1926.451(d)(12): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(d)(12) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $12,059 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.451(d) Criteria for suspension scaffolds (55 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(d)(12) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 6 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
(12) When wire rope clips are used on suspension scaffolds: 4 citations
(i) There shall be a minimum of 3 wire rope clips installed, with the clips a minimum of 6 rope diameters apart; 2 citations
(ii) Clips shall be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations;
(iii) Clips shall be retightened to the manufacturer's recommendations after the initial loading;
(iv) Clips shall be inspected and retightened to the manufacturer's recommendations at the start of each workshift thereafter; Open (d)(12)(iv)
(v) U-bolt clips shall not be used at the point of suspension for any scaffold hoist; 1 citations
(vi) When U-bolt clips are used, the U-bolt shall be placed over the dead end of the rope, and the saddle shall be placed over the live end of the rope. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; order of assembly for hanging scaffolds; and horizontal lifeline design. (2004-03-04)
- Clarification of 1926.451(a)(6) requirements for scaffolds and bridge-painting projects. (2002-08-06)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(d) Criteria for suspension scaffolds 55 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3) 19 citations
- 1926.451(d)(5) 12 citations
- 1926.451(d)(16) 7 citations
- 1926.451(d)(17) 7 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3)(x) 7 citations
- 1926.451(d)(10) 5 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3)(i) 4 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3)(ix) 3 citations
- 1926.451(d)(12)(iv)
- 1926.451(d)(13)
- 1926.451(d)(18)
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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 2026-10-20
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.