1926.451(e)(5): Scaffold Ramps and Walkways
Employers must put guardrail systems on scaffold ramps and walkways 6 feet or more above lower levels. Ramps and walkways may not be inclined more than one vertical to three horizontal (20 degrees), and if steeper than one vertical in eight horizontal they must have cleats not more than 14 inches apart, securely fastened to the planks for footing.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(e)(5) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 26 inspections, with $90,404 in current penalties.
- Most citations: FL (6), PA (3), TX (2).
- Related part: 1926.451(e) Access (924 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(e)(5) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 3 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) Ramps and walkways. 27 citations
(i) Ramps and walkways 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall have guardrail systems which comply with subpart M of this part—Fall Protection; Open (e)(5)(i) 24 citations
(ii) No ramp or walkway shall be inclined more than a slope of one (1) vertical to three (3) horizontal (20 degrees above the horizontal). 2 citations
(iii) If the slope of a ramp or a walkway is steeper than one (1) vertical in eight (8) horizontal, the ramp or walkway shall have cleats not more than fourteen (14) inches (35 cm) apart which are securely fastened to the planks to provide footing. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: FL (6), PA (3), TX (2), GU (2), OK (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CORE TECH INTERNATIONAL | TAMUNING, GU | $19,359 |
| VALLEY CONCRETE & CONSTRUCTION, INC. | TYRINGHAM, MA | $11,585 |
| B & M CONCRETE LLC | YBOR CITY, FL | $8,937 |
| ROCKEFELLER PLUMBING & HEATING INC. | FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY | $8,276 |
| CAMPOS ENTERPRISES, LLC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $5,958 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(e)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(e)(5).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(e) Access 924 citations
- 1926.451(e)(1) 792 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9) 38 citations
- 1926.451(e)(8) 28 citations
- 1926.451(e)(5)(i) 24 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9)(iv) 23 citations
- 1926.451(e)(4) 16 citations
- 1926.451(e)(6) 11 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9)(i) 11 citations
- 1926.451(e)(2) 9 citations
- 1926.451(e)(6)(i) 7 citations
- 1926.451(e)(2)(iii) 4 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
When do scaffold ramps need guardrails?
When they are 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels.
How steep can a scaffold ramp be?
No more than a slope of one vertical to three horizontal (20 degrees above the horizontal).
When are cleats required?
When the slope is steeper than one vertical in eight horizontal; cleats must be not more than 14 inches apart and securely fastened.
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.