1926.451(b)(5): Scaffold Platform Overhang Limits
Each end of a scaffold platform 10 feet or less in length must not extend over its support more than 12 inches, and platforms greater than 10 feet must not extend more than 18 inches. Longer overhangs are allowed only if the platform is designed and installed so the cantilevered end supports the load without tipping, or guardrails block access to that end.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(5) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 118 times in the last 3 years, in 117 inspections, with $258,037 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NC (14), MD (14), MA (13).
- 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)(5) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 2 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
(5) 118 citations
(i) Each end of a platform 10 feet or less in length shall not extend over its support more than 12 inches (30 cm) unless the platform is designed and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the platform is able to support employees and/or materials without tipping, or has guardrails which block employee access to the cantilevered end. Open (b)(5)(i) 21 citations
(ii) Each platform greater than 10 feet in length shall not extend over its support more than 18 inches (46 cm), unless it is designed and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the platform is able to support employees without tipping, or has guardrails which block employee access to the cantilevered end. Open (b)(5)(ii) 97 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(b)(5).
Employee was removing a gutter from a residential structure working from a pump-jack scaffold system erected 4.5 feet from a 79 kilovolt primary power line. The gutter contacted the power line and the employee was electrocuted.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 31 |
| 2025 | 46 |
| 2026 | 26 |
Top states: NC (14), MD (14), MA (13), NH (9), NJ (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | FOREST, VA | $12,060 |
| GEO HOME RENOVATIONS INC. | ATHENS, NY | $6,452 |
| MIRANDS CONSTRUCTION, INC. | LYNNFIELD, MA | $6,242 |
| RMA STATE RENOVATIONS INC | APOLLO BEACH, FL | $5,958 |
| FDR CONSTRUCTION LLC | SPRING LAKE, NJ | $5,958 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
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)(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 far can a short platform extend past its support?
Not more than 12 inches for platforms 10 feet or less in length, unless the rule's design or guardrail conditions are met.
What about platforms longer than 10 feet?
Not more than 18 inches, unless the rule's design or guardrail conditions are met.
When is a longer overhang allowed?
When the cantilevered portion is designed and installed to support the load without tipping, or guardrails block access to it.
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.