1926.451(e)(5)(i): Guardrails on Scaffold Ramps and Walkways
Employers must provide guardrail systems that meet Subpart M on scaffold ramps and walkways that are 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(e)(5)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 23 times in the last 3 years, in 23 inspections, with $82,059 in current penalties.
- Most citations: FL (5), PA (3), GU (2).
- 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)(5)(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) Ramps and walkways 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall have guardrail systems which comply with subpart M of this part—Fall Protection; 23 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: FL (5), PA (3), GU (2), OK (1), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CORE TECH INTERNATIONAL | TAMUNING, GU | $19,359 |
| VALLEY CONCRETE & CONSTRUCTION, INC. | TYRINGHAM, MA | $11,585 |
| B & M CONCRETE LLC | YBOR CITY, FL | $8,937 |
| ROCKEFELLER PLUMBING & HEATING INC. | FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY | $8,276 |
| CAMPOS ENTERPRISES, LLC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $5,958 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(e)(5)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(e)(5)(i).
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)(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)(2) 9 citations
- 1926.451(e)(6)(i) 7 citations
- 1926.451(e)(2)(iii) 4 citations
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
When do scaffold ramps and walkways need guardrails?
When they are 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels.
What rules must the guardrails meet?
They must comply with Subpart M, Fall Protection.
Does this apply to walkways as well as ramps?
Yes, both ramps and walkways are covered.
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.