1926.451(e)(9)(iv): No Climbing on Cross Braces
Employers must not allow cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds to be used as a means of access or egress.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(e)(9)(iv) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 23 times in the last 3 years, in 23 inspections, with $58,350 in current penalties.
- Most citations: FL (3), GA (3), ID (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)(9)(iv) 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
(iv) Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds shall not be used as a means of access or egress. 23 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 | 9 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: FL (3), GA (3), ID (2), VA (2), PA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JOSE CALLE | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $11,585 |
| JMP CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS INC | VALRICO, FL | $5,958 |
| SJ CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC | HOUMA, LA | $4,729 |
| PUMA CONSTRUCTION, LLC | DENHAM SPRINGS, LA | $4,634 |
| LIBERTY GENERAL CONTRACTING INC | OSSINING, NY | $3,972 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(e)(9)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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) 27 citations
- 1926.451(e)(5)(i) 24 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
Can I climb the cross braces on a frame scaffold?
No. Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds shall not be used as a means of access or egress.
Which scaffolds does this cover?
Tubular welded frame scaffolds.
How should I get on the scaffold instead?
Use a proper means of access provided for the scaffold.
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.