1926.451(d)(10): Inspecting and Replacing Suspension Scaffold Ropes
A competent person must inspect suspension scaffold ropes for defects before each workshift and after anything that could affect rope integrity. Ropes must be replaced for damage that impairs function or strength, harmful kinks, six randomly broken wires in one lay or three in one strand in one lay, wear causing loss of more than one-third of outside wire diameter, heat or electrical damage, or evidence the secondary brake engaged the rope during overspeed.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(d)(10) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $31,306 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.451(d) Criteria for suspension scaffolds (55 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10) 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
(10) Ropes shall be inspected for defects by a competent person prior to each workshift and after every occurrence which could affect a rope's integrity. Ropes shall be replaced if any of the following conditions exist: 5 citations
(i) Any physical damage which impairs the function and strength of the rope.
(ii) Kinks that might impair the tracking or wrapping of rope around the drum(s) or sheave(s).
(iii) Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.
(iv) Abrasion, corrosion, scrubbing, flattening or peening causing loss of more than one-third of the original diameter of the outside wires.
(v) Heat damage caused by a torch or any damage caused by contact with electrical wires.
(vi) Evidence that the secondary brake has been activated during an overspeed condition and has engaged the suspension rope.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(d)(10).
At 12:00 p.m. on February 22, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 were working approximately 250 feet above the ground while repairing blades on a windmill. The workers ascended on a suspended scaffold that indicated the primary cable rigging was only attached at one end.…
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
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(d)(10), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Construction of guardrails. (1977-08-26)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(d) Criteria for suspension scaffolds 55 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3) 19 citations
- 1926.451(d)(5) 12 citations
- 1926.451(d)(16) 7 citations
- 1926.451(d)(17) 7 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3)(x) 7 citations
- 1926.451(d)(12) 4 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3)(i) 4 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3)(ix) 3 citations
- 1926.451(d)(12)(iv)
- 1926.451(d)(13)
- 1926.451(d)(18)
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Frequently asked questions
How often must scaffold ropes be inspected?
Before each workshift and after every occurrence which could affect a rope's integrity.
How many broken wires require replacement?
Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.
Who must inspect the ropes?
A competent person.
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.