1926.451(b)(2)(i): Minimum Width for Certain Scaffolds
Employers must make sure each ladder jack, top plate bracket, roof bracket and pump jack scaffold is at least 12 inches wide. There is no minimum width for boatswains' chairs, and the 12-inch requirement for roof bracket scaffolds is under an administrative stay.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $18,613 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (4), MA (1), GA (1).
- Related part: 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction (1,515 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(b)(2)(i) 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
(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. 11 citations
Pursuant to an administrative stay effective November 29, 1996 and published in the Federal Register on November 25, 1996, the requirement in paragraph (b)(2)(i) that roof bracket scaffolds be at least 12 inches wide is stayed until November 25, 1997 or until rulemaking regarding the minimum width of roof bracket scaffolds has been completed, whichever is later.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: MD (4), MA (1), GA (1), CO (1), FL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| INTEGRITY CONCRETE & FOUNDATION LLC | EVERGREEN, CO | $4,839 |
| ACTION PRO SERVICES II CORP | APOPKA, FL | $3,294 |
| BG MART CONSTRUCTION INC. | DULUTH, GA | $2,581 |
| NICHOLAS MORANA | GROTON, MA | $2,344 |
| TRENTO BUILDERS LLC | EASTON, MD | $1,400 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(b)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Planking, safety line, and personal fall arrest system requirements for tank builder's scaffolding. (2002-04-16)
- Minimum width of roof bracket scaffolds. (1996-12-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction 1,515 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1) 867 citations
- 1926.451(b)(2) 332 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1)(i) 168 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5) 118 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5)(ii) 97 citations
- 1926.451(b)(3) 58 citations
- 1926.451(b)(7) 51 citations
- 1926.451(b)(4) 49 citations
- 1926.451(b)(10) 25 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5)(i) 21 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1)(ii) 14 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How wide must a ladder jack or pump jack scaffold be?
At least 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
Is there a width rule for boatswains' chairs?
No. There is no minimum width requirement for boatswains' chairs.
Does the 12-inch rule apply to roof bracket scaffolds?
That requirement is stayed under an administrative stay published in 1996 until rulemaking on roof bracket width is completed.
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.