Subpart L
No—1926.450(a) states the subpart applies to all scaffolds used in workplaces covered by this part but explicitly does not apply to crane- or derrick-suspended personnel platforms; those are covered elsewhere. For aerial lifts and similar equipment see 1926.453 which sets out criteria for those devices.
A scaffold is any temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting structure (including points of anchorage) used for supporting employees or materials or both, as defined in 1926.450(b). That definition means many temporary platforms—whether hung by ropes or built on posts—are covered by the scaffold rules.
A suspension scaffold is one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure(s), as defined in 1926.450(b). Common examples include two-point suspension scaffolds (swing stages), single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds (boatswain's chairs), and multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds such as chimney hoists.
A supported scaffold is one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support, according to 1926.450(b). In practice that includes frame scaffolds, tube-and-coupler scaffolds, pump jack scaffolds, and similar systems that rest on rigid supports.
A boatswains' chair is a single-point adjustable suspension scaffold consisting of a seat or sling designed to support one employee in a sitting position, as defined in 1926.450(b). When an employee is suspended on such a seat to perform work, OSHA treats it as a suspension scaffold and the Subpart L requirements apply.
A body belt (safety belt) is a strap worn about the waist with means for attaching to a lanyard or lifeline, while a body harness is a system of straps designed to distribute fall arrest forces over the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders and to provide an attachment point for a fall arrest system, as defined in 1926.450(b). Use the appropriate device called for by the applicable fall-protection requirements; a harness is required where full-body fall arrest protection is specified.
Open sides and ends mean platform edges more than 14 inches (36 cm) horizontally from a sturdy continuous vertical or horizontal surface; for plastering and lathing operations the horizontal threshold is 18 inches (46 cm), per 1926.450(b). This definition determines when guardrails or other fall protection requirements apply to platform edges.
A competent person is someone capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions and who is authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them, as defined in 1926.450(b). Employers must designate such a person to inspect, assess hazards, and make corrections for scaffold erection and use.
Maximum intended load means the total load of all persons, equipment, tools, materials, transmitted loads, and other loads reasonably anticipated to be applied to a scaffold or scaffold component at any one time, as defined in 1926.450(b). Scaffolds and components must be designed and used so they safely support the maximum intended load.
Unstable objects are items whose strength, configuration, or lack of stability may allow them to shift or become dislocated and therefore may not properly support imposed loads; examples include barrels, boxes, loose brick, and concrete blocks, per 1926.450(b). OSHA explicitly states unstable objects do not constitute a safe base support for scaffolds, platforms, or employees.
A guardrail system is a vertical barrier—such as toprails, midrails, and posts—erected to prevent employees from falling off a scaffold platform or walkway, as defined in 1926.450(b). When scaffold edges meet the definition of open sides and ends, a compliant guardrail system must be provided as required elsewhere in Subpart L.
A lifeline is a flexible line that connects to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically or to anchorages at both ends for horizontal use, serving as a connection point for components of a personal fall arrest system, as defined in 1926.450(b). Employers must ensure lifelines, anchorages, and connectors are used and maintained per applicable fall protection requirements.
A two-point suspension scaffold (swing stage) is a suspension scaffold consisting of a platform supported by hangers (stirrups) suspended by two ropes from overhead supports that is equipped to be raised and lowered to desired work levels, as defined in 1926.450(b). These are commonly used for facade work and require compliant rigging, fall protection, and inspection.
An employer may use an equivalent design if they can demonstrate it provides an equal or greater degree of safety than the methods specified in the standard, per the definition of "equivalent" in 1926.450(b). Employers using equivalents should document how the alternative meets or exceeds the required level of protection.
Yes—OSHA's 2023 letter of interpretation clarifies that conveyances operating with temporary guides, temporary suspension cables, or temporary hoist machines (including permanent elevator car frames combined with temporary suspension means or platforms) meet the definition of a suspended scaffold under 1926.450(b). Therefore, fall protection and falling-object protection requirements in 1926.451(g) and 1926.451(h) apply (see OSHA's interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2023-12-05).
A bearer (putlog) is a horizontal transverse scaffold member—supported by ledgers or runners—upon which the scaffold platform rests and which joins scaffold uprights, posts, poles, and similar members, as defined in 1926.450(b). Bearers transmit platform loads to the scaffold's vertical members and are critical components for platform support.
Rated load is the manufacturer's specified maximum load to be lifted by a hoist or applied to a scaffold component, while maximum intended load is the total anticipated load (people, tools, materials) applied at any one time, as defined in 1926.450(b). Employers must ensure neither the rated load of components nor the scaffold's capacity is exceeded by the maximum intended load.
A walkway is that portion of a scaffold platform used only for access and not as a work level, per 1926.450(b). Walkways may have different clearances and guardrail requirements because they are for transit rather than performing tasks at an elevated work position.
Yes—a scaffold stairway/tower is a tower comprised of scaffold components containing internal stairway units and rest platforms used to provide access to scaffold platforms and other elevated points, as defined in 1926.450(b). Employers use stair towers to provide safe, stable access where ladders or other means would be impractical.
A platform is a work surface elevated above lower levels and may be constructed using wood planks, fabricated planks, fabricated decks, or fabricated platforms, as defined in 1926.450(b). Platforms must be installed and supported to safely carry the maximum intended load.
A system scaffold consists of posts with fixed connection points that accept runners, bearers, and diagonals that can be interconnected at predetermined levels, per 1926.450(b). System scaffolds are commonly used when modular components and predictable connection geometry speed erection and provide engineered load paths.
A catenary scaffold is a suspension scaffold consisting of a platform supported by two essentially horizontal and parallel ropes attached to structural members of a building, and vertical pickups may be used to provide additional support, as defined in 1926.450(b). This configuration is typically used where overhead anchor points run parallel and support is needed along the platform.
Fabricated decking and planking are manufactured platforms made of wood (including laminated wood and solid sawn wood planks), metal, or other materials, as defined in 1926.450(b). Metal fabricated decks are explicitly included in this definition and may be used where specified by the scaffold design and load requirements.
An outrigger scaffold is a supported scaffold consisting of a platform resting on outrigger beams (thrustouts) projecting beyond the wall or face of a structure; the inboard ends are secured inside the structure to increase base width and stability, per 1926.450(b). Outriggers increase lateral support and reduce tipping hazards when properly designed and anchored.
A personal fall arrest system consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body belt or body harness, and where fall arrest is required by applicable standards employers must use a full body harness when the system must distribute fall arrest forces over the body as defined in 1926.450(b). Current OSHA fall-protection guidance and other Subpart M requirements typically require a body harness for fall arrest—not a body belt—because harnesses properly distribute arrest forces.
A fabricated frame scaffold (tubular welded frame scaffold) is a scaffold consisting of platform(s) supported on fabricated end frames with integral posts, horizontal bearers, and intermediate members, according to 1926.450(b). These common construction scaffolds use welded frames that make erection and bracing straightforward when used per manufacturer or design specifications.