax: (415) 703-5114

Connecticut

Connecticut Department of Labor

Commissioner (860) 566-5123 Fax: (860) 566-1520

Conn-OSHA Director (860) 566-4550

Fax: (860) 566-6916

Hawaii

Hawaii Department of Labor

and Industrial Relations

Director (808) 586-8844 Fax: (808) 586-9099

Administrator (808) 586-9116 Fax: (808) 586-9104

Indiana

Indiana Department of Labor

Commissioner (317) 232-2378 Fax: (317) 233-3790

Deputy Commissioner (317) 232-3325

Fax: (317) 233-3790

Iowa

Iowa Division of Labor

Commissioner (515) 281-6432 Fax: (515) 281-4698

Administrator (515) 281-3469 Fax: (515) 281-7995

Kentucky

Kentucky Labor Cabinet

Secretary (502) 564-3070 Fax: (502) 564-5387

Federal-State Coordinator (502) 564-3070 ext.240

Fax: (502) 564-1682

Maryland

Maryland Division of Labor and Industry

Commissioner (410) 767-2999 Fax: (410) 767-2300

Deputy Commissioner (410) 767-2992

Fax: 767-2003

Assistant Commissioner, MOSH (410) 767-2215

Fax: 767-2003

Michigan

Michigan Department of Consumer

and Industry Services

Director (517) 322-1814 Fax: (517)322-1775

Minnesota

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Commissioner (651) 296-2342 Fax: (651) 282-5405

Assistant Commissioner (651) 296-6529

Fax: (651) 282-5293

Administrative Director, OSHA Management Team

(651) 282-5772 Fax: (651) 297-2527

Nevada

Nevada Division of Industrial Relations

Administrator (775) 687-3032 Fax: (775) 687-6305

Chief Administrative Officer (702) 486-9044

Fax:(702) 990-0358

[Las Vegas (702) 687-5240]

New Jersey

New Jersey Department of Labor

Commissioner (609) 292-2975 Fax: (609) 633-9271

Assistant Commissioner (609) 292-2313

Fax: (609) 1314

Program Director, PEOSH (609) 292-3923

Fax: (609) 292-4409

New Mexico

New Mexico Environment Department

Secretary (505) 827-2850 Fax: (505) 827-2836

Chief (505) 827-4230 Fax: (505) 827-4422

New York

New York Department of Labor

Acting Commissioner (518) 457-2741

Fax: (518) 457-6908

Division Director (518) 457-3518

Fax: (518) 457-6908

OSHA Approved Safety and Health Plans
19

North Carolina

North Carolina Department of Labor

Commissioner (919) 807-2900 Fax: (919) 807-2855

Deputy Commissioner, OSH Director

(919) 807-2861 Fax: (919) 807-2855

OSH Assistant Director (919) 807-2863

Fax:(919) 807-2856

Oregon

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division

Administrator (503) 378-3272 Fax: (503) 947-7461

Deputy Administrator for Policy (503) 378-3272

Fax: (503) 947-7461

Deputy Administrator for Operations (503)

378-3272 Fax: (503) 947-7461

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Department of Labor

and Human Resources

Secretary (787) 754-2119 Fax: (787) 753-9550

Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety

and Health

(787) 756-1100, 1106 / 754-2171

Fax: (787) 767-6051

Deputy Director for Occupational Safety and Health

(787) 756-1100, 1106 / 754-2188

Fax: (787) 767-6051

South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing,

and Regulation

Director (803) 896-4300 Fax: (803) 896-4393

Program Director (803) 734-9644

Fax: (803) 734-9772

Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Labor

Commissioner (615) 741-2582 Fax: (615) 741-5078

Acting Program Director (615) 741-2793

Fax: (615) 741-3325

Utah

Utah Labor Commission

Commissioner (801) 530-6901 Fax: (801) 530-7906

Administrator (801) 530-6898 Fax: (801) 530-6390

Vermont

Vermont Department of Labor and Industry

Commissioner (802) 828-2288 Fax: (802) 828-2748

Project Manager (802) 828-2765

Fax: (802) 828-2195

Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Department of Labor

Acting Commissioner (340) 773-1990

Fax: (340) 773-1858

Program Director (340) 772-1315

Fax: (340) 772-4323

Virginia

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

Commissioner (804) 786-2377 Fax: (804) 371-6524

Director, Office of Legal Support (804) 786-9873

Fax: (804) 786-8418

Washington

Washington Department of Labor and Industries

Director (360) 902-4200 Fax: (360) 902-4202

Assistant Director [PO Box 44600] (360) 902-5495

Fax: (360) 902-5529

Program Manager, Federal-State Operations

[PO Box 44600]

(360) 902-5430 Fax: (360) 902-5529

Wyoming

Wyoming Department of Employment

Safety Administrator (307) 777-7786

Fax: (307) 777-3646

OSHA Approved Safety and Health Plans
Alabama

(205) 348-3033

(205) 348-3049 FAX

Alaska

(907) 269-4957

(907) 269-4950 FAX

Arizona

(602) 542-1695

(602) 542-1614FAX

Arkansas

(501) 682-4522

(501) 682-4532 FAX

California

(415) 703-5270

(415) 703-4596 FAX

Colorado

(970) 491-6151

(970) 491-7778 FAX

Connecticut

(860) 566-4550

(860) 566-6916 FAX

Delaware

(302) 761-8219

(302) 761-6601 FAX

District of Columbia

(202) 576-6339

(202) 576-7579 FAX

Florida

Phone: 813-974-9962

Georgia

(404) 894-2643

(404) 894-8275 FAX

Guam

011 (671) 475-0136

011 (671) 477-2988 FAX

Hawaii

(808) 586-9100

(808) 586-9099 FAX

Idaho

(208) 426-3283

(208) 426-4411 FAX

20 OSHA Onsite Consultation Offices

Illinois

(312) 814-2337

(312) 814-7238 FAX

Indiana

(317) 232-2688

(317) 232-3790 FAX

Iowa

(515) 281-7629

(515) 281-5522 FAX

Kansas

(785) 296-7476

(785) 296-1775 FAX

Kentucky

(502) 564-6895

(502) 564-6103 FAX

Louisiana

(225) 342-9601

(225) 342-5158 FAX

Maine

(207) 624-6460

(207) 624-6449 FAX

Maryland

(410) 880-4970

(301) 483-8332 FAX

Massachusetts

(617) 727-3982

(617) 727-4581 FAX

Michigan

(517) 322-1809

(517) 322-1374 FAX

Minnesota

(612) 297-2393

(612) 297-1953 FAX

Mississippi

(601) 987-3981

(601) 987-3890 FAX

Missouri

(573) 751-3403

(573) 751-3721 FAX

Montana

(406) 444-6418

(406) 444-4140 FAX

OSHA Onsite Consultation Offices
Nebraska

(402) 471-4717

(402) 471-5039 FAX

Nevada

(702) 486-9140

(702) 990-0362 FAX

New Hampshire

(603) 271-2024

(603) 271-2667 FAX

New Jersey

(609) 292-3923

(609) 292-4409 FAX

New Mexico

(505) 827-4230

(505) 827-4422 FAX

New York

(518) 457-2238

(518) 457-3454 FAX

North Carolina

(919) 807-2905

(919) 807-2902 FAX

North Dakota

(701) 328-5188

(701) 328-5200 FAX

Ohio

1-800-282-1425 or 614-644-2631

614-644-3133 FAX

Oklahoma

(405) 528-1500

(405) 528-5751 FAX

Oregon

(503) 378-3272

(503) 378-5729 FAX

Pennsylvania

(724) 357-2396

(724) 357-2385 FAX

Puerto Rico

(787) 754-2171

(787) 767-6051 FAX

Rhode Island

(401) 222-2438

(401) 222-2456 FAX

South Carolina

(803) 734-9614

(803) 734-9741 FAX

South Dakota

(605) 688-4101

(605) 688-6290 FAX

Tennessee

(615) 741-7036

(615) 532-2997 FAX

Texas

(512) 804-4640

(512) 804-4641 FAX

OSHCON Request Line: 800-687-7080

Utah

(801) 530-6901

(801) 530-6992 FAX

Vermont

(802) 828-2765

(802) 828-2195 FAX

Virginia

(804) 786-6359

(804) 786-8418 FAX

Virgin Islands

(340) 772-1315

(340) 772-4323 FAX

Washington

(360) 902-5638

(360) 902-5459 FAX

West Virginia

(304) 558-7890

(304) 558-9711 FAX

Wisconsin (Health)

(608) 266-8579

(608) 266-9383 FAX

Wisconsin (Safety)

(262) 523-3040 1-800-947-0553

(262) 523-3046 FAX

Wyoming

(307) 777-7786

(307) 777-3646 FAX

21

OSHA Onsite Consultation Offices
22

 Training 1926.454(b)

Corrosives 1926.451(f)(11)

Counterweights 1926.451(d)(ii) to (iv)

Crawling boards 1926.452(m)

(chicken ladders)

Crossbracing 1926.451(e)(9)(iv) and (g)(4)(xv)

Debris 1926.451(f)(13)

Decks 1926.451(b)(1)

Decorators’ scaffolds 1926.452(d)

Deflection 1926.451(f)(16)

Different components 1926.451(b)(10) and (11)

Dismantlers 1926.451(e)(9)

 and (g)(2) and Appendix D

Engineer 1926.451(d)(3)(i) and (f)(5)

 1926.452(a)(10) and (b)(10) and

 (c)(5) and (c)(6)

Erectors 1926.451(e)(9) and (g)(2) and Appendix D

Extend over ends 1926.451(b)(5)

Fabricated frame scaffolds 1926.452(c)

False car (elevator) 1926.450(b) and

 .451(a) to (b) and

 (d) to (h) and .454,

(Ref:FR Vol. 61, No. 170

8/30/96, p. 46028.)

Fall arrest systems 1926.451(g)(1) and (3)

Fall protection 1926.451(g)

Float (ship) scaffolds 1926.452 (safety and

health programs)

Footing 1926.451(c)(2)

Form scaffolds 1926.452(g)

Front edge 1926.451(b)(3)

Grab lines 1926.451(g)(1)(iii)

Guardrails 1926.451(g)(4) and (h)(2)(iv)

Guys 1926.451(c)(1)

Horizontal, lifelines 1926.451(g)(3)(ii), (iii), (iv)

Access 1926.451(e)

Adjustable scaffolds

 Supported See self-contained adjustable

 Suspended See suspension scaffolds

Aerial lifts 1926.453

ANSI standards, aerial lifts Appendix C

Aerial lift controls 1926.453(b)(2)

Aerial lift electrical testing 1926.453(b)(3)

Aerial lift, hydraulic lines 1926.453(b)(4)

Aerial lift, welding 1926.453(b)(5)

Banding, steel or plastic 1926.451(g)(4)(xiii)

Barricades 1926.451(h)(2)(i)

Base plates 1926.451(c)(2)

Boatswains’ chairs 1926.452(o)(3)-(7)

Braking device 1926.451(d)(16)

Bricklaying 1926.451(g)(1)(vi)

Bricklayers’ square scaffolds 1926.452(e)

Canopies 1926.451(h)(2)(v) and (3)

Capacity, scaffold 1926.451(a)(1) and (d)(1)

Capacity, rope 1926.451(a)(3)

Carpenters’ bracket scaffolds 1926.452(g)

Catenary scaffolds 1926.452(r)

Coatings 1926.451(b)(9)

Competent person

Components 1926.451(b)(10)

and (b)(11)

 Erectors and dismantlers 1926.451(g)(2)

and 454(b)

 General 1926.451(f)(7)

 Inspections 1926.451(d)(10)

and (f)(3) and

(g)(4)(xiv)

 Suspension scaffolds 1926.451(d)(3)(i)

and (d)(18)

Index

The following is a guide to the “Safety Standards for Scaffolds Used in the Construction Industry” Standard:

Appendix
Horizontal, lifelines on one 1926.451(g)(3)(iii),

or two-point scaffolds (iv)

Horse scaffolds 1926.452(f)

Interior hung scaffolds 1926.452(t) and

Appendix A (2)(t)

Inspections 1926.451(d)(10) and

(f)(3) and (g)(4)(xiv)

Ladders 1926.451(e)(2) and (f)(15)

Ladders, built-in 1926.451(e)(6)

Ladder jack scaffolds 1926.452(k)

Ladder trucks 1926.453(b)(1)

Large area scaffolds 1926.452(d)

Lifeline 1926.451(g)(3)(i) to (iv)

Load 1926.450(b) and .451(a)

Load carrying members 1926.451(a)(1)

and Appendix A (1)(a)

Masons’ multi-point 1926.452(q)

suspension scaffolds

Midrails 1926.451(g)(4)(ix) and (xiv)

Mobile scaffolds 1926.452(w) and

Appendix A (2)(z)

Moving 1926.451(f)(7)

Mud sills 1926.451(c)(2)

Multi-level suspended

scaffolds 1926.452(v)

Multi-point adjustable

suspension scaffolds 1926.452(q)

Needle beam scaffolds 1926.452(u)

Qualified person

 Component construction 1926.451(a)(6)

 Design 1926.451(a)(6)

 Loading 1926.451(a)(6)

 Single-point adjustable 1926.452(o)(2)(i)

 suspension, rigging

 Swaged 1926.451(d)(11)

 Two point adjustable 1926.452(p)(1)

 suspension, platforms

 Training 1926.454(a)

Outrigger beams 1926.451(d)(3)(vi), (viii),

and (4)(v)

Outrigger scaffolds 1926.452(l)

Overlap 1926.451(b)(7)

Planking 1926.451(b) and Appendix

A(1)(b) and (c)

Plasters’ scaffolds 1926.452(d)

Platforms 1926.451(b) and (c)(2)(iv)

and (d)(19) and (f)(14)

Platform planking 1926.451(b)(1) to (9)

Platform scaffolds 1926.452(n)

Pole scaffolds 1926.452(a)

Powerlines 1926.451(f)(6)

Pump jack scaffolds 1926.452(j)

and Appendix

Ramps 1926.451(e)(5)(i) to (iii)

Repair 1926.451(f)(4)

Repair bracket scaffolds 1926.452(x)

Replacement 1926.451(f)(4)

Ropes

 Drum hoist 1926.451(d)(6)

 Inspection 1926.451(d)(10)

 Joined 1926.451(d)(8)

 Repaired 1926.451(d)(7)

 Suspension 1926.451(a)(3) and

(4) and (f)(10)

 Thimbles 1926.451(d)(9)

 Tiebacks 1926.451(d)(5)(iv)

 Spliced eye 1926.451(d)(11)

 Swag 1926.451(d)(11)

Roof bracket scaffolds 1926.452(h)

Roof hooks, irons 1926.451(d)(5)

Roof truss 1926.452(g) and .450(b)

Self-contained adjustable 1926.450(a), FR

Vol. 61, No.170,

8/30/96, p46057

Appendix

23
24

Single–point adjustable 1926.451(a),(d),(f),

suspension scaffolds (g)(1)(i),(ii),(iv),

(g)(3),(4), (h), and .452(o)

Slip resistant finishes 1926.451(b)(9)

Stall load 1926.450(b), .451(a)(2) and

(a)(4) and (a)(5)

Step ladder scaffolds 1926.452(n)

Stilts 1926.452(y)

Stonesetters’ multi-point 1926.452(q)

 suspension scaffolds

Supported scaffolds 1926.450(b), and

.451(a),(c),(e),(f),(g), (h), and .454

Suspension scaffolds 1926.451 (a), (d),

 (e),(f),(g)(1)(i),(ii),(iv),

 (g)(3),(4), (h), and

 .452(o)-(q), (s), (t), (v), (x)

Tag lines 1926.451(f)(9)

Tiebacks 1926.451(d)(3)(vii),

(ix), (x) and (5)(iii), (iv)

Tie-ins 1926.451(c)(1) and (d)(18) Tipping 1926.451(c)(1)

Toeboards 1926.451(h)(1),

(2)(ii),(iii) & (4)

Tower trucks 1926.453(b)(1)

Training 1926.454

Trestle ladder scaffolds 1926.452(n) Tube and coupler scaffolds 1926.452(b)

Two-point adjustable 1926.451(a), (d), (e),

 suspension scaffolds (f), (g)(1)(i),(ii),(iv),

(g)(3),(4), (h), and .452(p) & .454

Vertical lifelines 1926.451(g)(3)(i), (iv) Walkways 1926.451(e)(5)(i) to (iii)

Weather 1926.451(f)(8) and (12) Welding from suspension 1926.451(f)(17)

 scaffolds

Wire rope clips 1926.451(d)(12) Window jack scaffolds 1926.452(l)

Appendix

25
Construction Focused Inspection Guidelines 25

Construction Focused Inspection Guidelines

This guideline is to assist the compliance officer

to determine if there is an effective project plan to qualify for a Focused Inspection.

PROJECT SAFETY AND HEALTH COORDINATION: Are there procedures in place by the

general contractor, prime contractor, or other such entity to ensure that all employers provide

adequate protection for their employees?

Is there a DESIGNATED COMPETENT PERSON responsible for the implementation and

monitoring of the project safety and health plan who is capable of identifying existing and

predictable hazards and has authority to take prompt corrective measures?

PROJECT SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM/PLAN* that complies with 1926 Subpart C and

addresses, based upon the size and complexity of the project, the following:

Project Safety Analysis at initiation and at critical stages that describes the sequence, procedures, and

responsible individuals for safe construction.

Identification of work/activities requiring planning, design, inspection, or supervision by an engineer,

competent person, or other professional.

Evaluation monitoring of subcontractors to determine conformance with the Project Plan.(The Project

Plan may include, or be utilized by subcontractors.)

Supervisor and employee training according to the Project Plan including recognition, reporting, and

avoidance of hazards, and applicable standards.

Procedures for controlling hazardous operations such as: cranes, scaffolding, trenches, confined

spaces, hot work, explosives, hazardous materials, leading edges, etc.

Documentation of: training, permits, hazard reports, inspections, uncorrected hazards, incidents, and

near misses.

Employee involvement in the hazard: analysis, prevention, avoidance, correction, and reporting.

Project emergency response plan.

* FOR EXAMPLES, SEE OWNER AND CONTRACTOR ASSOCIATION MODEL PROGRAMS, ANSI A10.33, A10.38, ETC.

The walkaround and interviews confirmed that the Plan has been implemented, including:

The four leading hazards are addressed: falls, struck by, caught in\between, electrical.

Hazards are identified and corrected with preventative measures instituted in a timely manner.

Employees and supervisors are knowledgeable of the project safety and health plan, avoidance of

hazards, applicable standards, and their rights and responsibilities.

THE PROJECT QUALIFIED FOR A FOCUSED INSPECTION.

YES/NO
PART 1926—[AMENDED]

1. Subpart L of Part 1926 is revised to read as

follows:

SUBPART L—SCAFFOLDS

Sec.

1926.450 Scope, Application, and Definitions

Applicable to this Subpart

1926.451 General Requirements

1926.452 Additional Requirements Appli–

cable to Specific Types of Scaffolds

1926.453 Aerial Lifts

1926.454 Training

Appendix A to Subpart L—Scaffolds

Appendix B to Subpart L—Scaffolds

Appendix C to Subpart L—Scaffolds

Appendix D to Subpart L—Scaffolds

Appendix E to Subpart L—Scaffolds

Authority: Section 107, Contract Work Hours

and Safety Standards Act (Construction Safety Act)

(40 U.S.C. 333); Secs. 4, 6, 8, Occupational Safety

and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657);

Secretary of Labor’s Order No. 1-90 (55 FR

9033);and 29 CFR Part 1911.

SUBPART L—SCAFFOLDS

§1926.450 Scope, application and definitions

applicable to this Subpart.

(a) Scope and application. This subpart applies

to all scaffolds used in workplaces covered by this

Part. It does not apply to crane or derrick suspended personnel platforms, which are covered by

§1926.550(g). The criteria for aerial lifts are set out

exclusively in §1926.453.

(b) Definitions. “Adjustable suspension scaffold” means a suspension scaffold equipped with a

hoist(s) that can be operated by an employee(s) on

the scaffold.

“Bearer (putlog)” means a horizontal transverse

scaffold member (which may be supported by

ledgers or runners) upon which the scaffold platform rests and which joins scaffold uprights, posts,

poles, and similar members.

“Boatswains’ chair” means a single-point adjustable suspension scaffold consisting of a seat or

sling designed to support one employee in a sitting

position.

“Body belt (safety belt)” means a strap with

means both for securing it about the waist and for

attaching it to a lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration

device.

“Body harness” means a design of straps which

may be secured about the employee in a manner to

distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the

thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders, with

means for attaching it to other components of a

personal fall arrest system.

“Brace” means a rigid connection that holds one

scaffold member in a fixed position with respect to

another member, or to a building or structure.

“Bricklayers’ square scaffold” means a supported

scaffold composed of framed squares which support

a platform.

“Carpenters’ bracket scaffold” means a supported

scaffold consisting of a platform supported by

brackets attached to building or structural walls.

“Catenary scaffold” means a suspension scaffold

consisting of a platform supported by two essentially horizontal and parallel ropes attached to

structural members of a building or other structure.

Additional support may be provided by vertical

pickups.

“Chimney hoist” means a multi-point adjustable

suspension scaffold used to provide access to work

inside chimneys. (See “Multi-point adjustable

suspension scaffold”.)

“Cleat” means a structural block used at the end

of a platform to prevent the platform from slipping

off its supports. Cleats are also used to provide

footing on sloped surfaces such as crawling boards.

“Competent person” means one who is capable

of identifying existing and predictable hazards in

the surroundings or working conditions which are

unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees,

and who has authorization to take prompt corrective

measures to eliminate them.

“Continuous run scaffold” (Run scaffold) means

a two-point or multi-point adjustable suspension

scaffold constructed using a series of interconnected braced scaffold members or supporting

structures erected to form a continuous scaffold.

“Coupler” means a device for locking together

the tubes of a tube and coupler scaffold.

“Crawling board (chicken ladder)” means a

supported scaffold consisting of a plank with cleats

spaced and secured to provide footing, for use on

sloped surfaces such as roofs.

“Deceleration device” means any mechanism,

such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard, speciallywoven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyard, or

automatic self-retracting lifeline lanyard, which

dissipates a substantial amount of energy during a

Regulatory Text

Regulatory Text

26
fall arrest or limits the energy imposed on an

employee during fall arrest.

“Double pole (independent pole) scaffold” means

a supported scaffold consisting of a platform(s)

resting on cross beams (bearers) supported by

ledgers and a double row of uprights independent of

support (except ties, guys, braces) from any

structure.

“Equivalent” means alternative designs, materials

or methods to protect against a hazard which the

employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or

greater degree of safety for employees than the

methods, materials or designs specified in the

standard.

“Eye” or “Eye Splice” means a loop with or

without a thimble at the end of a wire rope.

“Exposed power lines” means electrical power

lines which are accessible to employees and which

are not shielded from contact. Such lines do not

include extension cords or power tool cords.

“Fabricated decking and planking” means

manufactured platforms made of wood (including

laminated wood, and solid sawn wood planks),

metal or other materials.

“Fabricated frame scaffold (tubular welded frame

scaffold)” means a scaffold consisting of a

platform(s) supported on fabricated end frames with

integral posts, horizontal bearers, and intermediate

members.

“Failure” means load refusal, breakage, or

separation of component parts. Load refusal is the

point where the ultimate strength is exceeded.

“Float (ship) scaffold” means a suspension

scaffold consisting of a braced platform resting on

two parallel bearers and hung from overhead

supports by ropes of fixed length.

“Form scaffold” means a supported scaffold

consisting of a platform supported by brackets

attached to formwork.

“Guardrail system” means a vertical barrier,

consisting of, but not limited to, toprails, midrails,

and posts, erected to prevent employees from

falling off a scaffold platform or walkway to lower

levels.

“Hoist” means a manual or power-operated

mechanical device to raise or lower a suspended

scaffold.

“Horse scaffold” means a supported scaffold

consisting of a platform supported by construction

horses (saw horses). Horse scaffolds constructed of

metal are sometimes known as trestle scaffolds.

“Independent pole scaffold” (see “Double pole

scaffold”).

“Interior hung scaffold” means a suspension

scaffold consisting of a platform suspended from

the ceiling or roof structure by fixed length supports.

“Ladder jack scaffold” means a supported

scaffold consisting of a platform resting on brackets

attached to ladders.

“Ladder stand” means a mobile, fixed-size, selfsupporting ladder consisting of a wide flat tread

ladder in the form of stairs.

“Landing” means a platform at the end of a flight

of stairs.

“Large area scaffold” means a pole scaffold, tube

and coupler scaffold, systems scaffold, or fabricated

frame scaffold erected over substantially the entire

work area. For example: a scaffold erected over the

entire floor area of a room.

“Lean-to scaffold” means a supported scaffold

which is kept erect by tilting it toward and resting it

against a building or structure.

“Lifeline” means a component consisting of a

flexible line that connects to an anchorage at one

end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or that

connects to anchorages at both ends to stretch

horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and which serves

as a means for connecting other components of a

personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.

“Lower levels” means areas below the level

where the employee is located and to which an

employee can fall. Such areas include, but are not

limited to, ground levels, floors, roofs, ramps,

runways, excavations, pits, tanks, materials, water,

and equipment.

“Masons’ adjustable supported scaffold” (see

“Self-contained adjustable scaffold”).

“Masons’ multi-point adjustable suspension

scaffold” means a continuous run suspension

scaffold designed and used for masonry operations.

“Maximum intended load” means the total load

of all persons, equipment, tools, materials, transmitted loads, and other loads reasonably anticipated to

be applied to a scaffold or scaffold component at

any one time.

“Mobile scaffold” means a powered or

unpowered, portable, caster or wheel-mounted

supported scaffold.

“Multi-level suspended scaffold” means a twopoint or multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold

27

Regulatory Text
with a series of platforms at various levels resting

on common stirrups.

“Multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold”

means a suspension scaffold consisting of a

platform(s) which is suspended by more than two

ropes from overhead supports and equipped with

means to raise and lower the platform to desired

work levels. Such scaffolds include chimney

hoists.

“Needle beam scaffold” means a platform

suspended from needle beams.

“Open sides and ends” means the edges of a

platform that are more than 14 inches (36 cm) away

horizontally from a sturdy, continuous, vertical

surface (such as a building wall) or a sturdy, continuous horizontal surface (such as a floor), or a

point of access. Exception: For plastering and

lathing operations the horizontal threshold distance

is 18 inches (46 cm).

“Outrigger” means the structural member of a

supported scaffold used to increase the base width

of a scaffold in order to provide support for and

increased stability of the scaffold.

“Outrigger beam (Thrustout)” means the structural member of a suspension scaffold or outrigger

scaffold which provides support for the scaffold by

extending the scaffold point of attachment to a

point out and away from the structure or building.

“Outrigger scaffold” means a supported scaffold

consisting of a platform resting on outrigger beams

(thrustouts) projecting beyond the wall or face of

the building or structure, the inboard ends of which

are secured inside the building or structure.

“Overhand bricklaying” means the process of

laying bricks and masonry units such that the

surface of the wall to be jointed is on the opposite

side of the wall from the mason, requiring the

mason to lean over the wall to complete the work.

It includes mason tending and electrical installation

incorporated into the brick wall during the overhand

bricklaying process.

“Personal fall arrest system” means a system

used to arrest an employee’s fall. It consists of an

anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness

and may include a lanyard, deceleration device,

lifeline, or combinations of these.

“Platform” means a work surface elevated above

lower levels. Platforms can be constructed using

individual wood planks, fabricated planks, fabricated decks, and fabricated platforms.

“Pole scaffold” (see definitions for “Single-pole

scaffold” and “Double (independent) pole scaffold”).

“Power operated hoist” means a hoist which is

powered by other than human energy.

“Pump jack scaffold” means a supported scaffold

consisting of a platform supported by vertical poles

and movable support brackets.

“Qualified” means one who, by possession of a

recognized degree, certificate, or professional

standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training,

and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/

her ability to solve or resolve problems related to

the subject matter, the work, or the project.

“Rated load” means the manufacturer’s specified

maximum load to be lifted by a hoist or to be

applied to a scaffold or scaffold component.

“Repair bracket scaffold” means a supported

scaffold consisting of a platform supported by

brackets which are secured in place around the

circumference or perimeter of a chimney, stack,

tank or other supporting structure by one or more

wire ropes placed around the supporting structure.

“Roof bracket scaffold” means a rooftop supported

scaffold consisting of a platform resting on angularshaped supports.

“Runner” (ledger or ribbon)” means the lengthwise horizontal spacing or bracing member which

may support the bearers.

“Scaffold” means any temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting

structure (including points of anchorage), used for

supporting employees or materials or both.

“Self-contained adjustable scaffold” means a

combination supported and suspension scaffold

consisting of an adjustable platform(s) mounted on

an independent supporting frame(s) not a part of the

object being worked on, and which is equipped

with a means to permit the raising and lowering of

the platform(s). Such systems include rolling roof

rigs, rolling outrigger systems, and some masons’

adjustable supported scaffolds.

“Shore scaffold” means a supported scaffold

which is placed against a building or structure and

held in place with props.

“Single-point adjustable suspension scaffold”

means a suspension scaffold consisting of a platform suspended by one rope from an overhead

support and equipped with means to permit the

movement of the platform to desired work levels.

“Single-pole scaffold” means a supported scaffold consisting of a platform(s) resting on bearers,

Regulatory Text

28
the outside ends of which are supported on runners

secured to a single row of posts or uprights, and the

inner ends of which are supported on or in a

structure or building wall.

“Stair tower (Scaffold stairway/tower)” means a

tower comprised of scaffold components and which

contains internal stairway units and rest platforms.

These towers are used to provide access to scaffold

platforms and other elevated points such as floors

and roofs.

“Stall load” means the load at which the primemover of a power-operated hoist stalls or the power

to the prime-mover is automatically disconnected.

“Step, platform, and trestle ladder scaffold”

means a platform resting directly on the rungs of

step ladders or trestle ladders.

“Stilts” means a pair of poles or similar supports

with raised footrests, used to permit walking above

the ground or working surface.

“Stonesetters’ multi-point adjustable suspension

scaffold” means a continuous run suspension

scaffold designed and used for stonesetters’

operations.

“Supported scaffold” means one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets,

poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid

support.

“Suspension scaffold” means one or more

platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid

means from an overhead structure(s).

“System scaffold” means a scaffold consisting of

posts with fixed connection points that accept

runners, bearers, and diagonals that can be

interconnected at predetermined levels.

“Tank builders’ scaffold” means a supported

scaffold consisting of a platform resting on brackets

that are either directly attached to a cylindrical tank

or attached to devices that are attached to such a

tank.

“Top plate bracket scaffold” means a scaffold

supported by brackets that hook over or are attached to the top of a wall. This type of scaffold is

similar to carpenters’ bracket scaffolds and form

scaffolds and is used in residential construction for

setting trusses.

“Tube and coupler scaffold” means a supported

or suspended scaffold consisting of a platform(s)

supported by tubing, erected with coupling devices

connecting uprights, braces, bearers, and runners.

“Tubular welded frame scaffold” (see “Fabricated frame scaffold”).

“Two-point suspension scaffold (swing stage)”

means a suspension scaffold consisting of a platform supported by hangers (stirrups) suspended by

two ropes from overhead supports and equipped

with means to permit the raising and lowering of

the platform to desired work levels.

“Unstable objects” means items whose strength,

configuration, or lack of stability may allow them to

become dislocated and shift and therefore may not

properly support the loads imposed on them.

Unstable objects do not constitute a safe base

support for scaffolds, platforms, or employees.

Examples include, but are not limited to, barrels,

boxes, loose brick, and concrete blocks.

“Vertical pickup” means a rope used to support

the horizontal rope in catenary scaffolds.

“Walkway” means a portion of a scaffold platform used only for access and not as a work level.

“Window jack scaffold” means a platform resting

on a bracket or jack which projects through a

window opening.

§1926.451 General requirements. This section

does not apply to aerial lifts, the criteria for which

are set out in §1926.453.

(a) Capacity (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5) and (g) of this

section, each scaffold and scaffold component shall

be capable of supporting, without failure, its own

weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended

load applied or transmitted to it.

(2) Direct connections to roofs and floors, and

counterweights used to balance adjustable suspension scaffolds, shall be capable of resisting at least

4 times the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold

operating at the rated load of the hoist, or 1.5

(minimum) times the tipping moment imposed by

the scaffold operating at the stall load of the hoist,

whichever is greater.

(3) Each suspension rope, including connecting

hardware, used on non-adjustable suspension

scaffolds shall be capable of supporting, without

failure, at least 6 times the maximum intended load

applied or transmitted to that rope.

(4) Each suspension rope, including connecting

hardware, used on adjustable suspension scaffolds

shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at

least 6 times the maximum intended load applied or

transmitted to that rope with the scaffold operating

at either the rated load of the hoist, or 2 (minimum)

times the stall load of the hoist, whichever is

greater.

29

Regulatory Text
(5) The stall load of any scaffold hoist shall not

exceed 3 times its rated load.

(6) Scaffolds shall be designed by a qualified

person and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Non-mandatory Appendix A

to this subpart contains examples of criteria that will

enable an employer to comply with paragraph (a) of

this section.

(b) Scaffold platform construction.

(1) Each platform on all working levels of scaffolds shall be fully planked or decked between the

front uprights and the guardrail supports as follows:

(i) Each platform unit (e.g., scaffold plank, fabricated plank, fabricated deck, or fabricated platform)

shall be installed so that the space between adjacent

units and the space between the platform and the

uprights is no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, except

where the employer can demonstrate that a wider

space is necessary (for example, to fit around uprights

when side brackets are used to extend the width of the

platform).

(ii) Where the employer makes the demonstration

provided for in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, the

platform shall be planked or decked as fully as

possible and the remaining open space between the

platform and the uprights shall not exceed 9 inches

(24.1 cm).

Exception to paragraph (b)(1): The requirement to

provide full planking or decking does not apply to

platforms used solely as walkways or solely by

employees performing scaffold erection or dismantling. In these situations, only the planking that the

employer establishes is necessary to provide safe

working conditions is required.

(2) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and

(b)(2)(ii) of this section, each scaffold platform and

walkway shall be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide.

(i) Each ladder jack scaffold, top plate bracket

scaffold, roof bracket scaffold, and pump jack scaffold

shall be at least 12 inches (30 cm) wide. There is no

minimum width requirement for boatswains’ chairs.

(ii) Where scaffolds must be used in areas that the

employer can demonstrate are so narrow that platforms and walkways cannot be at least 18 inches (46

cm) wide, such platforms and walkways shall be as

wide as feasible, and employees on those platforms

and walkways shall be protected from fall hazards by

the use of guardrails and/or personal fall arrest

systems.

(3) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3)(i)

and (ii) of this section, the front edge of all platforms shall not be more than 14 inches (36 cm)

from the face of the work, unless guardrail systems

are erected along the front edge and/or personal fall

arrest systems are used in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section to protect employees from

falling.

(i) The maximum distance from the face for

outrigger scaffolds shall be 3 inches (8 cm);

(ii) The maximum distance from the face for

plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches

(46 cm).

(4) Each end of a platform, unless cleated or

otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means,

shall extend over the centerline of its support at

least 6 inches (15 cm).

(5) (i) Each end of a platform 10 feet or less in

length shall not extend over its support more than

12 inches (30 cm) unless the platform is designed

and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the

platform is able to support employees and/or

materials without tipping, or has guardrails which

block employee access to the cantilevered end.

(ii) Each platform greater than 10 feet in length

shall not extend over its support more than 18

inches (46 cm), unless it is designed and installed

so that the cantilevered portion of the platform is

able to support employees without tipping, or has

guardrails which block employee access to the

cantilevered end.

(6) On scaffolds where scaffold planks are

abutted to create a long platform, each abutted end

shall rest on a separate support surface. This

provision does not preclude the use of common

support members, such as “T” sections, to support

abutting planks, or hook on platforms designed to

rest on common supports.

(7) On scaffolds where platforms are overlapped

to create a long platform, the overlap shall occur

only over supports, and shall not be less than 12

inches (30 cm) unless the platforms are nailed

together or otherwise restrained to prevent

movement.

(8) At all points of a scaffold where the platform

changes direction, such as turning a corner, any

platform that rests on a bearer at an angle other

than a right angle shall be laid first, and platforms

which rest at right angles over the same bearer shall

be laid second, on top of the first platform.

Regulatory Text

30

(1926.451(a) continued)
(9) Wood platforms shall not be covered with

opaque finishes, except that platform edges may be

covered or marked for identification. Platforms may

be coated periodically with wood preservatives, fireretardant finishes, and slip-resistant finishes; however, the coating may not obscure the top or bottom

wood surfaces.

(10) Scaffold components manufactured by

different manufacturers shall not be intermixed

unless the components fit together without force and

the scaffold’s structural integrity is maintained by the

user. Scaffold components manufactured by different manufacturers shall not be modified in order to

intermix them unless a competent person determines

the resulting scaffold is structurally sound.

(11) Scaffold components made of dissimilar

metals shall not be used together unless a competent

person has determined that galvanic action will not

reduce the strength of any component to a level

below that required by paragraph (a)(1) of this

section.

(c) Criteria for supported scaffolds.

(1) Supported scaffolds with a height to base

width (including outrigger supports, if used) ratio of

more than four to one (4:1) shall be restrained from

tipping by guying, tying, bracing, or equivalent

means, as follows:

(i) Guys, ties, and braces shall be installed at

locations where horizontal members support both

inner and outer legs.

(ii) Guys, ties, and braces shall be installed

according to the scaffold manufacturer’s recommendations or at the closest horizontal member to the 4:1

height and be repeated vertically at locations of

horizontal members every 20 feet (6.1 m) or less

thereafter for scaffolds 3 feet (0.91 m) wide or less,

and every 26 feet (7.9 m) or less thereafter for

scaffolds greater than 3 feet (0.91 m) wide. The top

guy, tie or brace of completed scaffolds shall be

placed no further than the 4:1 height from the top.

Such guys, ties and braces shall be installed at each

end of the scaffold and at horizontal intervals not to

exceed 30 feet (9.1 m) (measured from one end [not

both] towards the other).

(iii) Ties, guys, braces, or outriggers shall be used

to prevent the tipping of supported scaffolds in all

circumstances where an eccentric load, such as a

cantilevered work platform, is applied or is transmitted to the scaffold.

(2) Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames,

and uprights shall bear on base plates and mud sills

or other adequate firm foundation.

(i) Footings shall be level, sound, rigid, and

capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without

settling or displacement.

(ii) Unstable objects shall not be used to support

scaffolds or platform units.

(iii) Unstable objects shall not be used as

working platforms.

(iv) Front-end loaders and similar pieces of

equipment shall not be used to support scaffold

platforms unless they have been specifically

designed by the manufacturer for such use.

(v) Fork-lifts shall not be used to support scaffold platforms unless the entire platform is attached

to the fork and the fork-lift is not moved horizontally while the platform is occupied.

(3) Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames,

and uprights shall be plumb and braced to prevent

swaying and displacement.

(d) Criteria for suspension scaffolds.

(1) All suspension scaffold support devices, such

as outrigger beams, cornice hooks, parapet clamps,

and similar devices, shall rest on surfaces capable

of supporting at least 4 times the load imposed on

them by the scaffold operating at the rated load of

the hoist (or at least 1.5 times the load imposed on

them by the scaffold at the stall capacity of the

hoist, whichever is greater).

(2) Suspension scaffold outrigger beams, when

used, shall be made of structural metal or equivalent

strength material, and shall be restrained to prevent

movement.

(3) The inboard ends of suspension scaffold

outrigger beams shall be stabilized by bolts or other

direct connections to the floor or roof deck, or they

shall have their inboard ends stabilized by counterweights, except masons’ multi-point adjustable

suspension scaffold outrigger beams shall not be

stabilized by counterweights.

(i) Before the scaffold is used, direct connections shall be evaluated by a competent person who

shall confirm, based on the evaluation, that the

supporting surfaces are capable of supporting the

loads to be imposed. In addition, masons’ multipoint adjustable suspension scaffold connections

shall be designed by an engineer experienced in

such scaffold design.

(ii) Counterweights shall be made of non-flowable

material. Sand, gravel and similar materials that can

31

Regulatory Text

(1926.451(b) continued)
be easily dislocated shall not be used as

 counterweights.

(iii) Only those items specifically designed as

counterweights shall be used to counterweight scaffold systems. Construction materials such as, but not

limited to, masonry units and rolls of roofing felt, shall

not be used as counterweights.

(iv) Counterweights shall be secured by

mechanical means to the outrigger beams to prevent

accidental displacement.

(v) Counterweights shall not be removed from an

outrigger beam until the scaffold is

disassembled.

(vi) Outrigger beams which are not stabilized by

bolts or other direct connections to the floor or roof

deck shall be secured by tiebacks.

(vii) Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the

suspension ropes.

(viii) Outrigger beams shall be placed perpendicular to its bearing support (usually the face of the

building or structure). However, where the employer

can demonstrate that it is not possible to place an

outrigger beam perpendicular to the face of the

building or structure because of obstructions that

cannot be moved, the outrigger beam may be placed

at some other angle, provided opposing angle tiebacks

are used.

(ix) Tiebacks shall be secured to a structurally

sound anchorage on the building or structure. Sound

anchorages include structural members, but do not

include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or

electrical conduit.

(x) Tiebacks shall be installed perpendicular to the

face of the building or structure, or opposing angle

tiebacks shall be installed. Single tiebacks installed at

an angle are prohibited.

(4) Suspension scaffold outrigger beams shall be:

(i) Provided with stop bolts or shackles at both

ends;

(ii) Securely fastened together with the flanges

turned out when channel iron beams are used in place

of I-beams;

(iii) Installed with all bearing supports perpendicular to the beam center line;

(iv) Set and maintained with the web in a vertical

position; and

(v) When an outrigger beam is used, the shackle or

clevis with which the rope is attached to the outrigger

beam shall be placed directly over the center line of

the stirrup.

(5) Suspension scaffold support devices such as

cornice hooks, roof hooks, roof irons, parapet

clamps, or similar devices shall be:

(i) Made of steel, wrought iron, or materials of

equivalent strength;

(ii) Supported by bearing blocks; and

(iii) Secured against movement by tiebacks

installed at right angles to the face of the building

or structure, or opposing angle tiebacks shall be

installed and secured to a structurally sound point

of anchorage on the building or structure. Sound

points of anchorage include structural members, but

do not include standpipes, vents, other piping

systems, or electrical conduit.

(iv) Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to

the hoisting rope.

(6) When winding drum hoists are used on a

suspension scaffold, they shall contain not less than

four wraps of the suspension rope at the lowest

point of scaffold travel. When other types of hoists

are used, the suspension ropes shall be long enough

to allow the scaffold to be lowered to the level

below without the rope end passing through the

hoist, or the rope end shall be configured or provided with means to prevent the end from passing

through the hoist.

(7) The use of repaired wire rope as suspension

rope is prohibited.

(8) Wire suspension ropes shall not be joined

together except through the use of eye splice

thimbles connected with shackles or coverplates

and bolts.

(9) The load end of wire suspension ropes shall

be equipped with proper size thimbles and secured

by eyesplicing or equivalent means.

(10) Ropes shall be inspected for defects by a

competent person prior to each workshift and after

every occurrence which could affect a rope’s

integrity. Ropes shall be replaced if any of the

following conditions exist:

(i) Any physical damage which impairs the

function and strength of the rope.

(ii) Kinks that might impair the tracking or

wrapping of rope around the drum(s) or sheave(s).

(iii) Six randomly distributed broken wires in

one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in

one rope lay.

(iv) Abrasion, corrosion, scrubbing, flattening or

peening causing loss of more than one-third of the

original diameter of the outside wires.

Regulatory Text

32

(1926.451(d) continued)
(v) Heat damage caused by a torch or any damage

caused by contact with electrical wires.

(vi) Evidence that the secondary brake has been

activated during an overspeed condition and has

engaged the suspension rope.

(11) Swaged attachments or spliced eyes on wire

suspension ropes shall not be used unless they are

made by the wire rope manufacturer or a qualified

person.

(12) When wire rope clips are used on suspension

scaffolds:

(i) There shall be a minimum of 3 wire rope clips

installed, with the clips a minimum of 6 rope

 diameters apart;

(ii) Clips shall be installed according to the

manufacturer’s recommendations;

(iii) Clips shall be retightened to the

manufacturer’s recommendations after the initial

loading;

(iv) Clips shall be inspected and retightened to the

manufacturer’s recommendations at the start of each

workshift thereafter;

(v) U-bolt clips shall not be used at the point of

suspension for any scaffold hoist;

(vi) When U-bolt clips are used, the U-bolt shall be

placed over the dead end of the rope, and the saddle

shall be placed over the live end of the rope.

(13) Suspension scaffold power-operated hoists

and manual hoists shall be tested by a qualified testing

laboratory.

(14) Gasoline-powered equipment and hoists shall

not be used on suspension scaffolds.

(15) Gears and brakes of power-operated hoists

used on suspension scaffolds shall be enclosed.

(16) In addition to the normal operating brake,

suspension scaffold power-operated hoists and

manually operated hoists shall have a braking device

or locking pawl which engages automatically when a

hoist makes either of the following uncontrolled

movements: an instantaneous change in momentum or

an accelerated overspeed.

(17) Manually operated hoists shall require a

positive crank force to descend.

(18) Two-point and multi-point suspension

scaffolds shall be tied or otherwise secured to prevent

them from swaying, as determined to be necessary

based on an evaluation by a competent person.

Window cleaners’ anchors shall not be used for this

purpose.

(19) Devices whose sole function is to provide

emergency escape and rescue shall not be used as

working platforms. (This provision does not preclude

the use of systems which are designed to function

both as suspension scaffolds and emergency systems.)

(e) Access. This paragraph applies to scaffold

access for all employees. Access requirements for

employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds

are specifically addressed in paragraph (e)(9) of this

section.

(1) When scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet

(0.6 m) above or below a point of access, portable

ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders, stair

towers (scaffold stairways/towers), stairway-type

ladders (such as ladder stands), ramps, walkways,

integral prefabricated scaffold access, or direct access

from another scaffold, structure, personnel hoist, or

similar surface shall be used. Crossbraces shall not be

used as a means of access.

(2) Portable, hook-on, and attachable ladders

(Additional requirements for the proper construction

and use of portable ladders are contained in Subpart X

of this part—Stairways and Ladders):

(i) Portable, hook-on, and attachable ladders shall

be positioned so as not to tip the scaffold;

(ii) Hook-on and attachable ladders shall be

positioned so that their bottom rung is not more than

24 inches (61 cm) above the scaffold supporting level;

(iii) When hook-on and attachable ladders are used

on a supported scaffold more than 35 feet (10.7 m.)

high, they shall have rest platforms at 35-foot (10.7 m)

maximum vertical intervals.

(iv) Hook-on and attachable ladders shall be

specifically designed for use with the type of scaffold

used;

(v) Hook-on and attachable ladders shall have a

minimum rung length of 11-1/2 inches (29 cm); and

(vi) Hook-on and attachable ladders shall have

uniformly spaced rungs with a maximum spacing

between rungs of 16-3/4 inches.

(3) Stairway-type ladders shall:

(i) be positioned such that their bottom step is not

more than 24 inches (61 cm) above the scaffold

supporting level;

(ii) be provided with rest platforms at 12 foot

(3.7 m) maximum vertical intervals;

(iii) have a minimum step width of 16 inches

(41 cm), except that mobile scaffold stairway-type

ladders shall have a minimum step width of

11 1/2 inches (30 cm); and

33

Regulatory Text

(1926.451(d) continued)
(iv) have slip-resistant treads on all steps and

landings.

(4) Stairtowers (scaffold stairway/towers) shall be

positioned such that their bottom step is not more than

24 inches (61 cm.) above the scaffold supporting level.

(i) A stairrail consisting of a toprail and a midrail

shall be provided on each side of each scaffold

stairway.

(ii) The toprail of each stairrail system shall also be

capable of serving as a handrail, unless a separate

handrail is provided.

(iii) Handrails, and toprails that serve as handrails,

shall provide an adequate handhold for employees

grasping them to avoid falling.

(iv) Stairrail systems and handrails shall be surfaced to prevent injury to employees from punctures

or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.

(v) The ends of stairrail systems and handrails shall

be constructed so that they do not constitute a

projection hazard.

(vi) Handrails, and toprails that are used as handrails, shall be at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) from other

objects.

(vii) Stairrails shall be not less than 28 inches

(71 cm) nor more than 37 inches (94 cm) from the

upper surface of the stairrail to the surface of the tread,

in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of

the tread.

(viii) A landing platform at least 18 inches (45.7

cm) wide by at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) long shall be

provided at each level.

(ix) Each scaffold stairway shall be at least 18

inches (45.7 cm) wide between stairrails.

(x) Treads and landings shall have slip-resistant

surfaces.

(xi) Stairways shall be installed between 40 degrees

and 60 degrees from the horizontal.

(xii) Guardrails meeting the requirements of

paragraph (g)(4) of this section shall be provided on

the open sides and ends of each landing.

(xiii) Riser height shall be uniform, within 1/4 inch,

(0.6 cm) for each flight of stairs. Greater variations in

riser height are allowed for the top and bottom steps of

the entire system, not for each flight of stairs.

(xiv) Tread depth shall be uniform, within 1/4 inch,

for each flight of stairs.

(5) Ramps and walkways.

(i) Ramps and walkways 6 feet (1.8 m) or more

above lower levels shall have guardrail systems which

comply with Subpart M of this part—Fall Protection;

(ii) No ramp or walkway shall be inclined more

than a slope of one (1) vertical to three (3) horizontal

(20 degrees above the horizontal).

(iii) If the slope of a ramp or a walkway is steeper

than one (1) vertical in eight (8) horizontal, the ramp

or walkway shall have cleats not more than fourteen

(14) inches (35 cm) apart which are securely fastened

to the planks to provide footing.

(6) Integral prefabricated scaffold access frames

shall:

(i) Be specifically designed and constructed for use

as ladder rungs;

(ii) Have a rung length of at least 8 inches (20 cm);

(iii) Not be used as work platforms when rungs are

less than 11-1/2 inches in length, unless each affected

employee uses fall protection, or a positioning device,

which complies with §1926.502;

(iv) Be uniformly spaced within each frame

section;

(v) Be provided with rest platforms at 35-foot

(10.7 m) maximum vertical intervals on all supported

scaffolds more than 35 feet (10.7 m) high; and

(vi) Have a maximum spacing between rungs of 16

3/4 inches (43 cm). Non-uniform rung spacing

caused by joining end frames together is allowed,

provided the resulting spacing does not exceed 16-3/4

inches (43 cm).

(7) Steps and rungs of ladder and stairway type

access shall line up vertically with each other between

rest platforms.

(8) Direct access to or from another surface shall

be used only when the scaffold is not more than 14

inches (36 cm) horizontally and not more than 24

inches (61 cm) vertically from the other surface.

(9) Effective September 2, 1997, access for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds

shall be in accordance with the following:

(i) The employer shall provide safe means of

access for each employee erecting or dismantling a

scaffold where the provision of safe access is feasible

and does not create a greater hazard. The employer

shall have a competent person determine whether it is

feasible or would pose a greater hazard to provide,

and have employees use a safe means of access. This

determination shall be based on site conditions and the

type of scaffold being erected or dismantled.

Regulatory Text

34

(1926.451(e) continued)
(ii) Hook-on or attachable ladders shall be

installed as soon as scaffold erection has progressed

to a point that permits safe installation and use.

(iii) When erecting or dismantling tubular

welded frame scaffolds, (end) frames, with horizontal members that are parallel, level and are not more

than 22 inches apart vertically may be used as

climbing devices for access, provided they are

erected in a manner that creates a usable ladder and

provides good hand hold and foot space.

(iv) Cross braces on tubular welded frame

scaffolds shall not be used as a means of access or

egress.

(f) Use. (1) Scaffolds and scaffold components

shall not be loaded in excess of their maximum

intended loads or rated capacities, whichever is less.

(2) The use of shore or lean-to scaffolds is

prohibited.

(3) Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be

inspected for visible defects by a competent person

before each work shift, and after any occurrence

Insulated Lines

Voltage Minimum Distance Alternatives

Less than 300 volts 3 feet (0.9 M) 2 times the length of

300 volts to 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 M) the line insulator, but

More than 50kv 10 feet (3.1 M) plus never less than 10 feet (3.1 m)

0.4 inches (1.0 cm) for each 1 kv

over 50 kv

which could affect a scaffold’s structural integrity.

(4) Any part of a scaffold damaged or

weakened such that its strength is less than that

required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be

immediately repaired or replaced, braced to meet

those provisions, or removed from service until

repaired.

(5) Scaffolds shall not be moved horizontally

while employees are on them, unless they have

been designed by a registered professional engineer

specifically for such movement or, for mobile

scaffolds, where the provisions of §1926.452(w) are

followed.

(6) The clearance between scaffolds and power

lines shall be as follows: Scaffolds shall not be

erected, used, dismantled, altered, or moved such

that they or any conductive material handled on

them might come closer to exposed and energized

power lines than as follows:

Exception to paragraph (f)(6): Scaffolds and

Uninsulated Lines

Voltage Minimum Distance Alternatives

Less than 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 M) 2 times the length of

More than 50kv 10 feet (3.1 M) plus the line insulator, but

0.4 inches (1.0 cm) for each 1 kv never less than 10 feet (3.1 m)

over 50 kv

35

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(1926.451(e) continued)
materials may be closer to power lines than specified above where such clearance is necessary for

performance of work, and only after the utility

company, or electrical system operator, has been

notified of the need to work closer and the utility

company, or electrical system operator, has

deenergized the lines, relocated the lines, or

installed protective coverings to prevent accidental

contact with the lines.

(7) Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and

direction of a competent person qualified in

scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration.

Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such

work by the competent person.

(8) Employees shall be prohibited from working

on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other

slippery material except as necessary for removal of

such materials.

(9) Where swinging loads are being hoisted onto

or near scaffolds such that the loads might contact

the scaffold, tag lines or equivalent measures to

control the loads shall be used.

(10) Suspension ropes supporting adjustable

suspension scaffolds shall be of a diameter large

enough to provide sufficient surface area for the

functioning of brake and hoist mechanisms.

(11) Suspension ropes shall be shielded from

heat-producing processes. When acids or other

corrosive substances are used on a scaffold, the

ropes shall be shielded, treated to protect against

the corrosive substances, or shall be of a material

that will not be damaged by the substance being

used.

(12) Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited

during storms or high winds unless a competent

person has determined that it is safe for employees

to be on the scaffold and those employees are

protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind

screens. Wind screens shall not be used unless the

scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind

forces imposed.

(13) Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate

on platforms.

(14) Makeshift devices, such as but not limited

to boxes and barrels, shall not be used on top of

scaffold platforms to increase the working level

height of employees.

(15) Ladders shall not be used on scaffolds to

increase the working level height of employees,

except on large area scaffolds where employers

have satisfied the following criteria:

(i) When the ladder is placed against a structure

which is not a part of the scaffold, the scaffold shall

be secured against the sideways thrust exerted by

the ladder;

(ii) The platform units shall be secured to the

scaffold to prevent their movement;

(iii) The ladder legs shall be on the same platform or other means shall be provided to stabilize

the ladder against unequal platform deflection, and

(iv) The ladder legs shall be secured to prevent

them from slipping or being pushed off the

platform.

(16) Platforms shall not deflect more than 1/60

of the span when loaded.

(17) To reduce the possibility of welding current

arcing through the suspension wire rope when

performing welding from suspended scaffolds, the

following precautions shall be taken, as applicable:

(i) An insulated thimble shall be used to attach

each suspension wire rope to its hanging support

(such as cornice hook or outrigger). Excess suspension wire rope and any additional independent

lines from grounding shall be insulated;

(ii) The suspension wire rope shall be covered

with insulating material extending at least 4 feet

(1.2 m) above the hoist. If there is a tail line below

the hoist, it shall be insulated to prevent contact

with the platform. The portion of the tail line that

hangs free below the scaffold shall be guided or

retained, or both, so that it does not become

grounded;

(iii) Each hoist shall be covered with insulated

protective covers;

(iv) In addition to a work lead attachment

required by the welding process, a grounding

conductor shall be connected from the scaffold to

the structure. The size of this conductor shall be at

least the size of the welding process work lead, and

this conductor shall not be in series with the welding process or the work piece;

(v) If the scaffold grounding lead is disconnected at any time, the welding machine shall be

shut off; and

(vi) An active welding rod or uninsulated

welding lead shall not be allowed to contact the

scaffold or its suspension system.

(g) Fall protection. (1) Each employee on a

scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower

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36

(1926.451(f) continued)
level shall be protected from falling to that lower

level. Paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (vii) of this

section, establish the types of fall protection to be

provided to the employees on each type of scaffold.

Paragraph (g)(2) of this section addresses fall

protection for scaffold erectors and dismantlers.

NOTE to paragraph (g)(1): The fall protection

requirements for employees installing suspension

scaffold support systems on floors, roofs, and other

elevated surfaces are set forth in subpart M of this

part.

(i) Each employee on a boatswains’ chair,

catenary scaffold, float scaffold, needle beam

scaffold, or ladder jack scaffold shall be protected

by a personal fall arrest system;

(ii) Each employee on a single-point or twopoint adjustable suspension scaffold shall be

protected by both a personal fall arrest system and

guardrail system;

(iii) Each employee on a crawling board

(chicken ladder) shall be protected by a personal

fall arrest system, a guardrail system (with minimum 200 pound toprail capacity), or by a threefourth inch (1.9 cm) diameter grabline or equivalent

handhold securely fastened beside each crawling

board;

(iv) Each employee on a self-contained adjustable scaffold shall be protected by a guardrail

system (with minimum 200 pound toprail capacity)

when the platform is supported by the frame

structure, and by both a personal fall arrest system

and a guardrail system (with minimum 200 pound

toprail capacity) when the platform is supported by

ropes;

(v) Each employee on a walkway located within

a scaffold shall be protected by a guardrail system

(with minimum 200 pound toprail capacity) installed within 9 1/2 inches (24.1 cm) of and along at

least one side of the walkway.

(vi) Each employee performing overhand

bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold

shall be protected from falling from all open sides

and ends of the scaffold (except at the side next to

the wall being laid) by the use of a personal fall

arrest system or guardrail system (with minimum

200 pound toprail capacity).

(vii) For all scaffolds not otherwise specified in

paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(vi) of this

section, each employee shall be protected by the

use of personal fall arrest systems or guardrail

systems meeting the requirements of paragraph

(g)(4) of this section.

(2) Effective September 2, 1997, the employer

shall have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for

employees erecting or dismantling supported

scaffolds. Employers are required to provide fall

protection for employees erecting or dismantling

supported scaffolds where the installation and use

of such protection is feasible and does not create a

greater hazard.

(3) In addition to meeting the requirements of

§1926.502(d), personal fall arrest systems used on

scaffolds shall be attached by lanyard to a vertical

lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or scaffold structural

member. Vertical lifelines shall not be used when

overhead components, such as overhead protection

or additional platform levels, are part of a singlepoint or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold.

(i) When vertical lifelines are used, they shall be

fastened to a fixed safe point of anchorage, shall be

independent of the scaffold, and shall be protected

from sharp edges and abrasion. Safe points of

anchorage include structural members of buildings,

but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping

systems, electrical conduit, outrigger beams, or

counterweights.

(ii) When horizontal lifelines are used, they shall

be secured to two or more structural members of

the scaffold, or they may be looped around both

suspension and independent suspension lines (on

scaffolds so equipped) above the hoist and brake

attached to the end of the scaffold. Horizontal

lifelines shall not be attached only to the suspension

ropes.

(iii) When lanyards are connected to horizontal

lifelines or structural members on a single-point or

two-point adjustable suspension scaffold, the

scaffold shall be equipped with additional independent support lines and automatic locking devices

capable of stopping the fall of the scaffold in the

event one or both of the suspension ropes fail. The

independent support lines shall be equal in number

and strength to the suspension ropes.

(iv) Vertical lifelines, independent support lines,

and suspension ropes shall not be attached to each

other, nor shall they be attached to or use the same

point of anchorage, nor shall they be attached to the

same point on the scaffold or personal fall arrest

37

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(1926.451(g) continued)
system.

(4) Guardrail systems installed to meet the

requirements of this section shall comply with the

following provisions (guardrail systems built in

accordance with Appendix A to this subpart will be

deemed to meet the requirements of paragraphs

(g)(4)(vii), (viii), and (ix) of this section):

(i) Guardrail systems shall be installed along all

open sides and ends of platforms. Guardrail systems shall be installed before the scaffold is released for use by employees other than erection/

dismantling crews.

(ii) The top edge height of toprails or equivalent

member on supported scaffolds manufactured or

placed in service after January 1, 2000 shall be

installed between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 45 inches

(1.2 m) above the platform surface. The top edge

height on supported scaffolds manufactured and

placed in service before January 1, 2000, and on all

suspended scaffolds where both a guardrail and a

personal fall arrest system are required shall be

between 36 inches (0.9 m) and 45 inches (1.2 m).

When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge

may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the

guardrail system meets all other criteria of

paragraph (g)(4).

(iii) When midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate

vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent

structural members are used, they shall be installed

between the top edge of the guardrail system and

the scaffold platform.

(iv) When midrails are used, they shall be

installed at a height approximately midway between

the top edge of the guardrail system and the platform surface.

(v) When screens and mesh are used, they shall

extend from the top edge of the guardrail system to

the scaffold platform, and along the entire opening

between the supports.

(vi) When intermediate members (such as

balusters or additional rails) are used, they shall not

be more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.

(vii) Each toprail or equivalent member of a

guardrail system shall be capable of withstanding,

without failure, a force applied in any downward or

horizontal direction at any point along its top edge

of at least 100 pounds (445 n) for guardrail systems

installed on single-point adjustable suspension

scaffolds or two-point adjustable suspension

scaffolds, and at least 200 pounds (890 n) for

guardrail systems installed on all other scaffolds.

(viii) When the loads specified in paragraph

(g)(4)(vii) of this section are applied in a downward

direction, the top edge shall not drop below the

height above the platform surface that is prescribed

in paragraph (g)(4)(ii) of this section.

(ix) Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate

vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent

structural members of a guardrail system shall be

capable of withstanding, without failure, a force

applied in any downward or horizontal direction at

any point along the midrail or other member of at

least 75 pounds (333 n) for guardrail systems with a

minimum 100 pound toprail capacity, and at least

150 pounds (666 n) for guardrail systems with a

minimum 200 pound toprail capacity.

(x) Suspension scaffold hoists and non-walkthrough stirrups may be used as end guardrails, if

the space between the hoist or stirrup and the side

guardrail or structure does not allow passage of an

employee to the end of the scaffold.

(xi) Guardrails shall be surfaced to prevent

injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.

(xii) The ends of all rails shall not overhang the

terminal posts except when such overhang does not

constitute a projection hazard to employees.

(xiii) Steel or plastic banding shall not be used

as a toprail or midrail.

(xiv) Manila or plastic (or other synthetic) rope

being used for toprails or midrails shall be inspected by a competent person as frequently as

necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the

strength requirements of paragraph (g) of this

section.

(xv) Cross bracing is acceptable in place of a

midrail when the crossing point of two braces is

between 20 inches (0.5 m) and 30 inches (0.8 m)

above the work platform or as a toprail when the

crossing point of two braces is between 38 inches

(0.97 m) and 48 inches (1.3 m) above the work

platform. The end points at each upright shall be

no more than 48 inches (1.3 m) apart.

(h) Falling object protection. (1) In addition

to wearing hardhats each employee on a scaffold

shall be provided with additional protection from

falling hand tools, debris, and other small objects

through the installation of toeboards, screens, or

guardrail systems, or through the erection of debris

nets, catch platforms, or canopy structures that

contain or deflect the falling objects. When the

Regulatory Text

38

(1926.451(g) continued)
falling objects are too large, heavy or massive to be

contained or deflected by any of the above-listed

measures, the employer shall place such potential

falling objects away from the edge of the surface from

which they could fall and shall secure those materials

as necessary to prevent their falling.

(2) Where there is a danger of tools, materials, or

equipment falling from a scaffold and striking employees below, the following provisions apply:

(i) The area below the scaffold to which objects

can fall shall be barricaded, and employees shall not

be permitted to enter the hazard area; or

(ii) A toeboard shall be erected along the edge of

platforms more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above lower

levels for a distance sufficient to protect employees

below, except on float (ship) scaffolds where an

edging of 3/4 x 1-1/2 inch (2 x 4 cm) wood or

equivalent may be used in lieu of toeboards;

(iii) Where tools, materials, or equipment are piled

to a height higher than the top edge of the toeboard,

paneling or screening extending from the toeboard or

platform to the top of the guardrail shall be erected for

a distance sufficient to protect employees below, or

(iv) A guardrail system shall be installed with

openings small enough to prevent passage of potential

falling objects, or

(v) A canopy structure, debris net, or catch platform strong enough to withstand the impact forces of

the potential falling objects shall be erected over the

employees below.

(3) Canopies, when used for falling object protection, shall comply with the following criteria:

(i) Canopies shall be installed between the falling

object hazard and the employees.

(ii) When canopies are used on suspension scaffolds for falling object protection, the scaffold shall be

equipped with additional independent support lines

equal in number to the number of points supported,

and equivalent in strength to the strength of the

suspension ropes.

(iii) Independent support lines and suspension

ropes shall not be attached to the same points of

anchorage.

(4) Where used, toeboards shall be:

(i) Capable of withstanding, without failure, a

force of at least 50 pounds (222 n) applied in any

downward or horizontal direction at any point along

the toeboard (toeboards built in accordance with

Appendix A to this subpart will be deemed to meet

this requirement); and

(ii) At least three and one-half inches (9 cm)

high from the top edge of the toe board to the level

of the walking/working surface. Toeboards shall be

securely fastened in place at the outermost edge of

the platform and have not more than 1/4 inch (0.7

cm) clearance above the walking/working surface.

Toeboards shall be solid or with openings not over

one inch (2.5 cm) in the greatest dimension.

§1926.452 Additional requirements applicable

to specific types of scaffolds.

In addition to the applicable requirements of

§1926.451, the following requirements apply to the

specific types of scaffolds indicated. Scaffolds not

specifically addressed by §1926.452, such as but

not limited to systems scaffolds, must meet the

requirements of §1926.451.

(a) Pole scaffolds. (1) When platforms are

being moved to the next level, the existing platform

shall be left undisturbed until the new bearers have

been set in place and braced, prior to receiving the

new platforms.

(2) Crossbracing shall be installed between the

inner and outer sets of poles on double pole scaffolds.

(3) Diagonal bracing in both directions shall be

installed across the entire inside face of double-pole

scaffolds used to support loads equivalent to a

uniformly distributed load of 50 pounds (222 kg) or

more per square foot (929 square cm).

(4) Diagonal bracing in both directions shall be

installed across the entire outside face of all doubleand single-pole scaffolds.

(5) Runners and bearers shall be installed on

edge.

(6) Bearers shall extend a minimum of 3 inches

(7.6 cm) over the outside edges of runners.

(7) Runners shall extend over a minimum of two

poles, and shall be supported by bearing blocks

securely attached to the poles.

(8) Braces, bearers, and runners shall not be

spliced between poles.

(9) Where wooden poles are spliced, the ends

shall be squared and the upper section shall rest

squarely on the lower section. Wood splice plates

shall be provided on at least two adjacent sides, and

shall extend at least 2 feet (0.6 m) on either side of

the splice, overlap the abutted ends equally, and

have at least the same cross-sectional areas as the

pole. Splice plates of other materials of equivalent

strength may be used.

39

Regulatory Text

(1926.451(h) continued)
(10) Pole scaffolds over 60 feet in height shall

be designed by a registered professional engineer,

and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance

with that design. Non-mandatory Appendix A to

this subpart contains examples of criteria that will

enable an employer to comply with design and

loading requirements for pole scaffolds under 60

feet in height.

(b) Tube and coupler scaffolds. (1) When

platforms are being moved to the next level, the

existing platform shall be left undisturbed until the

new bearers have been set in place and braced prior

to receiving the new platforms.

(2) Transverse bracing forming an “X” across

the width of the scaffold shall be installed at the

scaffold ends and at least at every third set of posts

horizontally (measured from only one end) and

every fourth runner vertically. Bracing shall extend

diagonally from the inner or outer posts or runners

upward to the next outer or inner posts or runners.

Building ties shall be installed at the bearer levels

between the transverse bracing and shall conform to

the requirements of §1926.451(c)(1).

(3) On straight run scaffolds, longitudinal

bracing across the inner and outer rows of posts

shall be installed diagonally in both directions, and

shall extend from the base of the end posts upward

to the top of the scaffold at approximately a 45

degree angle. On scaffolds whose length is greater

than their height, such bracing shall be repeated

beginning at least at every fifth post. On scaffolds

whose length is less than their height, such bracing

shall be installed from the base of the end posts

upward to the opposite end posts, and then in

alternating directions until reaching the top of the

scaffold. Bracing shall be installed as close as

possible to the intersection of the bearer and post or

runner and post.

(4) Where conditions preclude the attachment of

bracing to posts, bracing shall be attached to the

runners as close to the post as possible.

(5) Bearers shall be installed transversely

between posts, and when coupled to the posts, shall

have the inboard coupler bear directly on the runner

coupler. When the bearers are coupled to the

runners, the couplers shall be as close to the posts

as possible.

(6) Bearers shall extend beyond the posts and

runners, and shall provide full contact with the

coupler.

(7) Runners shall be installed along the length of

the scaffold, located on both the inside and outside

posts at level heights (when tube and coupler

guardrails and midrails are used on outside posts,

they may be used in lieu of outside runners).

(8) Runners shall be interlocked on straight runs

to form continuous lengths, and shall be coupled to

each post. The bottom runners and bearers shall be

located as close to the base as possible.

(9) Couplers shall be of a structural metal, such

as drop-forged steel, malleable iron, or structural

grade aluminum. The use of gray cast iron is

prohibited.

(10) Tube and coupler scaffolds over 125 feet in

height shall be designed by a registered professional engineer, and shall be constructed and loaded

in accordance with such design. Non-mandatory

Appendix A to this subpart contains examples of

criteria that will enable an employer to comply with

design and loading requirements for tube and

coupler scaffolds under 125 feet in height.

(c) Fabricated frame scaffolds (tubular

welded frame scaffolds).

(1) When moving platforms to the next level, the

existing platform shall be left undisturbed until the

new end frames have been set in place and braced

prior to receiving the new platforms.

(2) Frames and panels shall be braced by cross,

horizontal, or diagonal braces, or combination

thereof, which secure vertical members together

laterally. The cross braces shall be of such length

as will automatically square and align vertical

members so that the erected scaffold is always

plumb, level, and square. All brace connections

shall be secured.

(3) Frames and panels shall be joined together

vertically by coupling or stacking pins or equivalent

means.

(4) Where uplift can occur which would displace

scaffold end frames or panels, the frames or panels

shall be locked together vertically by pins or

equivalent means.

(5) Brackets used to support cantilevered loads

shall:

(i) be seated with side-brackets parallel to the

frames and end-brackets at 90 degrees to the

frames;

(ii) not be bent or twisted from these positions;

and

(iii) be used only to support personnel, unless

the scaffold has been designed for other loads by a

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40

(1926.452(a) continued)
qualified engineer and built to withstand the tipping

forces caused by those other loads being placed on

the bracket-supported section of the scaffold.

(6) Scaffolds over 125 feet (38.0 m) in height

above their base plates shall be designed by a

registered professional engineer, and shall be

constructed and loaded in accordance with such

design.

(d) Plasterers’, decorators’, and large area

scaffolds. Scaffolds shall be constructed in accordance with paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of this section,

as appropriate.

(e) Bricklayers’ square scaffolds (squares).

(1) Scaffolds made of wood shall be reinforced

with gussets on both sides of each corner.

(2) Diagonal braces shall be installed on all

sides of each square.

(3) Diagonal braces shall be installed between

squares on the rear and front sides of the scaffold,

and shall extend from the bottom of each square to

the top of the next square.

(4) Scaffolds shall not exceed three tiers in

height, and shall be so constructed and arranged

that one square rests directly above the other. The

upper tiers shall stand on a continuous row of

planks laid across the next lower tier, and shall be

nailed down or otherwise secured to prevent

displacement.

(f) Horse scaffolds. (1) Scaffolds shall not be

constructed or arranged more than two tiers or 10

feet (3.0 m) in height, whichever is less.

(2) When horses are arranged in tiers, each horse

shall be placed directly over the horse in the tier

below.

(3) When horses are arranged in tiers, the legs of

each horse shall be nailed down or otherwise

secured to prevent displacement.

(4) When horses are arranged in tiers, each tier

shall be crossbraced.

(g) Form scaffolds and carpenters’ bracket

scaffolds.

(1) Each bracket, except those for wooden bracketform scaffolds, shall be attached to the supporting

formwork or structure by means of one or more of

the following: nails; a metal stud attachment

device; welding; hooking over a secured structural

supporting member, with the form wales either

bolted to the form or secured by snap ties or tie

bolts extending through the form and securely

anchored; or, for carpenters’ bracket scaffolds only,

by a bolt extending through to the opposite side of

the structure’s wall.

(2) Wooden bracket-form scaffolds shall be an

integral part of the form panel.

(3) Folding type metal brackets, when extended

for use, shall be either bolted or secured with a

locking-type pin.

(h) Roof bracket scaffolds. (1) Scaffold

brackets shall be constructed to fit the pitch of the

roof and shall provide a level support for the

platform.

(2) Brackets (including those provided with

pointed metal projections) shall be anchored in

place by nails unless it is impractical to use nails.

When nails are not used, brackets shall be secured

in place with first-grade manila rope of at least

three-fourth inch (1.9 cm) diameter, or equivalent.

(i) Outrigger scaffolds. (1) The inboard end of

outrigger beams, measured from the fulcrum point

to the extreme point of anchorage, shall be not less

than one and one-half times the outboard end in

length.

(2) Outrigger beams fabricated in the shape of

an I-beam or channel shall be placed so that the

web section is vertical.

(3) The fulcrum point of outrigger beams shall

rest on secure bearings at least 6 inches (15.2 cm)

in each horizontal dimension.

(4) Outrigger beams shall be secured in place

against movement, and shall be securely braced at

the fulcrum point against tipping.

(5) The inboard ends of outrigger beams shall be

securely anchored either by means of braced struts

bearing against sills in contact with the overhead

beams or ceiling, or by means of tension members

secured to the floor joists underfoot, or by both.

(6) The entire supporting structure shall be

securely braced to prevent any horizontal

movement.

(7) To prevent their displacement, platform units

shall be nailed, bolted, or otherwise secured to

outriggers.

(8) Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be

designed by a registered professional engineer and

shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with

such design.

(j) Pump jack scaffolds. (1) Pump jack brackets, braces, and accessories shall be fabricated from

metal plates and angles. Each pump jack bracket

shall have two positive gripping mechanisms to

prevent any failure or slippage.

41

Regulatory Text

(1926.452(c) continued)
(2) Poles shall be secured to the structure by

rigid triangular bracing or equivalent at the bottom,

top, and other points as necessary. When the pump

jack has to pass bracing already installed, an

additional brace shall be installed approximately

4 feet (1.2 m) above the brace to be passed, and

shall be left in place until the pump jack has been

moved and the original brace reinstalled.

(3) When guardrails are used for fall protection,

a workbench may be used as the toprail only if it

meets all the requirements in paragraphs (g)(4)(ii),

(vii), (viii), and (xiii) of §1926.451.

(4) Work benches shall not be used as scaffold

platforms.

(5) When poles are made of wood, the pole

lumber shall be straight-grained, free of shakes,

large loose or dead knots, and other defects which

might impair strength.

(6) When wood poles are constructed of two

continuous lengths, they shall be joined together

with the seam parallel to the bracket.

(7) When two by fours are spliced to make a

pole, mending plates shall be installed at all splices

to develop the full strength of the member.

(k) Ladder jack scaffolds. (1) Platforms shall

not exceed a height of 20 feet (6.1 m).

(2) All ladders used to support ladder jack

scaffolds shall meet the requirements of subpart X

of this part—Stairways and Ladders, except that

job-made ladders shall not be used to support

ladder jack scaffolds.

(3) The ladder jack shall be so designed and

constructed that it will bear on the side rails and

ladder rungs or on the ladder rungs alone. If

bearing on rungs only, the bearing area shall include a length of at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) on

each rung.

(4) Ladders used to support ladder jacks shall be

placed, fastened, or equipped with devices to

prevent slipping.

(5) Scaffold platforms shall not be bridged one

to another.

(l) Window jack scaffolds. (1) Scaffolds shall

be securely attached to the window opening.

(2) Scaffolds shall be used only for the purpose

of working at the window opening through which

the jack is placed.

(3) Window jacks shall not be used to support

planks placed between one window jack and

another, or for other elements of scaffolding.

(m) Crawling boards (chicken ladders). (1)

Crawling boards shall extend from the roof peak to

the eaves when used in connection with roof

construction, repair, or maintenance.

(2) Crawling boards shall be secured to the roof

by ridge hooks or by means that meet equivalent

criteria (e.g., strength and durability).

(n) Step, platform, and trestle ladder scaffolds. (1) Scaffold platforms shall not be placed

any higher than the second highest rung or step of

the ladder supporting the platform.

(2) All ladders used in conjunction with step,

platform and trestle ladder scaffolds shall meet the

pertinent requirements of subpart X of this part—

Stairways and Ladders, except that job-made

ladders shall not be used to support such scaffolds.

(3) Ladders used to support step, platform, and

trestle ladder scaffolds shall be placed, fastened, or

equipped with devices to prevent slipping.

(4) Scaffolds shall not be bridged one to another.

(o) Single-point adjustable suspension

scaffolds. (1) When two single-point adjustable

suspension scaffolds are combined to form a twopoint adjustable suspension scaffold, the resulting

two-point scaffold shall comply with the requirements for two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds

in paragraph (p) of this section.

(2) The supporting rope between the scaffold

and the suspension device shall be kept vertical

unless all of the following conditions are met:

(i) The rigging has been designed by a qualified

person, and

(ii) The scaffold is accessible to rescuers, and

(iii) The supporting rope is protected to ensure

that it will not chafe at any point where a change in

direction occurs, and

(iv) The scaffold is positioned so that swinging

cannot bring the scaffold into contact with another

surface.

(3) Boatswains’ chair tackle shall consist of

correct size ball bearings or bushed blocks containing safety hooks and properly “eye-spliced” minimum five-eighth (5/8) inch (1.6 cm) diameter firstgrade manila rope, or other rope which will satisfy

the criteria (e.g., strength and durability) of manila

rope.

(4) Boatswains’ chair seat slings shall be reeved

through four corner holes in the seat; shall cross

each other on the underside of the seat; and shall be

rigged so as to prevent slippage which could cause

an out-of-level condition.

Regulatory Text

42

(1926.452(j) continued)
(5) Boatswains’ chair seat slings shall be a

minimum of five-eight (5/8) inch (1.6 cm) diameter

fiber, synthetic, or other rope which will satisfy the

criteria (e.g., strength, slip resistance, durability,

etc.) of first grade manila rope.

(6) When a heat-producing process such as gas

or arc welding is being conducted, boatswains’

chair seat slings shall be a minimum of three-eight

(3/8) inch (1.0 cm) wire rope.

(7) Non-cross-laminated wood boatswains’

chairs shall be reinforced on their underside by

cleats securely fastened to prevent the board from

splitting.

(p) Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds

(swing stages). The following requirements do not

apply to two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds

used as masons’ or stonesetters’ scaffolds. Such

scaffolds are covered by paragraph (q) of this

section.

(1) Platforms shall not be more than 36 inches

(0.9 m) wide unless designed by a qualified person

to prevent unstable conditions.

(2) The platform shall be securely fastened to

hangers (stirrups) by U-bolts or by other means

which satisfy the requirements of §1926.451(a).

(3) The blocks for fiber or synthetic ropes shall

consist of at least one double and one single block.

The sheaves of all blocks shall fit the size of the

rope used.

(4) Platforms shall be of the ladder-type, planktype, beam-type, or light-metal type. Light metaltype platforms having a rated capacity of 750

pounds or less and platforms 40 feet (12.2 m) or

less in length shall be tested and listed by a

nationally recognized testing laboratory.

(5) Two-point scaffolds shall not be bridged or

otherwise connected one to another during raising

and lowering operations unless the bridge connections are articulated (attached), and the hoists

properly sized.

(6) Passage may be made from one platform to

another only when the platforms are at the same

height, are abutting, and walk-through stirrups

specifically designed for this purpose are used.

(q) Multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds, stonesetters’ multi-point adjustable

suspension scaffolds, and masons’ multi-point

adjustable suspension scaffolds.

(1) When two or more scaffolds are used they

shall not be bridged one to another unless they are

designed to be bridged, the bridge connections are

articulated, and the hoists are properly sized.

(2) If bridges are not used, passage may be made

from one platform to another only when the platforms are at the same height and are abutting.

(3) Scaffolds shall be suspended from metal

outriggers, brackets, wire rope slings, hooks, or

means that meet equivalent criteria (e.g., strength,

durability).

(r) Catenary scaffolds. (1) No more than one

platform shall be placed between consecutive

vertical pickups, and no more than two platforms

shall be used on a catenary scaffold.

(2) Platforms supported by wire ropes shall have

hook- shaped stops on each end of the platforms to

prevent them from slipping off the wire ropes.

These hooks shall be so placed that they will

prevent the platform from falling if one of the

horizontal wire ropes breaks.

(3) Wire ropes shall not be tightened to the

extent that the application of a scaffold load will

overstress them.

(4) Wire ropes shall be continuous and without

splices between anchors.

(s) Float (ship) scaffolds. (1) The platform

shall be supported by a minimum of two bearers,

each of which shall project a minimum of 6 inches

(15.2 cm) beyond the platform on both sides. Each

bearer shall be securely fastened to the platform.

(2) Rope connections shall be such that the

platform cannot shift or slip.

(3) When only two ropes are used with each

float:

(i) They shall be arranged so as to provide four

ends which are securely fastened to overhead

supports.

(ii) Each supporting rope shall be hitched around

one end of the bearer and pass under the platform to

the other end of the bearer where it is hitched again,

leaving sufficient rope at each end for the supporting ties.

(t) Interior hung scaffolds. (1) Scaffolds shall

be suspended only from the roof structure or other

structural member such as ceiling beams.

(2) Overhead supporting members (roof structure, ceiling beams, or other structural members)

shall be inspected and checked for strength before

the scaffold is erected.

43

Regulatory Text

(1926.452(o) continued)
(3) Suspension ropes and cables shall be connected to the overhead supporting members by

shackles, clips, thimbles, or other means that meet

equivalent criteria (e.g., strength, durability).

(u) Needle beam scaffolds. (1) Scaffold

support beams shall be installed on edge.

(2) Ropes or hangers shall be used for supports,

except that one end of a needle beam scaffold may

be supported by a permanent structural member.

(3) The ropes shall be securely attached to the

needle beams.

(4) The support connection shall be arranged so

as to prevent the needle beam from rolling or

becoming displaced.

(5) Platform units shall be securely attached to

the needle beams by bolts or equivalent means.

Cleats and overhang are not considered to be

adequate means of attachment.

(v) Multi-level suspended scaffolds. (1)

Scaffolds shall be equipped with additional independent support lines, equal in number to the

number of points supported, and of equivalent

strength to the suspension ropes, and rigged to

support the scaffold in the event the suspension

rope(s) fail.

(2) Independent support lines and suspension

ropes shall not be attached to the same points of

anchorage.

(3) Supports for platforms shall be attached

directly to the support stirrup and not to any other

platform.

(w) Mobile scaffolds. (1) Scaffolds shall be

braced by cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, or

combination thereof, to prevent racking or collapse

of the scaffold and to secure vertical members

together laterally so as to automatically square and

align the vertical members. Scaffolds shall be

plumb, level, and squared. All brace connections

shall be secured.

(i) Scaffolds constructed of tube and coupler

components shall also comply with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section;

(ii) Scaffolds constructed of fabricated frame

components shall also comply with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.

(2) Scaffold casters and wheels shall be locked

with positive wheel and/or wheel and swivel locks,

or equivalent means, to prevent movement of the

scaffold while the scaffold is used in a stationary

manner.

(3) Manual force used to move the scaffold shall

be applied as close to the base as practicable, but

not more than 5 feet (1.5 m) above the supporting

surface.

(4) Power systems used to propel mobile scaffolds shall be designed for such use. Forklifts,

trucks, similar motor vehicles or add-on motors

shall not be used to propel scaffolds unless the

scaffold is designed for such propulsion systems.

(5) Scaffolds shall be stabilized to prevent

tipping during movement.

(6) Employees shall not be allowed to ride on

scaffolds unless the following conditions exist:

(i) The surface on which the scaffold is being

moved is within 3 degrees of level, and free of pits,

holes, and obstructions;

(ii) The height to base width ratio of the scaffold

during movement is two to one or less, unless the

scaffold is designed and constructed to meet or

exceed nationally recognized stability test requirements such as those listed in paragraph (x) of

Appendix A to this subpart (ANSI/SIA A92.5 and

A92.6);

(iii) Outrigger frames, when used, are installed

on both sides of the scaffold;

(iv) When power systems are used, the propelling force is applied directly to the wheels, and does

not produce a speed in excess of 1 foot per second

(.3 mps); and

(v) No employee is on any part of the scaffold

which extends outward beyond the wheels, casters,

or other supports.

(7) Platforms shall not extend outward beyond

the base supports of the scaffold unless outrigger

frames or equivalent devices are used to ensure

stability.

(8) Where leveling of the scaffold is necessary,

screw jacks or equivalent means shall be used.

(9) Caster stems and wheel stems shall be

pinned or otherwise secured in scaffold legs or

adjustment screws.

(10) Before a scaffold is moved, each employee

on the scaffold shall be made aware of the move.

(x) Repair bracket scaffolds.

(1) Brackets shall be secured in place by at least

one wire rope at least 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in

diameter.

(2) Each bracket shall be attached to the securing

wire rope (or ropes) by a positive locking device

capable of preventing the unintentional detachment

of the bracket from the rope, or by equivalent

means.

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44

(1926.452(t) continued)
(3) Each bracket, at the contact point between the

supporting structure and the bottom of the bracket,

shall be provided with a shoe (heel block or foot)

capable of preventing the lateral movement of the

bracket.

(4) Platforms shall be secured to the brackets in a

manner that will prevent the separation of the

platforms from the brackets and the movement of

the platforms or the brackets on a completed

scaffold.

(5) When a wire rope is placed around the

structure in order to provide a safe anchorage for

personal fall arrest systems used by employees

erecting or dismantling scaffolds, the wire rope

shall meet the requirements of subpart M of this

part, but shall be at least 5/16 inch (0.8 cm) in

diameter.

(6) Each wire rope used for securing brackets in

place or as an anchorage for personal fall arrest

systems shall be protected from damage due to

contact with edges, corners, protrusions, or other

discontinuities of the supporting structure or

scaffold components.

(7) Tensioning of each wire rope used for securing brackets in place or as an anchorage for personal fall arrest systems shall be by means of a

turnbuckle at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter, or

by equivalent means.

(8) Each turnbuckle shall be connected to the

other end of its rope by use of an eyesplice thimble

of a size appropriate to the turnbuckle to which it is

attached.

(9) U-bolt wire rope clips shall not be used on

any wire rope used to secure brackets or to serve as

an anchor for personal fall arrest systems.

(10) The employer shall ensure that materials

shall not be dropped to the outside of the supporting

structure.

(11) Scaffold erection shall progress in only one

direction around any structure.

(y) Stilts

 Stilts, when used, shall be used in accordance

with the following requirements:

(1) An employee may wear stilts on a scaffold

only if it is a large area scaffold.

(2) When an employee is using stilts on a large

area scaffold where a guardrail system is used to

provide fall protection, the guardrail system shall be

increased in height by an amount equal to the

height of the stilts being used by the employee.

(3) Surfaces on which stilts are used shall be flat

and free of pits, holes and obstructions, such as

debris, as well as other tripping and falling hazards.

(4) Stilts shall be properly maintained. Any

alteration of the original equipment shall be

 approved by the manufacturer.

1926.453 Aerial lifts.

 (a) General requirements. (1) Unless otherwise

provided in this section, aerial lifts acquired for use

on or after January 22, 1973 shall be designed and

constructed in conformance with the applicable

requirements of the American National Standards

for “Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work

Platforms,” ANSI A92.2-1969, including appendix.

Aerial lifts acquired before January 22, 1973, which

do not meet the requirements of ANSI A92.2-1969,

may not be used after January 1, 1976, unless they

shall have been modified so as to conform with the

applicable design and construction requirements of

ANSI A92.2-1969. Aerial lifts include the following

types of vehicle-mounted aerial devices used to

elevate personnel to job-sites above ground: (i)

Extensible boom platforms; (ii) aerial ladders; (iii)

articulating boom platforms; (iv) vertical towers;

and (v) a combination of any of this equipment.

Aerial equipment may be made of metal, wood,

fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), or other material; may be powered or manually operated; and are

deemed to be aerial lifts whether or not they are

capable of rotating about a substantially vertical

axis.

(2) Aerial lifts may be “field modified” for uses

other than those intended by the manufacturer

provided the modification has been certified in

writing by the manufacturer or by any other equivalent entity, such as a nationally recognized testing

laboratory, to be in conformity with all applicable

provisions of ANSI A92.2-1969 and this section

and to be at least as safe as the equipment was

before modification.

(b) Specific requirements. (1) Ladder trucks

and tower trucks. Aerial ladders shall be secured

in the lower traveling position by the locking device

on top of the truck cab, and the manually operated

device at the base of the ladder before the truck is

moved for highway travel.

(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms.

(i) Lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use

to determine that such controls are in safe working

condition.

45

Regulatory Text

(1926.452(x) continued)
(ii) Only authorized persons shall operate an

aerial lift.

(iii) Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or

equipment while working from an aerial lift shall

not be permitted.

(iv) Employees shall always stand firmly on the

floor of the basket, and shall not sit or climb on the

edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other

devices for a work position.

(v) A body belt shall be worn and a lanyard

attached to the boom or basket when working from

an aerial lift.

(vi) Boom and basket load limits specified by the

manufacturer shall not be exceeded.

(vii) The brakes shall be set and when outriggers

are used, they shall be positioned on pads or a solid

surface. Wheel chocks shall be installed before

using an aerial lift on an incline, provided they can

be safely installed.

(viii) An aerial lift truck shall not be moved when

the boom is elevated in a working position with

men in the basket, except for equipment which is

specifically designed for this type of operation in

accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1)

and (2) of this section.

(ix) Articulating boom and extensible boom

platforms, primarily designed as personnel carriers,

shall have both platform (upper) and lower controls.

Upper controls shall be in or beside the platform

within easy reach of the operator. Lower controls

shall provide for overriding the upper controls.

Controls shall be plainly marked as to their function. Lower level controls shall not be operated

unless permission has been obtained from the

employee in the lift, except in case of

emergency.

(x) Climbers shall not be worn while performing

work from an aerial lift.

(xi) The insulated portion of an aerial lift shall

not be altered in any manner that might reduce its

insulating value.

(xii) Before moving an aerial lift for travel, the

boom(s) shall be inspected to see that it is properly

cradled and outriggers are in stowed position except

as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(viii) of this section.

(3) Electrical tests. All electrical tests shall

conform to the requirements of ANSI A92.2-1969

section 5. However equivalent d.c. voltage tests

may be used in lieu of the a.c. voltage specified in

A92.2-1969; d.c. voltage tests which are approved

by the equipment manufacturer or equivalent entity

shall be considered an equivalent test for the

purpose of this paragraph (b)(3).

(4) Bursting safety factor. The provisions of the

American National Standards Institute standard

ANSI A92.2-1969, section 4.9 Bursting Safety

Factor shall apply to all critical hydraulic and

pneumatic components. Critical components are

those in which a failure would result in a free fall or

free rotation of the boom. All noncritical components shall have a bursting safety factor of at least

2 to 1.

(5) Welding standards. All welding shall conform

to the following standards as applicable:

(i) Standard Qualification Procedure, AWS B

3.0-41.

(ii) Recommended Practices for Automotive

Welding Design, AWS D8.4-61.

(iii) Standard Qualification of Welding Procedures and Welders for Piping and Tubing, AWS

D10.9-69.

(iv) Specifications for Welding Highway and

Railway Bridges, AWS D2.0-69.

NOTE to §1926.453: Non-mandatory Appendix C to

this subpart lists examples of national consensus standards that are considered to provide employee protection

equivalent to that provided through the application of

ANSI A92.2-1969, where appropriate. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the

Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and

1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the

American National Standards Institute. Copies may be

inspected at the Docket Office, Occupational Safety and

Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200

Constitution Avenue, NW., room N2634, Washington,

DC or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

§1926.454 Training requirements.

This section supplements and clarifies the

requirements of §1926.21(b)(2) as these relate to

the hazards of work on scaffolds.

(a) The employer shall have each employee who

performs work while on a scaffold trained by a

person qualified in the subject matter to recognize

the hazards associated with the type of scaffold

being used and to understand the procedures to

control or minimize those hazards. The training

shall include the following areas, as applicable:

Regulatory Text

46

(1926.453(b) continued)
(1) The nature of any electrical hazards, fall

hazards and falling object hazards in the work area;

(2) The correct procedures for dealing with

electrical hazards and for erecting, maintaining, and

disassembling the fall protection systems and

falling object protection systems being used;

(3) The proper use of the scaffold, and the

proper handling of materials on the scaffold;

(4) The maximum intended load and the loadcarrying capacities of the scaffolds used; and

(5) Any other pertinent requirements of this

subpart.

(b) The employer shall have each employee who

is involved in erecting, disassembling, moving,

operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a

scaffold trained by a competent person to recognize

any hazards associated with the work in question.

The training shall include the following topics, as

applicable:

(1) The nature of scaffold hazards;

(2) The correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting,

and maintaining the type of scaffold in question;

(3) The design criteria, maximum intended loadcarrying capacity and intended use of the scaffold;

(4) Any other pertinent requirements of this

subpart.

(c) When the employer has reason to believe that

an employee lacks the skill or understanding

needed for safe work involving the erection, use or

dismantling of scaffolds, the employer shall retrain

each such employee so that the requisite proficiency

is regained. Retraining is required in at least the

following situations:

(1) Where changes at the worksite present a hazard

about which an employee has not been previously

trained; or

(2) Where changes in the types of scaffolds, fall

protection, falling object protection, or other

equipment present a hazard about which an

employee has not been previously trained; or

(3) Where inadequacies in an affected employee’s

work involving scaffolds indicate that the employee

has not retained the requisite proficiency.

Non-Mandatory Appendices

Non-mandatory Appendix A to Subpart L —

Scaffold Specifications

This Appendix provides non-mandatory guidelines to assist employers in complying with the

requirements of subpart L of this part. An employer

may use these guidelines and tables as a starting

point for designing scaffold systems. However, the

guidelines do not provide all the information

necessary to build a complete system, and the

employer is still responsible for designing and

assembling these components in such a way that the

completed system will meet the requirements of

§1926.451(a). Scaffold components which are not

selected and loaded in accordance with this Appendix, and components for which no specific

guidelines or tables are given in this Appendix (e.g.,

joints, ties, components for wood pole scaffolds

more than 60 feet in height, components for heavyduty horse scaffolds, components made with other

materials, and components with other dimensions,

etc.) must be designed and constructed in

accordance with the capacity requirements of

§1926.451(a), and loaded in accordance with

§1926.451(d)(1).

Index to Appendix A for Subpart L

1. General guidelines and tables.

2. Specific guidelines and tables.

(a) Pole scaffolds:

Single-pole wood pole scaffolds.

Independent wood pole scaffolds.

(c) Fabricated frame scaffolds.

(d) Plasterers’, decorators’ and large area

scaffolds.

(e) Bricklayers’ square scaffolds.

(f) Horse scaffolds.

(g) Form scaffolds and carpenters’ bracket

(h) Roof bracket scaffolds.

(i) Outrigger scaffolds (one level).

(j) Pump jack scaffolds.

(l) Window jack scaffolds.

(m)Crawling boards (chicken ladders).

(n) Step, platform and trestle ladder scaffolds.

(o) Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

(p) Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

(q)(1) Stonesetters’ multi-point adjustable

suspension scaffolds.

(q)(2) Masons’ multi-point adjustable suspension

scaffolds.

(r) Catenary scaffolds.

47

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(1926.454(a) continued)
(s) Float (ship) scaffolds.

(t) Interior hung scaffolds.

(u) Needle beam scaffolds.

(v) Multi-level suspension scaffolds.

(w) Mobile scaffolds.

(x) Repair bracket scaffolds.

(y) Stilts.

(z) Tank builders’ scaffolds.

1. General guidelines and tables.

(a) The following tables, and the tables in Part

2—Specific guidelines and tables, assume that all

load-carrying timber members (except planks) of

the scaffold are a minimum of 1,500 lb-f/in2

 (stress

grade) construction grade lumber. All dimensions

are nominal sizes as provided in the American

Softwood Lumber Standards, dated January 1970,

except that, where rough sizes are noted, only rough

or undressed lumber of the size specified will

satisfy minimum requirements.

(b) Solid sawn wood used as scaffold planks

shall be selected for such use following the grading

rules established by a recognized lumber grading

association or by an independent lumber grading

inspection agency. Such planks shall be identified

by the grade stamp of such association or agency.

The association or agency and the grading rules

under which the wood is graded shall be certified

by the Board of Review, American Lumber Standard Committee, as set forth in the American

Softwood Lumber Standard of the U.S. Department

of Commerce.

Allowable spans shall be determined in compliance with the National Design Specification for

Wood Construction published by the National

Forest Products Association; paragraph 5 of ANSI

A10.8-1988 Scaffolding-Safety Requirements

published by the American National Standards

Institute; or for 2 x 10 inch (nominal) or 2 x 9 inch

(rough) solid sawn wood planks, as shown in the

following table:

Maximum Maximum Maximum

Intended Permissible Permissible

Nominal Span Using Span Using

Load Full Thickness Nominal

(lb/ft2

) Undressed Thickness

Lumber (ft) Lumber (ft)

25 10 8

50 8 6

75 6 –

The maximum permissible span for 1-1/4 x

9-inch or wider wood plank of full thickness with a

maximum intended load of 50 lb/ft2

 shall be 4 feet.

(c) Fabricated planks and platforms may be used

in lieu of solid sawn wood planks. Maximum spans

for such units shall be as recommended by the

manufacturer based on the maximum intended load

being calculated as follows:

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48

Rated Load Intended Load

Capacity

Light-duty • 25 pounds per square foot

 applied uniformly over the

 entire span area.

Medium-duty • 50 pounds per square foot

 applied uniformly over the

 entire span area.

Heavy-duty • 75 pounds per square foot

 applied uniformly over the

 entire span area.

One-person • 250 pounds placed at the

 center of the span (total

 250 pounds).

Two-person • 250 pounds placed 18 inches

 to the left and right of

 the center of the span

 (total 500 pounds).

Three-person • 250 pounds placed at the

 center of the span and 250

 pounds placed 18 inches to

 the left and right of the

 center of the span (total

 750 pounds).

(Appendix A continued)
NOTE: Platform units used to make scaffold

platforms intended for light-duty use shall be

capable of supporting at least 25 pounds per square

foot applied uniformly over the entire unit-span

area, or a 250-pound point load placed on the unit

at the center of the span, whichever load produces

the greater shear force.

(d) Guardrails shall be as follows:

(i) Toprails shall be equivalent in strength to

2 inch by 4 inch lumber; or

1-1/4 inch x 1/8 inch structural angle iron; or

1 inch x .070 inch wall steel tubing; or 1.990

inch x .058 inch wall aluminum tubing.

(ii) Midrails shall be equivalent in strength to 1

inch by 6 inch lumber; or

1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 inch x 1/8 inch structural

angle iron; or

1 inch x .070 inch wall steel tubing; or

1.990 inch x .058 inch wall aluminum tubing.

(iii) Toeboards shall be equivalent in strength to

1 inch by 4 inch lumber; or

1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 inch structural angle iron; or

1 inch x .070 inch wall steel tubing; or

1.990 inch x .058 inch wall aluminum tubing.

(iv) Posts shall be equivalent in strength to 2

inch by 4 inch lumber; or

1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 inch x 1/8 structural angle

iron; or

1 inch x .070 inch wall steel tubing; or

1.990 inch x .058 inch wall aluminum tubing.

(v) Distance between posts shall not exceed

8 feet.

(e) Overhead protection shall consist of 2 inch

nominal planking laid tight, or 3/4-inch plywood.

(f) Screen installed between toeboards and

midrails or toprails shall consist of No. 18 gauge

U.S. Standard wire one inch mesh.

49

Regulatory Text

(Appendix A continued)
Regulatory Text

50

2. Specific guidelines and tables.

(a) Pole Scaffolds.

Single Pole Wood Pole Scaffolds

Light Duty Light Duty Medium Duty Heavy Duty

up to up to up to up to

20 feet High 60 feet High 60 feet High 60 feet High

Maximum intended load 25 lbs/ft2 25 lbs/ft2 50 lbs/ft2 75 lbs/ft2

Poles or uprights 2 x 4 in. 4 x 4 in. 4 x 4 in. 4 x 6 in.

Maximum pole spacing

(longitudinal) 6 feet 10 feet 8 feet 6 feet

Maximum pole spacing

(transverse) 5 feet 5 feet 5 feet 5 feet

Runners 1 x 4 in. 1-1/4 x 9 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in.

Bearers and maximum

spacing of bearers:

 3 feet 2 x 4 in. 2 x 4 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in.

or or

3 x 4 in. 3 x 5 in.

 5 feet 2 x 6 in. 2 x 6 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in.

or or or or

3 x 4 in. 3 x 4 in. 3 x 4 in. 3 x 5 in.

(rough)

 6 feet — — 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in.

or or

3 x 4 in. 3 x 5 in.

 2 x 10 in. or

 8 feet — — 3 x 4 in. —

Planking 1-1/4 x 9 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in.

Maximum vertical spacing

of horizontal members 7 feet 9 feet 7 feet 6 ft. 6 in.

Bracing horizontal 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 1 x 6 in. 2 x 4 in.

or

1-1/4 x 4 in.

Bracing diagonal 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 2 x 4 in.

Tie-ins 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in.

NOTE: All members except planking are used on edge. All wood bearers shall be reinforced with

3/16 x 2 inch steel strip, or the equivalent, secured to the lower edges for the entire length of the bearer.

(Appendix A continued)
51

Regulatory Text

Light Duty Light Duty Medium Duty Heavy Duty

up to up to up to up to

20 feet High 60 feet High 60 feet High 60 feet High

Independent Wood Pole Scaffolds

Maximum intended load 25 lbs/ft2 25 lbs/ft2 50 lbs/ft2 75 lbs/ft2

Poles or uprights 2 x 4 in. 4 x 4 in. 4 x 4 in. 4 x 4 in.

Maximum pole spacing

 (longitudinal) 6 feet 10 feet 8 feet 6 feet

Maximum (transverse) 6 feet 10 feet 8 feet 8 feet

Runners 1-1/4 x 4 in. 1-1/4 x 9 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in.

Bearers and maximum

 spacing of bearers:

3 feet 2 x 4 in 2 x 4 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in.

(rough)

6 feet 2 x 6 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 X 10 in. 2 x 10 in.

or (rough) or or (rough)

3 x 4 in. 3 x 8 in.

8 feet 2 x 6 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in. —

or (rough) or

3 x 4 in. 3 x 8 in.

10 feet 2 x 6 in. 2 x 10 in. — —

or (rough) or

3 x 4 in. 3 x 3 in.

Planking 1-1/4 x 9 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in. 2 x 10 in.

Maximum vertical spacing

 of horizontal members 7 feet 7 feet 6 feet 6 feet

Bracing horizontal 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 1 x 6 in. 2 x 4 in.

or

1-1/4 x 4 in.

Bracing diagonal 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 2 x 4 in.

Tie-ins 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in. 1 x 4 in.

NOTE: All members except planking are used on edge. All wood bearers

shall be reinforced with 3/16 x 2 inch steel strip, or the equivalent, secured to the

 lower edges for the entire length of the bearer.

(Appendix A continued)
Regulatory Text

52

(b) Tube and coupler scaffolds.

Minimum Size of Members

Light Medium Heavy

 Duty Duty Duty

Maximum intended

 load 25 lbs/ft2 50 lbs/ft2 75 lbs/ft2

Posts, runners, and Nominal 2 in. Nominal 2 in. Nominal 2 in.

 braces (1.90 inches) (1.90 inches) (1.90 inches)

OD steel tube OD steel tube OD steel tube

or pipe or pipe or pipe

Bearers Nominal 2 in. Nominal 2 in. Nominal 2-1/2 in.

(1.90 inches) (1.90 inches) (2.375 in.)

OD steel tube OD steel tube OD steel tube

or pipe and a or pipe and a or pipe and a

maximum post maximum post maximum post

spacing of spacing of spacing of

4 ft. x 10 ft.* 4 ft. x 7 ft. 6 ft. x 6 ft.

or

Nominal 2-1/2 in.

(2.375 in.)

OD steel tube or

pipe and a maximum

post spacing of

6 ft. x 8 ft.*

Maximum runner

 spacing vertically 6 ft. 6 in. 6 ft. 6 in. 6 ft. 6 in.

*

Bearers shall be installed in the direction of the shorter dimension.

NOTE: Longitudinal diagonal bracing shall be installed at an angle of 45o (± 5o).

(Appendix A continued)
(c) Fabricated frame scaffolds. Because of their

prefabricated nature,

no additional guidelines or tables for these scaffolds

are being adopted in this

Appendix.

(d) Plasterers’, decorators’, and large area

scaffolds. The guidelines for pole

scaffolds or tube and coupler scaffolds (Appendix

A(a) and (b)) may be applied.

(e) Bricklayers’ square scaffolds.

Maximum intended load 50 lb/ft 2*

Maximum width 5 ft

Maximum height 5 ft

Gussets 1 x 6 in

Braces 1 x 8 in

Legs 2 x 6 in

Bearers (horizontal members) 2 x 6 in

*

The squares shall be set not more than 8 feet

apart for light duty scaffolds and not

more than 5 feet apart for medium duty scaffolds.

(f) Horse scaffolds.

Maximum intended load 25 lb/ft 2*

 (light duty)

Maximum intended load 50 lb/ft 2*

 (medium duty)

Horizontal members or bearers:

Light duty 2 x 4 in

Medium duty 3 x 4 in

Legs 2 x 4 in

Longitudinal brace between legs 1 x 6 in

Gusset brace at top of legs 1 x 8 in

Half diagonal braces 2 x 4 in

*Horses shall be spaced not more than 8 feet

apart for light duty loads, and not more than 5 feet

apart for medium duty loads.

(g) Form scaffolds and carpenters’ bracket

scaffolds.

(1) Brackets shall consist of a triangular-shaped

frame made of wood with a cross-section not less

than 2 inches by 3 inches, or of 1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4

inch x 1/8 inch structural angle iron.

(2) Bolts used to attach brackets to structures

shall not be less than 5/8 inches in diameter.

(3) Maximum bracket spacing shall be 8 feet on

centers.

(4) No more than two employees shall occupy

any given 8 feet of a bracket or form scaffold at

any one time.

Tools and materials shall not exceed 75 pounds in

addition to the occupancy.

(5) Wooden figure-four scaffolds:

Maximum intended load 25 lb/ft 2

Uprights 2 x 4 in or 2 x 6 in

Bearers (two) 1 x 6 in

Braces 1 x 6 in

Maximum length of

bearers 3 ft - 6 in

(unsupported)

(i) Outrigger bearers shall consist of two pieces

of 1 x 6 inch lumber nailed on opposite sides of the

vertical support.

(ii) Bearers for wood figure-four brackets shall

project not more than 3 feet 6 inches from the

outside of the form support, and shall be braced

and secured to prevent tipping or turning. The

knee or angle brace shall intersect the bearer at

least 3 feet from the form at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, and the lower end shall be

nailed to a vertical support.

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Regulatory Text

Maximum Number of Additional Planked Levels

 Light Medium Heavy

 Duty Duty Duty

 Number of Working

 Levels

1 16 11 6 125

2 11 1 0 125

3 6 0 0 125

4 10 0 125

(Appendix A continued)

Maximum

Height of

Scaffold

(in feet)

Maximum Number of Planked Levels
(6) Metal bracket scaffolds:

Maximum intended load 25 lb/ft 2

Uprights 2 x 4 inch

Bearers As designed

Braces As designed

(7) Wood bracket scaffolds:

Maximum intended load 25 lb/ft 2

Uprights 2 x 4 in or 2 x 6 in

Bearers 2 x 6 in

Maximum scaffold width 3 ft 6 in

Braces 1 x 6 in

(h) Roof bracket scaffolds. No specific guidelines or tables are given.

(i) Outrigger scaffolds (single level). No specific guidelines or tables are given.

(j) Pump jack scaffolds. Wood poles shall not

exceed 30 feet in height. Maximum intended

load— 500 lbs between poles; applied at the center

of the span. Not more than two employees shall be

on a pump jack scaffold at one time between any

two supports. When 2 x 4’s are spliced together to

make a 4 x 4 inch wood pole, they shall be spliced

with “10 penny” common nails no more than 12

inches center to center, staggered uniformly from

the opposite outside edges.

(k) Ladder jack scaffolds. Maximum intended

load—25 lb/ft 2

. However, not more than two

employees shall occupy any platform at any one

time. Maximum span between supports shall be 8

feet.

(l) Window jack scaffolds. Not more than one

employee shall occupy a window jack scaffold at

any one time.

(m) Crawling boards (chicken ladders). Crawling boards shall be not less than 10 inches wide and

1 inch thick, with cleats having a minimum 1 x 1-1/

2 inch cross-sectional area. The cleats shall be

equal in length to the width of the board and spaced

at equal intervals not to exceed 24 inches.

(n) Step, platform, and trestle ladder scaffolds.

No additional guidelines or tables are given.

(o) Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

Maximum intended load—250 lbs.

Wood seats for boatswains’ chairs shall be not

less than 1 inch thick if made of non-laminated

wood, or 5/8 inches thick if made of marine quality

plywood.

(p) Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

(1) In addition to direct connections to buildings

(except window cleaners’ anchors) acceptable ways

to prevent scaffold sway include angulated roping

and static lines. Angulated roping is a system of

platform suspension in which the upper wire rope

sheaves or suspension points are closer to the plane

of the building face than the corresponding attachment points on the platform, thus causing the

platform to press against the face of the building.

Static lines are separate ropes secured at their top

and bottom ends closer to the plane of the building

face than the outermost edge of the platform. By

drawing the static line taut, the platform is drawn

against the face of the building.

(2) On suspension scaffolds designed for a

working load of 500 pounds, no more than two

employees shall be permitted on the scaffold at one

time. On suspension scaffolds with a working load

of 750 pounds, no more than three employees shall

be permitted on the scaffold at one time.

(3) Ladder-type platforms. The side stringer

shall be of clear straight-grained spruce. The rungs

shall be of straight-grained oak, ash, or hickory, at

least 1-1/8 inches in diameter, with 7/8 inch tenons

mortised into the side stringers at least 7/8 inch.

The stringers shall be tied together with tie rods not

less than 1/4 inch in diameter, passing through the

stringers and riveted up tight against washers on

both ends. The flooring strips shall be spaced not

more than 5/8 inch apart, except at the side rails

where the space may be 1 inch. Ladder-type

platforms shall be constructed in accordance with

the following table:

Regulatory Text

54

(Appendix A continued)
55

Regulatory Text

Length of Platform 12 feet 14 & 16 feet 18 & 20 feet

Side stringers, minimum

 cross section (finished

 sizes):

 at ends 1-3/4 x 2-3/4 in. 1-3/4 x 2-3/4 in. 1-3/4 x 3 in.

 at middle 1-3/4 x 3-3/4 in. 1-3/4 x 3-3/4 in. 1-3/4 x 4 in.

 Reinforcing strip A 1/8 x 7/8 inch steel reinforcing strip shall be

 (minimum) attached to the side or underside, full length.

Rungs shall be 1-1/8 inch minimum diameter with a least

7/8 inch in diameter tenons, and the maximum spacing

shall be 12 inches to center.

 Tie rods:

 Number (minimum) 3 4 4

 Diameter (minimum) 1/4 in. 1/4 in. 1/4 in.

Flooring, minimum

 finished size 1/2 x 2-3/4 in. 1/2 x 2-3/4 in. 1/2 x 2-3/4 in.

Length of Platform: 22 & 24 ft 28 & 30 ft.

 Side stringers, minimum

 cross section

 (finished sizes):

 at ends 1-3/4 x 3 in. 1-3/4 x 3-1/2 in.

 at middle 1-3/4 x 4-1/4 in. 1-3/4 x 5 in.

Reinforcing strip (minimum) A 1/8 x 7/8-inch steel reinforcing strip

shall be attached to the side or under

side, full length.

Rungs Rungs shall be 1-1/8 inch minimum

diameter with atleast 7/8 inch in diameter

tenons, and the maximum spacing shall be

12 inches to center.Tie rods

 Number (minimum) 5 6

 Diameter (minimum) 1/4 in. 1/4 in.

Flooring, minimum 1/2 x 2-3/4 in. 1/2 x 2-3/4 in.

 finished size

Schedule for Ladder-Type Platforms

(Appendix A continued)

Schedule for Ladder-Type Platforms
(4) Plank-Type Platforms. Plank-type platforms

shall be composed of not less than nominal 2 x 8

inch unspliced planks, connected together on the

underside with cleats at intervals not exceeding 4

feet, starting 6 inches from each end. A bar or other

effective means shall be securely fastened to the

platform at each end to prevent the platform from

slipping off the hanger. The span between hangers

for plank-type platforms shall not exceed 10 feet.

(5) Beam-Type Platforms. Beam platforms shall

have side stringers of lumber not less than 2 x 6

inches set on edge. The span between hangers shall

not exceed 12 feet when beam platforms are used.

The flooring shall be supported on 2 x 6 inch cross

beams, laid flat and set into the upper edge of the

stringers with a snug fit, at intervals of not more

than 4 feet, securely nailed to the cross beams.

Floor-boards shall not be spaced more than 1/2 inch

apart.

(q)(1) Multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds and stonesetters’ multi-point adjustable

suspension scaffolds. No specific guidelines or

tables are given for these scaffolds.

(q)(2) Masons’ multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. Maximum intended load—50 lb/ft2

.

Each outrigger beam shall be at least a standard 7

inch, 15.3 pound steel I-beam, at least 15 feet long.

Such beams shall not project more than 6 feet 6

inches beyond the bearing point. Where the overhang exceeds 6 feet 6 inches, outrigger beams shall

be composed of stronger beams or multiple beams.

(r) Catenary scaffolds. (1) Maximum intended

load -500 lbs.

(2) Not more than two employees shall be

permitted on the scaffold at one time.

(3) Maximum capacity of come-along shall be

2,000 lbs.

(4) Vertical pickups shall be spaced not more

than 50 feet apart.

(5) Ropes shall be equivalent in strength to at

least 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) diameter improved plow

steel wire rope.

(s) Float (ship) scaffolds. (1) Maximum

intended load — 750 lbs.

(2) Platforms shall be made of 3/4 inch plywood, equivalent in rating to American Plywood

Association Grade B-B, Group I, Exterior.

(3) Bearers shall be made from 2 x 4 inch, or 1 x

10 inch rough lumber. They shall be free of knots

and other flaws.

Regulatory Text

56

(4) Ropes shall be equivalent in strength to at

least 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter first grade manila

rope.

(t) Interior hung scaffolds.

Bearers (use on edge) 2 x 10 in

Maximum intended load

Maximum span

25 lb/ft 2 10 ft

50 lb/ft 2 10 ft

75 lb/ft 2 7 ft

(u) Needle beam scaffolds

Maximum intended load 25 lb/ft 2

Beams 4 x 6 in

Maximum platform span 8 ft

Maximum beam span 10 ft

(1) Ropes shall be attached to the needle beams

by a scaffold hitch or an eye splice. The loose end

of the rope shall be tied by a bowline knot or by a

round turn and a half hitch.

(2) Ropes shall be equivalent in strength to at

least 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter first grade manila

rope.

(v) Multi-level suspension scaffolds. No additional guidelines or tables are being given for these

scaffolds.

(w) Mobile Scaffolds. Stability test as described

in the ANSI A92 series documents, as appropriate

for the type of scaffold, can be used to establish

stability for the purpose of §1926.452(w)(6).

(x) Repair bracket scaffolds. No additional

guidelines or tables are being given for these

scaffolds.

(y) Stilts. No specific guidelines or tables are

given.

(z) Tank builder’s scaffold.

(1) The maximum distance between brackets to

which scaffolding and guardrail supports are attached shall be no more than 10 feet 6 inches.

(2) Not more than three employees shall occupy a

10 feet 6 inch span of scaffold planking at any time.

(3) A taut wire or synthetic rope supported on the

scaffold brackets shall be installed at the scaffold

plank level between the innermost edge of the

scaffold platform and the curved plate structure of

the tank shell to serve as a safety line in lieu of an

inner guardrail assembly where the space between

the scaffold platform and the tank exceeds 12 inches

(30.48 cm). In the event the open space on either

side of the rope exceeds 12 inches (30.48 cm), a

second wire or synthetic rope appropriately placed,

or guardrails in accordance with §1926.451(e)(4),

(Appendix A continued)
shall be installed in order to reduce that open space

to less than 12 inches (30.48 cm).

(4) Scaffold planks of rough full-dimensioned 2-

inch (5.1 cm) x 12-inch(30.5 cm) Douglas Fir or

Southern Yellow Pine of Select Structural Grade

shall be used. Douglas Fir planks shall have a fiber

stress of at least 1900 lb/in2

 (130,929 n/cm2) and a

modulus of elasticity of at least 1,900,000 lb/in2

(130,929,000 n/cm2), while Yellow Pine planks shall

have a fiber stress of at least 2500 lb/in2

 (172,275 n/

cm2

) and a modulus of elasticity of at least

2,000,000 lb/in2

 (137,820,000 n/cm2).

(5) Guardrails shall be constructed of a taut wire

or synthetic rope, and shall be supported by angle

irons attached to brackets welded to the steel plates.

These guardrails shall comply with §1926.451(e)(4).

Guardrail supports shall be located at no greater

than 10 feet 6 inch intervals.

Non-mandatory Appendix B to Subpart L—

Criteria for Determining the Feasibility of Providing Safe Access and Fall Protection for

Scaffold Erectors and Dismantlers.

[Reserved]

Non-mandatory Appendix C to Subpart L—

List of National Consensus Standards.

ANSI/SIA A92.2-1990 Vehicle-Mounted Elevating

and RotatingAerial Devices

ANSI/SIA A92.3-1990 Manually Propelled

Elevating Aerial Platforms

ANSI/SIA A92.5-1990 Boom Supported Elevating

Work Platforms

ANSI/SIA A92.6-1990 Self-Propelled Elevating

Work Platforms

ANSI/SIA A92.7-1990 Airline Ground Support

Vehicle-Mounted Vertical Lift Devices

ANSI/SIA A92.8-1993 Vehicle-Mounted Bridge

Inspection and Maintenance Devices

ANSI/SIA A92.9-1993 Mast-Climbing Work

Platforms

Non-mandatory Appendix D to Subpart L—List

of Training Topics for Scaffold Erectors and

Dismantlers.

This Appendix D is provided to serve as a guide

to assist employers when evaluating the training

needs of employees erecting or dismantling

supported scaffolds.

The Agency believes that employees erecting or

dismantling scaffolds should be trained in the

following topics:

• General Overview of Scaffolding

• regulations and standards

• erection/dismantling planning

• PPE and proper procedures

• fall protection

• materials handling

• access

• working platforms

• foundations

• guys, ties and braces

• Tubular Welded Frame Scaffolds

• specific regulations and standards

• components

• parts inspection

• erection/dismantling planning

• guys, ties and braces

• fall protection

• general safety

• access and platforms

• erection/dismantling procedures

• rolling scaffold assembly

• putlogs

• Tube and Clamp Scaffolds

• specific regulations and standards

• components

• parts inspection

• erection/dismantling planning

• guys, ties and braces

• fall protection

• general safety

• access and platforms

• erection/dismantling procedures

• buttresses, cantilevers, and bridges

57

Regulatory Text

(Appendix A continued)
• System scaffolds

• specific regulations and standards

• components

• parts inspection

• erection/dismantling planning

• guys, ties and braces

• fall protection

• general safety

• access and platforms

• erection/dismantling procedures

• buttresses, cantilevers, and bridges

Scaffold erectors and dismantlers should all receive

the general overview, in addition to specific training

for the type of supported scaffold being erected or

dismantled.

Non-mandatory Appendix E to Subpart L—

Drawings and Illustrations

This Appendix provides drawings of particular

types of scaffolds and scaffold components, and

graphic illustrations of bracing patterns and tie

spacing patterns.

This Appendix is intended to provide visual

guidance to assist the user in complying with the

requirements of subpart L, part 1926.

Regulatory Text

58

 (Appendix D continued)
59

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 (Appendix E continued)
60

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 (Appendix E continued)
61

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 (Appendix E continued)
65 62

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 (Appendix E continued)
63

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 (Appendix E continued)
64

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 (Appendix E continued)
65

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 (Appendix E continued)
66

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 (Appendix E continued)
67

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 (Appendix E continued)