1926.451(d)(5): Suspension Scaffold Support Devices
Employers must make suspension scaffold support devices, such as cornice hooks, roof hooks, roof irons and parapet clamps, of steel, wrought iron or materials of equivalent strength, support them on bearing blocks, and secure them against movement with tiebacks. Tiebacks must run at right angles to the building face or use opposing angle tiebacks secured to a structurally sound anchorage, and must be equivalent in strength to the hoisting rope.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(d)(5) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $35,857 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (7), KY (3), NJ (1).
- 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)(5) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 4 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
(5) Suspension scaffold support devices such as cornice hooks, roof hooks, roof irons, parapet clamps, or similar devices shall be: 12 citations
(i) Made of steel, wrought iron, or materials of equivalent strength;
(ii) Supported by bearing blocks; and 4 citations
(iii) Secured against movement by tiebacks installed at right angles to the face of the building or structure, or opposing angle tiebacks shall be installed and secured to a structurally sound point of anchorage on the building or structure. Sound points of anchorage include structural members, but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit. 8 citations
(iv) Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the hoisting rope.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: IL (7), KY (3), NJ (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GALEWOOD ROOFING & TUCKPOINTING, LLC | OAK PARK, IL | $7,098 |
| 68495 - CAPITAL SQUARE LIVING LLC | PROSPECT, KY | $7,000 |
| MIRANDA'S CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT CORP. | CHICAGO, IL | $4,965 |
| AMERICANA CONTRACTING CORP | BROOKLYN, NY | $4,050 |
| AC RESTORATION LLC | MORRISTOWN, NJ | $3,972 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(d)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(d)(5).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(d) Criteria for suspension scaffolds 55 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3) 19 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)
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
What must scaffold roof hooks be made of?
Steel, wrought iron, or materials of equivalent strength.
Can tiebacks be tied to a vent pipe?
No. Sound anchorages include structural members but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems or electrical conduit.
How strong must tiebacks be?
Equivalent in strength to the hoisting rope.
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.