1926.451(a): Scaffold Capacity
Employers must make sure each scaffold and scaffold component can support its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load without failure, with stated exceptions. Suspension scaffold connections, counterweights and ropes have their own strength ratios, hoist stall load may not exceed 3 times rated load, and scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person and built and loaded to that design.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 257 times in the last 3 years, in 237 inspections, with $963,936 in current penalties.
- 9 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (26), MA (18), WI (18).
- Related part: 1926.451(a)(6) (186 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(a) ("Capacity") is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 6 sub-paragraphs. 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
(a) Capacity. 257 citations
(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. Open (a)(1) 70 citations
(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. Open (a)(2) 1 citations
(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. Open (a)(3)
(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. Open (a)(4)
(5) The stall load of any scaffold hoist shall not exceed 3 times its rated load. Open (a)(5)
(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. Open (a)(6) 186 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
9 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(a).
At 2:30 p.m. on January 12, 2025, Employee #1 was working for a roofing contractor and was performing siding and soffit work from a pump jack scaffold. Employee #1 was fatally injured when he fell from the scaffold.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 81 |
| 2025 | 103 |
| 2026 | 66 |
Top states: TX (26), MA (18), WI (18), OH (15), RI (14)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 110190 - PRO DRYWALL INC DBA PRO DRYWALL - PAINTING INC | ELK RIVER, MN | $25,000 |
| BUSH MASONRY, LLC | MOORHEAD, MS | $20,336 |
| SEMINOLE EQUIPMENT, INC. | RICHMOND HILL, GA | $16,550 |
| DWS FRAMING PRO CONSTRUCTION LLC | ELLENDALE, DE | $16,550 |
| J. H. FINDORFF & SON INC. | MADISON, WI | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Allowable load rating of the suspension wire ropes with wire clip terminations (2015-05-15)
- Weight of the scaffold in determining whether the 4 to 1 factor is satisfied in construction and general industry standards (2013-12-06)
- Whether an employer is permitted to double wrap #9 gage steel wire in order to guy, tie or brace a scaffold. (2010-03-26)
- Whether catch platforms (used to catch an employee in the event of a fall from a working surface above) must comply with OSHA's scaffold standard, Subpart L. (2009-01-05)
- Re: Application of OSHA's de minimis policy to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452(o)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.552(c)(1) - 1926.552(c)(4), 1926.552(c)(8), 1926.552(c)(13), 1926.552(c)(14)(i), and 1926.552(c)(16) regarding certain chimney construction work. (2007-02-08)
- Re: Subpart L; scaffolds; Companion Rail, rail extensions for mobile scaffolds; 1926.451. (2007-01-26)
- Whether plywood may be used as scaffold decking material over wood scaffold planks; 29 CFR 1926.450 and 1926.451. (2006-05-18)
- Safety factor when "worst-case" force is applied to safety rail support product intended for ladder jack scaffold systems; §1926.451(a)(1) (2006-04-25)
- Whether it is permissible to use a concrete block hanging on a coupling pin as a counterweight to prevent a scaffold from tipping. (2005-06-17)
- Whether there is a conflict between provisions in 1926.451 regarding the use of screening. (2005-05-11)
- Use of 2"x6" No 2 pine boards as a scaffold platform; application of 1926.451(a) and 1926.451(f)(16) when erecting and dismantling scaffolds. (2005-04-11)
- Whether a safety factor must be incorporated into the design of footings for supported scaffolds. (2005-04-11)
- Tie-in requirements for supported scaffolds; errors in Non-Mandatory Appendix E. (2005-04-08)
- Whether scaffold components may be loaded in excess of minimum load ratings specified in 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart L; whether a safety factor must be added to such load ratings; Non-Mandatory Appendix A. (2005-04-08)
- Application of OSHA construction standards that govern the loading of materials onto scissor lifts and the restraining of those stored materials. (2005-01-19)
- Requirements in 1926 Subpart L "Scaffolds" regarding the use of plywood to make platform decking for scaffolds. (2004-06-21)
- Evaluation of the Jax Scaffold System. (2004-04-21)
- Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; order of assembly for hanging scaffolds; and horizontal lifeline design. (2004-03-04)
- Revised response regarding the storage of materials on a scaffold for more than one shift's work (2003-10-30)
- Fall protection requirements during installation and removal or tarps and sheeting on/from scaffolds; qualifications of person determining safety on scaffold with wind imposed forces. (2003-07-16)
- Compliance of Master Plank scaffold planking with OSHA plank strength requirements. (2003-01-13)
- Use of aerial lift or scissor lift guardrails as a work or scaffold platform. (2002-10-23)
- Clarification of 1926.451(a)(6) requirements for scaffolds and bridge-painting projects. (2002-08-06)
- Use of mobile scaffolds with casters in the unlocked position; moving the mobile scaffold without dismounting. (2002-06-24)
- Request that OSHA adopt a requirement that all scaffold planks meet a "scaffold grade" under recognized grading rules. (2002-03-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(a)(6) 186 citations
- 1926.451(a)(1) 70 citations
- 1926.451(a)(2) 1 citations
- 1926.451(a)(3)
- 1926.451(a)(4)
- 1926.451(a)(5)
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Frequently asked questions
How much must a scaffold be able to hold?
Its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it, except as provided in the rule.
How strong must suspension ropes be?
At least 6 times the maximum intended load, with adjustable scaffolds also figured at the hoist's rated load or 2 (minimum) times its stall load, whichever is greater.
Who must design a scaffold?
A qualified person, and it must be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design.
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; data as of 2026-10-20
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.