1926.452(o)(2): Keeping Suspension Ropes Vertical
On single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds, the supporting rope between the scaffold and the suspension device must be kept vertical unless the rigging is designed by a qualified person, the scaffold is accessible to rescuers, the rope is protected from chafing at changes in direction, and the scaffold cannot swing into another surface.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(o)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $2,210 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.452(o) Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds (3 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(o)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 4 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) The supporting rope between the scaffold and the suspension device shall be kept vertical unless all of the following conditions are met: 2 citations
(i) The rigging has been designed by a qualified person, and
(ii) The scaffold is accessible to rescuers, and
(iii) The supporting rope is protected to ensure that it will not chafe at any point where a change in direction occurs, and 1 citations
(iv) The scaffold is positioned so that swinging cannot bring the scaffold into contact with another surface.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.452(o)(2).
At 1:00 p.m. on December 3, 2024, an employee working as a painter for a construction contractor was working on crew installing a water tower. The employee was trying climb from a lift onto the tower without using fall protection. The employee fell from the…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(o)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(o)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(o) Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds 3 citations
- 1926.452(o)(3) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Must the supporting rope always be vertical?
Yes, unless all of the listed conditions are met.
Who must design non-vertical rigging?
A qualified person.
What must be done about chafing?
The supporting rope must be protected so it will not chafe at any point where a change in direction occurs.
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.