1926.451(c)(1)(i): Scaffold Guys, Ties and Braces Placement
Supported scaffolds must have guys, ties and braces installed at locations where horizontal members support both inner and outer legs.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(c)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $31,119 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (6), VI (2), OH (2).
- Related part: 1926.451(c) Criteria for supported scaffolds (1,292 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(c)(1)(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) Guys, ties, and braces shall be installed at locations where horizontal members support both inner and outer legs. 14 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: VA (6), VI (2), OH (2), NM (1), MS (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | LYNCHBURG, VA | $15,375 |
| MI CASA S SUCASA BUILDERS, INC. | SANTA FE, NM | $3,500 |
| EXTREME PLASTERING & STUCCO, INC. | MELBOURNE, FL | $3,405 |
| MT STONE AND STUCCO LLC | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA | $2,685 |
| K.O. MASONRY LLC | FRANKLIN, OH | $2,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(c)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Tying or guying of supported scaffolds. (1998-04-02)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(c) Criteria for supported scaffolds 1,292 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2) 1,052 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(v) 224 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(iv) 186 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1) 121 citations
- 1926.451(c)(3) 119 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(i) 110 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(ii) 77 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1)(ii) 35 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1)(iii) 15 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(iii) 13 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
Where must guys, ties and braces go?
At locations where horizontal members support both inner and outer legs.
Which scaffolds does this cover?
Supported scaffolds under 1926.451(c)(1).
Why do these matter?
They help keep the scaffold from tipping.
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.