1926.451(g)(4)(xv): Crossbracing as Scaffold Guardrail
Crossbracing may be used in place of a midrail when the crossing point is between 20 inches (0.5 m) and 30 inches (0.8 m) above the work platform, or as a toprail when the crossing point is between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 48 inches (1.3 m) above it. The end points at each upright must be no more than 48 inches (1.3 m) apart.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(g)(4)(xv) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $24,116 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (3), NY (3), TX (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)(4)(xv) 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
(xv) Crossbracing is acceptable in place of a midrail when the crossing point of two braces is between 20 inches (0.5 m) and 30 inches (0.8 m) above the work platform or as a toprail when the crossing point of two braces is between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 48 inches (1.3 m) above the work platform. The end points at each upright shall be no more than 48 inches (1.3 m) apart. 16 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 | 4 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NC (3), NY (3), TX (2), PA (2), CT (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ZDD CONSTRUCTION | HOUSTON, TX | $8,067 |
| WAINSCHAF ASSOCIATES, INC. | RENSSELAER, NY | $4,221 |
| FAST CONSTRUCTION LLC | ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ | $3,803 |
| JOSE LUIS DE VICENTE | EL PASO, TX | $2,765 |
| HM PLUMBING GROUP LLC | RENSSELAER, NY | $1,960 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(g)(4)(xv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(g)(4)(xv).
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)(3)(i) 20 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 can crossbracing count as a midrail?
When the crossing point of two braces is between 20 inches and 30 inches above the work platform.
When can crossbracing count as a toprail?
When the crossing point is between 38 inches and 48 inches above the work platform.
How far apart can the end points be?
No more than 48 inches (1.3 m) apart at each upright.
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.