1926.451(g)(3)(iv): Separate Lifelines, Support Lines and Suspension Ropes
On suspended scaffolds, vertical lifelines, independent support lines and suspension ropes must not be attached to each other, must not use the same anchorage point, and must not be attached to the same point on the scaffold or personal fall arrest system.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(g)(3)(iv) 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 $39,877 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.451(g) Fall protection (2,806 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(g)(3)(iv) 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
(iv) Vertical lifelines, independent support lines, and suspension ropes shall not be attached to each other, nor shall they be attached to or use the same point of anchorage, nor shall they be attached to the same point on the scaffold or personal fall arrest system. 9 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(g)(3)(iv).
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.…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Scaffolds: lifelines, support lines, and suspension ropes cannot have a common anchor point. (1999-06-16)
- Secondary wire rope suspension systems. (1993-09-03)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(g) Fall protection 2,806 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1) 2,210 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(vii) 671 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4) 516 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(i) 392 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(i) 149 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(vi) 65 citations
- 1926.451(g)(2) 46 citations
- 1926.451(g)(3) 33 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iv) 32 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iii) 21 citations
- 1926.451(g)(3)(i) 20 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can my lifeline share an anchor with the suspension rope?
No. They must not be attached to or use the same point of anchorage.
Can lines be tied to each other?
No. Vertical lifelines, independent support lines and suspension ropes must not be attached to each other.
Can they attach to the same point on the scaffold?
No, nor to the same point on the personal fall arrest system.
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.