1926.451(a)(3): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(a)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- Related part: 1926.451(a) Capacity (257 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(a)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(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.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Allowable load rating of the suspension wire ropes with wire clip terminations (2015-05-15)
- Tie-in requirements for supported scaffolds; errors in Non-Mandatory Appendix E. (2005-04-08)
- Clarification of 1926.451(a)(6) requirements for scaffolds and bridge-painting projects. (2002-08-06)
- Clarification of requirements for construction scaffold erection/dismantling; safe means of access; blocks for two-point suspension scaffolds. (2002-01-02)
- Safety regulations for roof top rolling scaffolds. (1994-02-02)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(a) Capacity 257 citations
- 1926.451(a)(6) 186 citations
- 1926.451(a)(1) 70 citations
- 1926.451(a)(2) 1 citations
- 1926.451(a)(4)
- 1926.451(a)(5)
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.451 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.