1926.451(g)(3)(i): Vertical Lifelines on Scaffolds
When vertical lifelines are used on scaffolds, they must be fastened to a fixed safe anchorage, be independent of the scaffold, and be protected from sharp edges and abrasion. Building structural members can be anchorages, but standpipes, vents, other piping, electrical conduit, outrigger beams and counterweights cannot.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(g)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $53,019 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (8), IL (3), HI (2).
- Related part: 1926.451(g) Fall protection (2,811 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(g)(3)(i) 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
(i) When vertical lifelines are used, they shall be fastened to a fixed safe point of anchorage, shall be independent of the scaffold, and shall be protected from sharp edges and abrasion. Safe points of anchorage include structural members of buildings, but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, electrical conduit, outrigger beams, or counterweights. 20 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(g)(3)(i).
At 11:00 a.m. on February 2, 2024, an employee working as a construction laborerfor a masonry contractor was working from a Werner pump jack scaffold installingExterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). The employee was not wearing fallprotection when he fell 42 feet to the ground.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: NJ (8), IL (3), HI (2), OH (2), KY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MIDWEST PRESSURE WASHING AND RESTORATION, INC. DBA RESTOREWORKS MASONRY RESTORATION | CHICAGO, IL | $8,750 |
| FRANK T LUTTER INC | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $5,561 |
| FAST CONSTRUCTION LLC | ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ | $5,323 |
| DUMAC INC. | ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ | $5,071 |
| MAC CONSTRUCTION EXPRESS, LLC | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $4,839 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(g)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(g)(3)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(g) Fall protection 2,811 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1) 2,215 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(vii) 673 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4) 516 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(i) 392 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(i) 149 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(vi) 65 citations
- 1926.451(g)(2) 46 citations
- 1926.451(g)(3) 33 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iv) 32 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iii) 21 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(xv) 16 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 a vertical lifeline be tied to the scaffold?
No. It must be independent of the scaffold and fastened to a fixed safe point of anchorage.
What are acceptable anchorages?
Safe points of anchorage include structural members of buildings.
What cannot be used as an anchorage?
Standpipes, vents, other piping systems, electrical conduit, outrigger beams or counterweights.
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.