1926.452(o): Single-Point Adjustable Suspension Scaffolds
When two single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds are combined, they must meet two-point scaffold rules. The supporting rope must be kept vertical unless listed conditions are all met, and boatswains' chair tackle and seat slings must meet the rope size and rigging requirements in the rule.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(o) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $3,817 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.452(o)(2) (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(o) ("Single-point adjustable suspension 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 11 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
(o) Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. 3 citations
(1) When two single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds are combined to form a two-point adjustable suspension scaffold, the resulting two-point scaffold shall comply with the requirements for two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds in paragraph (p) of this section.
(2) The supporting rope between the scaffold and the suspension device shall be kept vertical unless all of the following conditions are met: Open (o)(2) 2 citations
(i) The rigging has been designed by a qualified person, and
(ii) The scaffold is accessible to rescuers, and
(iii) The supporting rope is protected to ensure that it will not chafe at any point where a change in direction occurs, and 1 citations
(iv) The scaffold is positioned so that swinging cannot bring the scaffold into contact with another surface.
(3) Boatswains' chair tackle shall consist of correct size ball bearings or bushed blocks containing safety hooks and properly “eye-spliced” minimum five-eighth (5⁄8) inch (1.6 cm) diameter first-grade manila rope, or other rope which will satisfy the criteria (e.g., strength and durability) of manila rope. Open (o)(3) 1 citations
(4) Boatswains' chair seat slings shall be reeved through four corner holes in the seat; shall cross each other on the underside of the seat; and shall be rigged so as to prevent slippage which could cause an out-of-level condition.
(5) Boatswains' chair seat slings shall be a minimum of five-eight (5⁄8) inch (1.6 cm) diameter fiber, synthetic, or other rope which will satisfy the criteria (e.g., strength, slip resistance, durability, etc.) of first grade manila rope.
(6) When a heat-producing process such as gas or arc welding is being conducted, boatswains' chair seat slings shall be a minimum of three-eight (3⁄8) inch (1.0 cm) wire rope.
(7) Non-cross-laminated wood boatswains' chairs shall be reinforced on their underside by cleats securely fastened to prevent the board from splitting.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.452(o).
At 1:00 p.m. on December 3, 2024, an employee working as a painter for a construction contractor was working on crew installing a water tower. The employee was trying climb from a lift onto the tower without using fall protection. The employee fell from the…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(o), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Application of OSHA's de minimis policy to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452(o)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.552(c)(1) - 1926.552(c)(4), 1926.552(c)(8), 1926.552(c)(13), 926.552(c)(14)(i), and 1926.552(c)(16) regarding certain chimney construction work. (2009-08-24)
- Re: Application of OSHA's de minimis policy to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452(o)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.552(c)(1) - 1926.552(c)(4), 1926.552(c)(8), 1926.552(c)(13), 1926.552(c)(14)(i), and 1926.552(c)(16) regarding certain chimney construction work. (2007-02-08)
- Requirements applicable to the design, inspection, and testing of imported scaffolding. (2001-05-10)
- Hoisting workers on crane load lines (boatswains' chair). (1998-05-22)
- Use of Cranes to Lift Personnel in Drilled Pier Operations (1992-01-28)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(o)(2) 2 citations
- 1926.452(o)(3) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When can the supporting rope be out of vertical?
Only when the rigging is designed by a qualified person, the scaffold is accessible to rescuers, the rope is protected from chafing and the scaffold cannot swing into another surface.
What rope is required for seat slings during welding?
A minimum of three-eight (3/8) inch (1.0 cm) wire rope.
How must boatswains' chair seat slings be rigged?
Reeved through four corner holes, crossing on the underside, and rigged to prevent slippage.
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.