1926.452(a): Pole Scaffold Requirements
Employers must build pole scaffolds with crossbracing and diagonal bracing as required, set runners and bearers on edge, extend bearers at least 3 inches over runners, run runners over at least two poles, and not splice braces, bearers or runners between poles. When moving platforms up, the old platform stays until new bearers are set and braced, and pole scaffolds over 60 feet must be designed by a registered professional engineer.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 34 times in the last 3 years, in 24 inspections, with $38,477 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (8), VA (6), NH (5).
- Related part: 1926.452(a)(4) (19 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(a) ("Pole scaffolds") is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 10 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
(a) Pole scaffolds. 34 citations
(1) When platforms are being moved to the next level, the existing platform shall be left undisturbed until the new bearers have been set in place and braced, prior to receiving the new platforms.
(2) Crossbracing shall be installed between the inner and outer sets of poles on double pole scaffolds. 4 citations
(3) Diagonal bracing in both directions shall be installed across the entire inside face of double-pole scaffolds used to support loads equivalent to a uniformly distributed load of 50 pounds (22.7 kg) or more per square foot (929 square cm). 2 citations
(4) Diagonal bracing in both directions shall be installed across the entire outside face of all double- and single-pole scaffolds. Open (a)(4) 19 citations
(5) Runners and bearers shall be installed on edge. 2 citations
(6) Bearers shall extend a minimum of 3 inches (7.6 cm) over the outside edges of runners. 1 citations
(7) Runners shall extend over a minimum of two poles, and shall be supported by bearing blocks securely attached to the poles. 5 citations
(8) Braces, bearers, and runners shall not be spliced between poles.
(9) Where wooden poles are spliced, the ends shall be squared and the upper section shall rest squarely on the lower section. Wood splice plates shall be provided on at least two adjacent sides, and shall extend at least 2 feet (0.6 m) on either side of the splice, overlap the abutted ends equally, and have at least the same cross-sectional areas as the pole. Splice plates of other materials of equivalent strength may be used. 1 citations
(10) Pole scaffolds over 60 feet in height shall be designed by a registered professional engineer, and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Non-mandatory appendix A to this subpart contains examples of criteria that will enable an employer to comply with design and loading requirements for pole scaffolds under 60 feet in height.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: TX (8), VA (6), NH (5), NC (4), HI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PARAGON CORP. | SAIPAN, MP | $4,967 |
| 160347 - PAKO RENOVATION LLC | CLEMMONS, NC | $4,965 |
| VSNY GENERAL CONSTRUCTION | HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ | $3,972 |
| MACIEJ KOSCIELNIAK DBA MKO-PERFECT CARPENTRY, INC. | ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL | $3,500 |
| JM FIERRO CONSTRUCTION, LLC | SAGINAW, TX | $3,465 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(a).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(a)(4) 19 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must a pole scaffold be engineered?
Pole scaffolds over 60 feet in height must be designed by a registered professional engineer and built and loaded to that design.
How far must bearers extend over runners?
A minimum of 3 inches over the outside edges of runners.
Can braces or runners be spliced between poles?
No. Braces, bearers and runners shall not be spliced between poles.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.452 (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.