1926.451(e)(2): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(e)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 9 inspections, with $29,094 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.451(e) Access (918 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2) 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
(2) Portable, hook-on, and attachable ladders (Additional requirements for the proper construction and use of portable ladders are contained in subpart X of this part—Stairways and Ladders): 9 citations
(i) Portable, hook-on, and attachable ladders shall be positioned so as not to tip the scaffold; Open (e)(2)(i)
(ii) Hook-on and attachable ladders shall be positioned so that their bottom rung is not more than 24 inches (61 cm) above the scaffold supporting level; Open (e)(2)(ii) 2 citations
(iii) When hook-on and attachable ladders are used on a supported scaffold more than 35 feet (10.7 m) high, they shall have rest platforms at 35-foot (10.7 m) maximum vertical intervals. Open (e)(2)(iii) 4 citations
(iv) Hook-on and attachable ladders shall be specifically designed for use with the type of scaffold used; Open (e)(2)(iv) 1 citations
(v) Hook-on and attachable ladders shall have a minimum rung length of 111⁄2 inches (29 cm); and Open (e)(2)(v)
(vi) Hook-on and attachable ladders shall have uniformly spaced rungs with a maximum spacing between rungs of 163⁄4 inches. Open (e)(2)(vi) 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(e)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether 29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(18) and 1926.1053(a)(19) apply to an attachable ladder used on scaffolding. (2006-04-25)
- Applicability of scaffold fall protection to guardrails near ladder access areas on scaffolds; toeboards across ladder access areas. (2005-06-20)
- Use of portable ladders on tank builder's scaffolds during scaffold dismantling process in construction. (2004-01-22)
- Requirements for attachable scaffold ladders used in construction; toe-hold minimum distance requirement. (2003-11-17)
- Requirements for attachable ladders used for scaffold access. (1999-05-27)
- Ridge hook-supported ladders. (1997-03-07)
- General requirements of ladders (1975-05-12)
- Ladders extending more than 36 inches above the landing do not need to have the rungs above the landing removed so as to facilitate employees stepping between the side rails. (1975-04-07)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(e) Access 918 citations
- 1926.451(e)(1) 787 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9) 38 citations
- 1926.451(e)(8) 28 citations
- 1926.451(e)(5) 26 citations
- 1926.451(e)(5)(i) 23 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9)(iv) 23 citations
- 1926.451(e)(4) 16 citations
- 1926.451(e)(6) 11 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9)(i) 11 citations
- 1926.451(e)(6)(i) 7 citations
- 1926.451(e)(2)(iii) 4 citations
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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.