1926.451(b)(1)(i): Gaps Between Scaffold Planks
Each scaffold platform unit, such as a plank or fabricated deck, must be installed so the space between adjacent units and between the platform and the uprights is no more than 1 inch wide. A wider space is allowed only where the employer can show it is necessary, such as fitting around uprights when side brackets are used.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 168 times in the last 3 years, in 168 inspections, with $618,445 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (37), TX (15), NC (14).
- Related part: 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction (1,518 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1)(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) Each platform unit (e.g., scaffold plank, fabricated plank, fabricated deck, or fabricated platform) shall be installed so that the space between adjacent units and the space between the platform and the uprights is no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, except where the employer can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary (for example, to fit around uprights when side brackets are used to extend the width of the platform). 168 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(b)(1)(i).
At 10:29 a.m. on September 14, 2024, an employee was working from a scaffold when a scaffold plank fell off its supports. The employee fell to the ground andsustained fatal injuries.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 56 |
| 2025 | 67 |
| 2026 | 35 |
Top states: VA (37), TX (15), NC (14), TN (9), LA (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | DALEVILLE, VA | $153,740 |
| FINCANTIERI MARINE GROUP, LLC | STURGEON BAY, WI | $59,115 |
| BEATY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $11,901 |
| B&B MASONRY | WINNFIELD, LA | $9,219 |
| DESERT PLASTERING L.L.C. | LAS VEGAS, NV | $8,867 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(b)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether plywood may be used as scaffold decking material over wood scaffold planks; 29 CFR 1926.450 and 1926.451. (2006-05-18)
- Use of 2"x6" No 2 pine boards as a scaffold platform; application of 1926.451(a) and 1926.451(f)(16) when erecting and dismantling scaffolds. (2005-04-11)
- Planking, safety line, and personal fall arrest system requirements for tank builder's scaffolding. (2002-04-16)
- Clarification of requirements for construction scaffold erection/dismantling; safe means of access; blocks for two-point suspension scaffolds. (2002-01-02)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction 1,518 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1) 870 citations
- 1926.451(b)(2) 332 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5) 118 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5)(ii) 97 citations
- 1926.451(b)(3) 58 citations
- 1926.451(b)(7) 51 citations
- 1926.451(b)(4) 49 citations
- 1926.451(b)(10) 25 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5)(i) 21 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1)(ii) 14 citations
- 1926.451(b)(2)(i) 11 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How wide can gaps between scaffold planks be?
No more than 1 inch wide.
Does the gap at the uprights count?
Yes. The space between the platform and the uprights is also limited to no more than 1 inch.
When is a wider gap allowed?
Only where the employer can demonstrate a wider space is necessary, such as fitting around uprights when side brackets extend the platform.
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 2026-10-19
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.