1926.451(d)(3)(x): Scaffold Tieback Angles
Suspension scaffold tiebacks must be installed perpendicular to the face of the building or structure, or opposing angle tiebacks must be installed. A single tieback installed at an angle is prohibited.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(d)(3)(x) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $27,353 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)(x) 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
(x) Tiebacks shall be installed perpendicular to the face of the building or structure, or opposing angle tiebacks shall be installed. Single tiebacks installed at an angle are prohibited. 7 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)(x).
At 3:30 p.m. on September 3, 2024, Employee #1 was raising bags of cement while working from a swing stage scaffold. The employee was not utilizing fall protection equipment. The support wire cable for the scaffold failed, and Employee #1 fell approximately 53 feet to…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(d)(3)(x), 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)(x).
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)(10) 5 citations
- 1926.451(d)(12) 4 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)
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
How must tiebacks be installed?
Perpendicular to the face of the building or structure, or as opposing angle tiebacks.
Can I use one tieback at an angle?
No. Single tiebacks installed at an angle are prohibited.
What are opposing angle tiebacks?
Tiebacks set at angles that oppose each other, which the rule allows instead of a perpendicular tieback.
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.