HomeKnowledgeOSHA 1926.451 — Scaffolding General Requirements
⛑️ SafetysafetyScaffold Safety

OSHA 1926.451 — Scaffolding General Requirements

Updated Mar 25, 2026
Scaffolds must support 4x intended load without failure. Guardrails required at 10 feet. Competent person must supervise erection. Workers must be trained. #2 most-cited OSHA standard in construction.

Each scaffold and scaffold component shall support without failure its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load. Guardrail systems required when platform is 10 feet or more above a lower level. Planking: scaffold-grade lumber or manufactured planks, overlapping minimum 6 inches. Cross-bracing not acceptable as guardrails. Access: ladder, stair tower, or ramp — never climb cross-braces. Competent person must: inspect before each shift, supervise erection/dismantling, determine if conditions are safe. Scaffold erectors/dismantlers must be trained before working on scaffolds. Scaffolds must not be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered except under the supervision of a competent person. Fall protection: personal fall arrest or guardrails on all open sides. Scaffolding violations are consistently the #2 most-cited OSHA standard.

TAGS
safetyscaffoldoshafallguardrailscompetent-person
DETAILS
hazards
["fall","struck_by","collapse"]
regulator
OSHA
task types
["masonry","painting","exterior_work","siding"]
regulation id
29 CFR 1926.451
required controls
["guardrails","competent_person","4x_load_capacity"]
trigger height ft
10
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