1926.451(b)(1)(ii): Scaffold Platforms Not Fully Planked
Where the employer shows full planking is not possible, scaffold platforms must be planked or decked as fully as possible, with remaining open space between platform and uprights not over 9 1/2 inches. Full planking is not required for platforms used solely as walkways or solely by erectors or dismantlers; only the planking the employer finds necessary is required.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(1)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $35,980 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (3), OR (3), NJ (2).
- 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)(ii) 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
(ii) Where the employer makes the demonstration provided for in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, the platform shall be planked or decked as fully as possible and the remaining open space between the platform and the uprights shall not exceed 91⁄2 inches (24.1 cm). 14 citations
Exception to paragraph (b)(1): The requirement in paragraph (b)(1) to provide full planking or decking does not apply to platforms used solely as walkways or solely by employees performing scaffold erection or dismantling. In these situations, only the planking that the employer establishes is necessary to provide safe working conditions is required.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Top states: MD (3), OR (3), NJ (2), KS (1), MS (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FE CONTRACTING INC | PALMER, AK | $6,857 |
| SANTANA CONSTRUCTION | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $4,839 |
| FDO GENERAL CONSTRUCTION LLC | BELLEVILLE, NJ | $3,972 |
| AIREKO TOTAL CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS, LLC | ST THOMAS, VI | $3,549 |
| 317741365 - ALL CITY INDUSTRIAL ARTISTRY LLC | COQUILLE, OR | $3,531 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(b)(1)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(b)(1)(ii).
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)(1)(i) 168 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)(2)(i) 11 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
How big can the gap be between platform and uprights?
Not more than 9 1/2 inches (24.1 cm) where the employer has made the demonstration in (b)(1)(i).
Do walkway-only platforms need full planking?
No. Only the planking the employer establishes is necessary for safe conditions.
What about erection and dismantling?
Platforms used solely by employees erecting or dismantling also need only the necessary planking.
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.