Construction (29 CFR 1926)

Additional Requirements for Specific Types of Scaffolds

Verified vs OSHA sources · 2026-10-05

29 CFR 1926.452

29 CFR 1926.452 sets the additional requirements that apply to specific types of scaffolds: pole scaffolds, tube-and-coupler, fabricated frame, mobile, two-point (suspension/swing-stage), and many others. These type-specific rules apply ON TOP of the general scaffold requirements in 1926.451; scaffolds not specifically addressed by 1926.452, such as systems scaffolds, must meet the requirements of 1926.451.

29 CFR 1926.452 at a glance

What it is: Additional requirements for specific scaffold types
Applies with: The general scaffold requirements in 1926.451
Types covered: Pole, tube-and-coupler, fabricated frame, mobile, suspension, and more
Unlisted types: Scaffolds not addressed here (e.g., systems scaffolds) follow 1926.451
Purpose: The type-specific safeguards each scaffold design needs
Max penalty (2026): $16,550 per serious violation; $165,514 per willful

What 29 CFR 1926.452 requires (plain English)

29 CFR 1926.452 provides the additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, within Subpart L (Scaffolds). Where 1926.451 sets the general requirements that apply to all scaffolds (capacity, platform construction, fall protection, access, and use) 1926.452 adds the requirements unique to each scaffold design.

The section is organized by scaffold type, with a paragraph for each: pole scaffolds, tube and coupler scaffolds, fabricated frame (tubular welded frame) scaffolds, plasterers' and decorators' scaffolds, bricklayers' square scaffolds, horse scaffolds, form and carpenters' bracket scaffolds, roof bracket scaffolds, outrigger scaffolds, pump jack scaffolds, ladder jack scaffolds, window jack scaffolds, crawling boards, step/platform/trestle ladder scaffolds, single-point and two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds, multi-point and multi-level suspension scaffolds, catenary scaffolds, float (ship) scaffolds, interior hung scaffolds, needle beam scaffolds, and mobile scaffolds. Each paragraph gives the bracing, support, tie, and use requirements specific to that type.

The relationship is additive and explicit: in addition to the applicable requirements of 1926.451, the requirements in 1926.452 apply to the specific types of scaffolds indicated, and scaffolds not specifically addressed here, such as systems scaffolds, must meet the requirements of 1926.451. So a crew must apply BOTH the general rules and the type-specific rules for the scaffold they are using, and any scaffold type not listed defaults to the general requirements. Scaffolding (1926.451) ranked sixth on OSHA's FY2025 list of most-cited standards, and the type-specific requirements are where many of the stability-critical details live.

The regulatory text

“In addition to the applicable requirements of § 1926.451, the following requirements apply to the specific types of scaffolds indicated. Scaffolds not specifically addressed by § 1926.452, such as but not limited to systems scaffolds, must meet the requirements of § 1926.451.”

29 CFR 1926.452

Key facts about 29 CFR 1926.452

1926.452 gives additional requirements for specific scaffold types.
It applies in addition to the general scaffold requirements of 1926.451.
It covers pole, tube-and-coupler, fabricated frame, mobile, suspension, and many other types.
Each type has its own bracing, support, tie, and use requirements.
Scaffolds not listed (e.g., systems scaffolds) must meet 1926.451.
Both the general and type-specific rules apply to a given scaffold.
Scaffolding (1926.451) ranked sixth on OSHA's FY2025 list of most-cited standards.

Scope: who 29 CFR 1926.452 applies to

Regulatory framework: Construction (29 CFR 1926)
Citation reference: 29 CFR 1926.452
Enforcement status: In force and enforced
Jurisdiction: Federal OSHA (29 State-Plan jurisdictions may be stricter)

State-Plan states (e.g. California, Washington, Michigan) operate OSHA-approved programs that must be at least as effective as federal OSHA and frequently impose higher penalties or additional requirements. Confirm the rule as adopted in your state.

Key requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452

#	Employer obligation
1	Follow type-specific requirements for each scaffold
2	Supported scaffolds: rest on firm foundation
3	Suspended scaffolds: 6:1 safety factor for wire rope
4	Mobile scaffolds: lock casters before use
5	Aerial lifts: use only manufacturer-approved modifications

Summarized from the text of 29 CFR 1926.452. Always read the full regulation for the binding language.

Common Scaffold Types violations

Deficiencies OSHA cites under 29 CFR 1926.452 include the ones below, in no particular order. Distinct deficiencies can be cited as separate items, and each serious item carries up to $16,550 (2026). Broader per-instance stacking exists but is a discretionary, case-by-case OSHA enforcement policy, not an automatic multiplier.

Missing type-specific bracing, ties, or support for the scaffold in use (1926.452).
Applying only the general scaffold rules and skipping the type-specific requirements (1926.452).
Two-point suspension scaffold without required tiebacks or support (1926.452(p)).
Mobile scaffold exceeding the height-to-base ratio or with unlocked casters (1926.452(w)).
Fabricated frame scaffold without required cross-bracing (1926.452(c)).

You apply BOTH 1926.451 and 1926.452: the general and type-specific rules together

A frequent mistake is treating 1926.451 and 1926.452 as alternatives, or applying only the general requirements. They are ADDITIVE. 1926.451 sets the requirements common to all scaffolds (capacity, platforms, fall protection, access), and 1926.452 adds the requirements SPECIFIC to the scaffold type in use: the ties and bracing for a fabricated frame scaffold, the tiebacks and support for a two-point suspension scaffold, the height-to-base ratio and caster locks for a mobile scaffold. You must comply with both. And if a scaffold type is not listed in 1926.452 (like a systems scaffold), it defaults to the general 1926.451 requirements. Applying the general rules but skipping the type-specific ones leaves the particular failure modes of that scaffold design unaddressed, which is exactly where collapses occur.

What OSHA inspectors look for

A compliance officer identifies the scaffold type in use and applies both the general requirements (1926.451) and the type-specific requirements in 1926.452 for that scaffold, for example, the bracing and tie requirements for fabricated frame scaffolds, or the tieback and support rules for two-point suspension scaffolds. Missing type-specific safeguards are the classic finding.

Example: how a violation is cited

A fabricated frame scaffold is erected without the cross-bracing and ties that 1926.452 requires for that type, and it racks and partially collapses. OSHA cites 1926.452 (with 1926.451) for the missing type-specific bracing and stability requirements, with penalties from $16,550.

Illustrative example, not a specific OSHA case.

Scaffold Types compliance checklist

Use this to evaluate your compliance with 29 CFR 1926.452. Each item is a key requirement OSHA may verify during an inspection.

Identify the specific scaffold type in use.
Apply the general scaffold requirements of 1926.451.
Apply the additional type-specific requirements in 1926.452 for that scaffold.
For unlisted types (e.g., systems scaffolds), meet the 1926.451 requirements.
Have a competent person inspect the scaffold before each work shift.
Ensure erection and dismantling follow the type-specific and general rules.

2026 penalties for 29 CFR 1926.452

Maximums set by 29 CFR 1903.15(d). 2026 amounts unchanged from 2025 (no CPI adjustment; OMB M-26-11). Not an increase. The 2025 OSHA penalty levels remain in effect for 2026; OSHA made no inflation adjustment for 2026. 29 CFR 1903.15 identifies January 15, 2025 as the effective reference for these amounts, while OSHA's public penalties page currently references penalties assessed after Jan. 15, 2026.

Violation type	Minimum	Maximum	When it applies
Serious	$1,085	$16,550	Substantial probability of death or serious physical harm.
Other-Than-Serious	$0	$16,550	Relates to safety/health but unlikely to cause death or serious harm.
Willful	$11,823	$165,514	Intentional, knowing, or voluntary disregard of the requirement.
Repeated	$4,256	$165,514	A substantially similar violation cited within the last 5 years.
Failure to Abate	None	$16,550/day	up to $16,550 per day; total capped at 30x the daily amount (FOM Ch.6)

Scaffolding (1926.451) ranked sixth on OSHA's FY2025 list of most-cited standards. Serious violations reach $16,550 and willful or repeat violations $165,514.

Maximums and the willful minimum are set by 29 CFR 1903.15(d); the serious and repeated minimums are OSHA policy floors from its annual penalty adjustment memo. OSHA applies gravity-based and size, good-faith and history reductions (FOM CPL 02-00-164 Ch.6). Estimates only, not legal advice.

The business case for Scaffold Types compliance

Scaffolds come in many designs, and each has its own failure modes: a suspension scaffold's ropes and tiebacks, a mobile scaffold's casters and height-to-base ratio, a pole scaffold's bearers and ledgers. 1926.451 sets the requirements common to all scaffolds, but 1926.452 adds the specific safeguards each type needs to be stable and safe. Applying only the general rules, and skipping the type-specific ones, leaves the particular weaknesses of that scaffold design unaddressed, which is where scaffold collapses come from.

Free compliance tools for 29 CFR 1926.452

Fall Protection Plan Builder Job Hazard Analysis Builder Weekly Site Safety Inspection

Scaffold Types penalties by state

Penalties and enforcement vary by state. State-Plan states may impose higher penalties and additional requirements beyond federal 29 CFR 1926.452.

Alabama Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia

View all 50 states + DC →

Frequently asked questions about 29 CFR 1926.452

What does 1926.452 cover?

1926.452 sets the additional requirements for specific types of scaffolds: pole, tube-and-coupler, fabricated frame, mobile, single- and two-point suspension, and many others. These type-specific rules apply in addition to the general scaffold requirements of 1926.451. Scaffolds not specifically addressed (such as systems scaffolds) must meet 1926.451.

Do I follow 1926.451 or 1926.452 for a scaffold?

Both. 1926.451 sets the general requirements that apply to all scaffolds, and 1926.452 adds the requirements specific to the scaffold type you are using. They are additive: you must comply with the general rules AND the type-specific rules. If your scaffold type is not listed in 1926.452, it defaults to the 1926.451 requirements.

What scaffold types does 1926.452 address?

It addresses many, each in its own paragraph: pole scaffolds, tube and coupler, fabricated frame, plasterers', bricklayers' square, horse, bracket, roof bracket, outrigger, pump jack, ladder jack, single- and two-point adjustable suspension, multi-point, catenary, float, interior hung, needle beam, and mobile scaffolds, among others. Each has its own bracing, support, tie, and use requirements.

What if my scaffold type is not listed in 1926.452?

It must meet the general scaffold requirements of 1926.451. 1926.452 explicitly states that scaffolds not specifically addressed by it, such as systems scaffolds, must comply with 1926.451. So there is no gap: every scaffold is covered either by the type-specific rules plus the general rules, or by the general rules alone.

Regulatory history of 29 CFR 1926.452

The scaffold standards, including the type-specific requirements in 1926.452, were substantially revised in OSHA's 1996 scaffold rule (61 FR 46026), which reorganized Subpart L into general requirements (1926.451), additional requirements by scaffold type (1926.452), aerial lifts (1926.453), and training (1926.454). The type-specific section captures the stability details unique to each scaffold design.

Related glossary terms

Key terms that appear in 29 CFR 1926.452, each with a full plain-English explainer.

Scaffold Competent Person (Scaffold)Fall Protection Guardrail System

Related guides & articles

OSHA Scaffolding Requirements Complete Guide 2026 Scaffold Safety: OSHA Requirements (Construction 2026)

Related OSHA standards

29 CFR 1910.27

Scaffolds & Rope Descent (GI)

29 CFR 1926.451

Scaffolding

#6 most cited

29 CFR 1926.453

Aerial Lifts

29 CFR 1926.501

Fall Protection

#1 most cited

Primary sources

OSHA figures on this page are imported from HazComFast's verified regulatory module (verified 2026-10-05 against eCFR, OSHA.gov, and the Federal Register).

This page is an educational summary, not legal advice. OSHA standards and penalty amounts change; confirm requirements against the current regulation and your applicable State-Plan before acting.

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Serious Violation

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