1926.451(b)(2)(ii): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $22,802 in current penalties.
- 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)(ii) 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
(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. 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether guardrails are required on a two-point adjustable scaffold while workers who are tied off are painting the undercarriage of a water storage tank. (2010-03-03)
- Use of aerial lift or scissor lift guardrails as a work or scaffold platform. (2002-10-23)
- Planking, safety line, and personal fall arrest system requirements for tank builder's scaffolding. (2002-04-16)
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
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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; 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.