1926.451(d)(3): Stabilizing Suspension Scaffold Outrigger Beams
Inboard ends of suspension scaffold outrigger beams must be stabilized by bolts or other direct connections, or by counterweights, except masons' multi-point scaffolds cannot use counterweights. A competent person must evaluate direct connections first. Counterweights must be non-flowable, made for that purpose, mechanically secured and left on until disassembly, and beams not directly connected need tiebacks.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(d)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $72,496 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (5), FL (4), NJ (4).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 10 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
(3) The inboard ends of suspension scaffold outrigger beams shall be stabilized by bolts or other direct connections to the floor or roof deck, or they shall have their inboard ends stabilized by counterweights, except masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold outrigger beams shall not be stabilized by counterweights. 19 citations
(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. Open (d)(3)(i) 4 citations
(ii) Counterweights shall be made of non-flowable material. Sand, gravel and similar materials that can be easily dislocated shall not be used as counterweights. 1 citations
(iii) Only those items specifically designed as counterweights shall be used to counterweight scaffold systems. Construction materials such as, but not limited to, masonry units and rolls of roofing felt, shall not be used as counterweights.
(iv) Counterweights shall be secured by mechanical means to the outrigger beams to prevent accidental displacement. 1 citations
(v) Counterweights shall not be removed from an outrigger beam until the scaffold is disassembled.
(vi) Outrigger beams which are not stabilized by bolts or other direct connections to the floor or roof deck shall be secured by tiebacks. 1 citations
(vii) Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the suspension ropes. 1 citations
(viii) Outrigger beams shall be placed perpendicular to its bearing support (usually the face of the building or structure). However, where the employer can demonstrate that it is not possible to place an outrigger beam perpendicular to the face of the building or structure because of obstructions that cannot be moved, the outrigger beam may be placed at some other angle, provided opposing angle tiebacks are used.
(ix) Tiebacks shall be secured to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure. Sound anchorages include structural members, but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit. Open (d)(3)(ix) 3 citations
(x) Tiebacks shall be installed perpendicular to the face of the building or structure, or opposing angle tiebacks shall be installed. Single tiebacks installed at an angle are prohibited. Open (d)(3)(x) 7 citations
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)(3).
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: IL (5), FL (4), NJ (4), NE (2), WI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WIND COMPOSITE SERVICES GROUP, LLC | WINSIDE, NE | $17,000 |
| STONE MOUNTAIN ACCESS SYSTEMS | JACKSONVILLE, FL | $8,000 |
| MAKSIMOUS CONSTRUCTION LLC | HACKENSACK, NJ | $7,094 |
| SHIELD CONCRETE RESTORATION LLC | MIAMI BEACH, FL | $6,620 |
| THOMAS BUILDERS INC | HENRICO, VA | $6,225 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(d)(3), 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)(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)(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
Can sand or bricks be used as counterweights?
No. Counterweights must be non-flowable, and construction materials such as masonry units and rolls of roofing felt shall not be used.
When can counterweights be removed?
Not until the scaffold is disassembled.
Who checks direct connections?
A competent person must evaluate them before use and confirm the supporting surfaces can carry the loads.
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.