1926.451(d)(3)(i): Checking Suspension Scaffold Connections
Before a suspension scaffold is used, a competent person must evaluate direct connections and confirm the supporting surfaces can support the loads. Masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold connections must be designed by an engineer experienced in such scaffold design.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(d)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $16,500 in current penalties.
- 1 death is 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)(3)(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) Before the scaffold is used, direct connections shall be evaluated by a competent person who shall confirm, based on the evaluation, that the supporting surfaces are capable of supporting the loads to be imposed. In addition, masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold connections shall be designed by an engineer experienced in such scaffold design. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(d)(3)(i).
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.…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(d)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Revised response regarding the storage of materials on a scaffold for more than one shift's work (2003-10-30)
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)(10) 5 citations
- 1926.451(d)(12) 4 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3)(ix) 3 citations
- 1926.451(d)(12)(iv)
- 1926.451(d)(13)
- 1926.451(d)(18)
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Who evaluates direct connections?
A competent person, before the scaffold is used.
What must the competent person confirm?
That the supporting surfaces are capable of supporting the loads to be imposed.
Who designs masons' multi-point scaffold connections?
An engineer experienced in such scaffold 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.