1926.451(b)(10): Mixing Scaffold Components
Employers must not intermix scaffold components from different manufacturers unless they fit together without force and the user maintains the scaffold's structural integrity. Components from different manufacturers must not be modified to intermix them unless a competent person determines the resulting scaffold is structurally sound.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(10) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 25 times in the last 3 years, in 25 inspections, with $57,492 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: CO (3), NY (2), GA (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)(10) 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
(10) Scaffold components manufactured by different manufacturers shall not be intermixed unless the components fit together without force and the scaffold's structural integrity is maintained by the user. Scaffold components manufactured by different manufacturers shall not be modified in order to intermix them unless a competent person determines the resulting scaffold is structurally sound. 25 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)(10).
At 2:00 p.m. on October 15, 2024, Employee #1 was working on a ladder jack scaffold approximately 6 feet above the ground, installing 16-by-8 plywood rips above a garage door opening. The scaffold collapsed, causing the employee to fall to the ground. He was hospitalized…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: CO (3), NY (2), GA (2), NC (2), TX (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HONG YE RENTAL & CONSTRUCTION, LTD. | SAIPAN, MP | $7,904 |
| GEO HOME RENOVATIONS INC. | ATHENS, NY | $6,452 |
| JFP CONSTRUCTION, LLC. | WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP, NJ | $4,965 |
| ROMAN VICENTE | MOBILE, AL | $4,839 |
| CHARLY'S STUCCO AND REMODELING | EL PASO, TX | $4,688 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(b)(10), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(b)(10).
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)(5)(i) 21 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1)(ii) 14 citations
- 1926.451(b)(2)(i) 11 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can parts from different scaffold brands be mixed?
Only if they fit together without force and the scaffold's structural integrity is maintained.
Can parts be modified to make them fit?
Only if a competent person determines the resulting scaffold is structurally sound.
Who maintains structural integrity?
The user.
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.