1926.452(i): Outrigger Scaffolds
Employers must build outrigger scaffolds so the inboard end of each outrigger beam is not less than one and one-half times the outboard end in length, with I-beam or channel webs vertical and the fulcrum on secure bearings at least 6 inches in each horizontal dimension. Beams must be secured, braced and anchored, platforms fastened to outriggers, and the scaffold designed by a registered professional engineer and built and loaded to that design.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NH (10), PR (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(i) ("Outrigger scaffolds") is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 8 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
(i) Outrigger scaffolds. 12 citations
(1) The inboard end of outrigger beams, measured from the fulcrum point to the extreme point of anchorage, shall be not less than one and one-half times the outboard end in length.
(2) Outrigger beams fabricated in the shape of an I-beam or channel shall be placed so that the web section is vertical.
(3) The fulcrum point of outrigger beams shall rest on secure bearings at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) in each horizontal dimension. 3 citations
(4) Outrigger beams shall be secured in place against movement, and shall be securely braced at the fulcrum point against tipping.
(5) The inboard ends of outrigger beams shall be securely anchored either by means of braced struts bearing against sills in contact with the overhead beams or ceiling, or by means of tension members secured to the floor joists underfoot, or by both.
(6) The entire supporting structure shall be securely braced to prevent any horizontal movement. 2 citations
(7) To prevent their displacement, platform units shall be nailed, bolted, or otherwise secured to outriggers. 4 citations
(8) Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be designed by a registered professional engineer and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with such design. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: NH (10), PR (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PROYECTO 528 LLC | ISABELA, PR | $0 |
| DARIO ALONSO | ISABELA, PR | $0 |
| ROBERT A. MURRIN CONSTRUCTION, INC. | HAMPTON, NH | $0 |
| PEARSON CUSTOM HOMES, LLC | HAMPTON, NH | $0 |
| DCL BUILDERS INC. | EXETER, NH | $0 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(i).
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Frequently asked questions
How long must the inboard end of an outrigger beam be?
Not less than one and one-half times the outboard end in length, measured from the fulcrum to the extreme point of anchorage.
What size bearing is required at the fulcrum?
Secure bearings at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) in each horizontal dimension.
Who must design an outrigger scaffold?
A registered professional engineer, and it must be built and loaded according to that design.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.452 (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.