1926.451(d)(3)(ix): Secure Tiebacks to Sound Anchorages
Suspension scaffold tiebacks must be secured to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure. Sound anchorages include structural members, but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems or electrical conduit.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(d)(3)(ix) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $16,735 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- 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)(3)(ix) 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
(ix) Tiebacks shall be secured to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure. Sound anchorages include structural members, but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit. 3 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(d)(3)(ix).
At 12:00 p.m. on February 22, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 were working approximately 250 feet above the ground while repairing blades on a windmill. The workers ascended on a suspended scaffold that indicated the primary cable rigging was only attached at one end.…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(d)(3)(ix), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(d)(3)(ix).
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)(12) 4 citations
- 1926.451(d)(3)(i) 4 citations
- 1926.451(d)(12)(iv)
- 1926.451(d)(13)
- 1926.451(d)(18)
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
What must tiebacks be secured to?
A structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure.
What counts as a sound anchorage?
Structural members.
What does not count?
Standpipes, vents, other piping systems or electrical conduit.
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.