1926.451(f)(6): Scaffold Clearance From Power Lines
Employers must not erect, use, dismantle, alter or move scaffolds so that the scaffold or conductive material on it comes closer to energized power lines than the rule's table allows, such as 3 feet for insulated lines under 300 volts and 10 feet for uninsulated lines under 50 kv. Closer work is allowed only after the utility or system operator is notified and deenergizes, relocates or covers the lines.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(f)(6) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 108 times in the last 3 years, in 108 inspections, with $377,374 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (27), MA (23), IL (11).
- Related part: 1926.451(f) Use (1,221 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(f)(6) 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
(6) The clearance between scaffolds and power lines shall be as follows: Scaffolds shall not be erected, used, dismantled, altered, or moved such that they or any conductive material handled on them might come closer to exposed and energized power lines than as follows: 108 citations
| Insulated lines voltage |
Minimum distance | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 300 volts | 3 feet (0.9 m) | |
| 300 volts to 50 kv | 10 feet (3.1m) | |
| More than 50 kv | 10 feet (3.1 m) plus 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) for each 1 kv over 50 kv | 2 times the length of the line insulator, but never less than 10 feet (3.1 m). |
| Uninsulated lines voltage |
Minimum distance | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 50 kv | 10 feet (3.1 m) | |
| More than 50 kv | 10 feet (3.1 m) plus 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) for each 1 kv over 50 kv | 2 times the length of the line insulator, but never less than 10 feet (3.1 m). |
Scaffolds and materials may be closer to power lines than specified above where such clearance is necessary for performance of work, and only after the utility company, or electrical system operator, has been notified of the need to work closer and the utility company, or electrical system operator, has deenergized the lines, relocated the lines, or installed protective coverings to prevent accidental contact with the lines.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(f)(6).
Employee was removing a gutter from a residential structure working from a pump-jack scaffold system erected 4.5 feet from a 79 kilovolt primary power line. The gutter contacted the power line and the employee was electrocuted.
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 | 7 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 44 |
| 2026 | 20 |
Top states: NJ (27), MA (23), IL (11), NY (9), PA (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DRORE 2, LLC | FORT LAUDERDALE, FL | $27,000 |
| A-CLASS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $16,550 |
| ARCO/MURRAY NATIONAL DALLAS, INC. | ENGLEWOOD, NJ | $16,131 |
| NEW ENTERPRISE STONE & LIME COMPANY, INC. | HARRISBURG, PA | $15,000 |
| ELITE BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION LLC | NEWARK, NJ | $11,916 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(f)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Minimum approach distances to insulated power lines by construction workers working close to, but not on, the lines. (2001-07-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(f) Use 1,221 citations
- 1926.451(f)(3) 506 citations
- 1926.451(f)(7) 407 citations
- 1926.451(f)(15) 62 citations
- 1926.451(f)(4) 57 citations
- 1926.451(f)(14) 39 citations
- 1926.451(f)(1) 15 citations
- 1926.451(f)(15)(ii) 10 citations
- 1926.451(f)(12) 6 citations
- 1926.451(f)(13) 5 citations
- 1926.451(f)(5) 5 citations
- 1926.451(f)(16) 2 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
How close can a scaffold be to an uninsulated line under 50 kv?
No closer than 10 feet (3.1 m).
What about insulated lines under 300 volts?
The minimum distance is 3 feet (0.9 m).
Can a scaffold ever be closer than the table allows?
Only when necessary for the work, and only after the utility or electrical system operator has been notified and has deenergized, relocated or covered the lines.
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.