Learn what the scaffold rule asks of the person who builds and takes down scaffolds: working under a competent person, solid footing and ties, planking and guardrails, type-specific assembly, safe access and fall protection while you work, and suspension scaffold supports.
Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451, 1926.452 and 1926.454 (Subpart L, scaffolds in construction) · about 9 min read
Need proof of training? The full course (35 min) adds practice questions, a job scenario, the final quiz and a certificate your employer can verify.
Your employer must have you trained by a competent person. As applicable, the training includes the nature of scaffold hazards; the correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting and maintaining the type of scaffold in question; its design criteria, maximum intended load-carrying capacity and intended use; and any other pertinent requirements of the scaffold rule (Subpart L).
Retraining
When your employer has reason to believe you lack the skill or understanding for safe scaffold work, you must be retrained until the proficiency is regained. Retraining is required in at least these situations:
Changes at the worksite present a hazard you have not been trained on
Changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection or other equipment present a hazard you have not been trained on
Problems in your own scaffold work show you have not retained the proficiency
When a supported scaffold is more than four times as tall as it is wide (height to base width of more than 4:1, counting outrigger supports if used), it must be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing or equivalent means.
Install them where horizontal members support both inner and outer legs
The first set goes in per the manufacturer's recommendations, or at the closest horizontal member to the 4:1 height
Repeat them vertically at horizontal members: every 20 feet or less for scaffolds 3 feet wide or less, and every 26 feet or less for scaffolds wider than 3 feet
Place them at each end of the scaffold and at horizontal intervals of no more than 30 feet, measured from one end
On a completed scaffold, the top guy, tie or brace is placed no further than the 4:1 height from the top
Also: use ties, guys, braces or outriggers in all circumstances where an eccentric load, such as a cantilevered work platform, is applied to the scaffold.
Each platform on all working levels is fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports.
The space between adjacent units, and between the platform and the uprights, is no more than 1 inch, except where the employer can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary. Then the platform is planked or decked as fully as possible, and the remaining open space between the platform and the uprights does not exceed 9 1/2 inches
Each platform and walkway is at least 18 inches wide, with narrow exceptions the rule lists for certain scaffold types and very narrow work areas
Your own platform: full planking is not required on platforms used solely as walkways or solely by employees erecting or dismantling. There, only the planking the employer establishes is necessary to provide safe working conditions is required. Your employer establishes what that is.
Distance from the workThe front edge of a platform is no more than 14 inches from the face of the work, unless guardrails are erected along the front edge and/or personal fall arrest systems are used. Outrigger scaffolds and plastering and lathing have their own limits.
End supportUnless cleated or restrained by hooks or equivalent means, each end of a platform extends over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches.
OverlapsWhere platforms overlap, the overlap is only over supports and not less than 12 inches, unless the platforms are nailed together or otherwise restrained.
When guardrail systems are used to meet the scaffold fall protection rule:
They go along all open sides and ends of platforms, and they go in before the scaffold is released for use by anyone other than the erection and dismantling crews
On supported scaffolds manufactured or placed in service after January 1, 2000, the top edge of the toprail is 38 to 45 inches above the platform surface (36 to 45 inches on supported scaffolds manufactured and placed in service before January 1, 2000). When conditions warrant, the top edge may be higher than 45 inches, provided the guardrail system meets all the other guardrail criteria
Intermediate members such as balusters or additional rails are no more than 19 inches apart
Steel or plastic banding is not used as a toprail or midrail
When moving platforms to the next level, leave the existing platform undisturbed until the new end frames (frame scaffolds) or new bearers (tube and coupler) are set in place and braced
Scaffolds over 125 feet are designed by a registered professional engineer and built and loaded to that design
Frame scaffolds
Cross braces are the right length to square and align the uprights so the scaffold is always plumb, level and square, and all brace connections are secured
Frames and panels are joined vertically by coupling or stacking pins or equivalent means
Tube and coupler scaffolds
Runners are interlocked on straight runs to form continuous lengths, and coupled to each post
Apply the pushing force as close to the base as practicable, and not more than 5 feet above the supporting surface
Before a scaffold is moved, each employee on it is made aware of the move
Employees are not allowed to ride unless the listed conditions exist. One of them: the surface is within 3 degrees of level and free of pits, holes and obstructions
Where leveling is necessary, use screw jacks or equivalent means
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.452(w)
Access, fall protection and site hazards
Getting up and down while you build
Safe access is provided for each person erecting or dismantling a scaffold where it is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. A competent person decides, based on site conditions and scaffold type, and employees use the access provided
Hook-on or attachable ladders go in as soon as erection has progressed far enough to install and use them safely
On tubular welded frame scaffolds, end frames with parallel, level horizontal members no more than 22 inches apart vertically may serve as climbing devices if they make a usable ladder with good hand hold and foot space
Cross braces are not to be used as a means of access on tubular welded frame scaffolds
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)
Access, fall protection and site hazards
Fall protection while erecting and dismantling
The general rule protects each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level. For people who erect and dismantle supported scaffolds, the rule has its own paragraph.
A competent person decidesThe competent person determines the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for you.
Your employer providesFall protection is required where its installation and use is feasible and does not create a greater hazard.
Anchorage: where vertical lifelines are used, the rule says safe points of anchorage include structural members of buildings. They do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, electrical conduit, outrigger beams or counterweights.
Power linesDo not erect, use, dismantle, alter or move a scaffold, or handle conductive material on it, closer to exposed energized power lines than the minimum distances in the rule's table, which depend on voltage. Closer is allowed only where necessary for the work, and only after the utility or electrical system operator has been notified and has deenergized or relocated the lines or installed protective coverings.
Snow and iceEmployees are prohibited from working on scaffolds covered with snow, ice or other slippery material, except as necessary to remove it.
Storms and high windsWork on or from scaffolds is prohibited unless a competent person has determined it is safe and the employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens. Wind screens are not used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces.
Swinging loadsWhere loads hoisted onto or near a scaffold might contact it, use tag lines or equivalent measures to control them.
The inboard ends of suspension scaffold outrigger beams are stabilized by bolts or other direct connections to the floor or roof deck, or by counterweights (masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold outrigger beams are not stabilized by counterweights). Outrigger beams not stabilized by bolts or other direct connections are secured by tiebacks.
Evaluate the connectionBefore the scaffold is used, a competent person evaluates direct connections and confirms the supporting surfaces can carry the loads.
CounterweightsNon-flowable material only. Not sand, gravel or similar. Only items specifically designed as counterweights, not masonry units or rolls of roofing felt. Secured to the beams by mechanical means, and not removed until the scaffold is disassembled.
Tiebacks: anchorageSecured to a structurally sound anchorage: structural members, not standpipes, vents, other piping or electrical conduit.
Tiebacks: directionPerpendicular to the face of the building, or opposing angle tiebacks. A single tieback at an angle is prohibited.
Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451, 1926.452 and 1926.454. It is not an OSHA card or license, it does not make anyone a competent person, and it does not by itself meet the training requirements of 29 CFR 1926.454(b). Your employer must still have each employee who is involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold trained by a competent person to recognize any hazards associated with the work in question, including, as applicable, the nature of scaffold hazards; the correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the type of scaffold in question; the design criteria, maximum intended load-carrying capacity and intended use of the scaffold; and any other pertinent requirements of Subpart L. Your employer must also retrain you in the situations listed in 29 CFR 1926.454(c).
This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.