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Scaffolding: OSHA's Revised Standard
29 CFR 1926.451

There is little doubt that the very presence of scaffolding at a job site creates a hazardous work environment. Falls, falling objects and structure instability are all dangerous possibilities. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA's) 1996 revisions to 29 CFR 1926.451 hope to make working on or around scaffolding a little safer.

History

An estimated 2.3 million construction workers deal with scaffolding each year. More than 9,500 workers are injured. In the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) in 2005, an average of 88 fatalities occurred in the years 2000-2004 from scaffolds, staging. In a Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) study, 72% of workers injured in scaffold accidents attributed the accident either to the planking or support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object. All of these can be controlled by compliance with OSHA standards.

Originally adopted in 1971, OSHA's first scaffolding rule remained relatively unchanged until 1996. The 1996 revisions are performance-based, which means the rules aren't as rigid as in other standards. The specifics of compliance depend on the types of scaffolding used, the situations they are used in and the personnel using them.

The revisions also address types of scaffolding previously not mentioned, the greater choices of personal fall protection systems available to workers, and training.

Due to the complexity and size of this standard, this EZ Facts® document will only discuss three topics: training, fall protection and safe distances for working near energized power lines.

If you need more information on another aspect of this standard, please refer to the OSHA website, refer to 29 CFR 1926.451 or call Safety TECHline Technical Support at 1-800-356-2501. You can also e-mail your question to the Technical Support staff at techsvc@labsafety.com.

Training

Prior to 1996, it was estimated that more than 70 percent of workers only received on-the-job training and 25 percent received no training at all. To prevent this from continuing, OSHA strengthened the training requirements.

Because this standard is performance-based, there are no specific topics that must be covered during training. However, appendix D of the scaffold standard does provide the following outline for the training of all users of scaffolding:

General Overview of Scaffolding

• Regulations and standards
• Erection/dismantling planning
• PPE and proper procedures
• Fall protection
• Materials handling
• Access
• Working platforms
• Foundations
• Guys, ties and braces

In addition, the rule suggests a more detailed discussion of the following items when using these specific types of scaffolding:

Tubular Welded Frame Scaffolds

• Specific regulations and standards
• Components
• Parts inspection
• Erection/dismantling planning
• Guys, ties and braces
• Fall protection
• General safety
• Access and platforms
• Erection/dismantling procedures
• Rolling scaffold assembly
• Putlogs

Tube & Clamp Scaffolds and System Scaffolds

• Specific regulations and standards
• Components
• Parts inspection
• Erection/dismantling planning
• Guys, ties and braces
• Fall protection
• General safety
• Access and platforms
• Erection/dismantling procedures
• Buttresses, cantilevers, & bridges

Retraining is also a focus of the revisions. When the employer has reason to believe that an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed to safely erect, use or dismantle scaffolds, the employer must retrain the employee so that he/she gains the required skill and knowledge level. Retraining is required in the following situations:

1. Where changes at the worksite present a new hazard for which the employee has not been previously trained; or
2. Where changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection, or other equipment present a hazard for which the employee has not been previously trained;
3. Where inadequacies in an employee's work involving scaffolds indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite proficiency.

Fall Protection

Per 1926.451(g)(1), OSHA has determined a 10-foot fall protection threshold for scaffolding (also note American National Safety Institute A10.8-2001). This threshold differs from Subpart M (fall protection), which requires the use of fall protection at 6 feet for most industries.

There are two reasons why different thresholds are required. First, scaffolds are temporary structures erected to aid workers who are constructing or demolishing other structures, and secondly, scaffolds are less amenable for the use of fall protection at the time the first level is being erected.

Table I details the types of fall protection needed with specific types of scaffold.

The employer is responsible for providing fall protection and ensuring its use. As of September 2, 1997, each employer will be required to have a competent person determine if fall protection is necessary and feasible.

OSHA does not require the employer to provide written reasons or data for not using fall protection. However; if you are inspected by OSHA, be prepared to discuss the reasons why fall protection was not provided. For more information regarding the use of fall protection, refer to 29 CFR 1926.451 (g).

Energized Power Lines

Scaffolds cannot be erected, used, dismantled, altered or moved closer than the distances stated in table 1 when near energized power lines.

However, scaffolds can be moved closer if it is necessary for the performance of work, and providing the power lines are de-energized or protective coverings are installed to prevent accidental contact. For more information refer to 29 CFR 1926.451 (f).

Commonly Asked Questions

Sources for More Information

General Information

OSHA Scaffolding eTool

29 CFR 1926 Subpart L

Scaffolding Hazards and Possible Solutions

Training Material

OSHA resources

References

29 CFR 1926.451 Scaffolding

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Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.