Subpart L
No. The drawings and illustrations in Appendix E are non-mandatory visual guidance to help users comply with Subpart L. Employers must follow the mandatory scaffold rules in Subpart L itself, not the illustrations alone; see Appendix E to Subpart L of Part 1926 for the appendix and the mandatory scaffold requirements in 1926 Subpart L for enforceable obligations.
Yes. Appendix E illustrates that ties should be located at clamp locations on tube-and-coupler scaffolds. The appendix is non-mandatory guidance showing that "All ties should be located at clamp locations," but employers must still meet the mandatory tie and tie-in requirements found in 1926 Subpart L.
Appendix E provides graphic illustrations of bracing patterns and tie spacing patterns to help visualize compliance with the Subpart L requirements. The appendix includes examples for different base widths (for example, spacing patterns when the base is wider or narrower than 3'-0"). These illustrations are non-mandatory guidance; employers must design and install bracing and ties to meet the mandatory criteria in 1926 Subpart L.
No. Appendix E includes an illustration showing an example of a scaffold plank grade stamp (for example, a Southern Pine inspection bureau marking) as visual guidance, but it does not itself mandate a specific grade stamp. Employers must comply with the mandatory plank and platform strength, construction, and design requirements in 1926 Subpart L when selecting planking.
The illustration warns that hoists should be electrically isolated from scaffold structures to prevent electrical hazards; this is shown as non-mandatory guidance in Appendix E. Employers must address electrical hazards under the applicable mandatory provisions in 1926 Subpart L and other applicable electrical safety rules when scaffolds and hoists are present.
Yes. Appendix E illustrates that system scaffold joint connections vary according to the manufacturer and shows typical components like posts, runners, guardrail systems, and screw jacks. Employers should follow the scaffold manufacturer's instructions and design specifications in addition to complying with the mandatory provisions of 1926 Subpart L.
Appendix E illustrates various scaffold work surfaces including laminated veneer lumber, solid sawn lumber, fabricated scaffold decks and planks, decorator planks, stage platforms, wood scaffold platforms, and metal scaffold platforms. These are examples only; employers must ensure any platform used meets the strength and construction requirements in the mandatory 1926 Subpart L.
Appendix E includes an illustration of an outrigger scaffold showing one end rigidly secured and the outrigged beam blocked for lateral support as visual guidance. Employers must ensure outriggers are designed, installed, and supported to meet the mandatory design, load, and stability requirements in 1926 Subpart L.
Yes. When a conveyance is operated with temporary or incomplete guides, temporary suspension cables, or a temporary hoist machine (or any combination thereof), it meets the definition of a suspended scaffold under 29 CFR 1926.450(b), and therefore is subject to the scaffold standard in Subpart L. See the OSHA interpretation clarifying that conveyances in those configurations are suspended scaffolds in the letter at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2023-12-05 and the scaffold rules at 1926 Subpart L.
If a conveyance meets the definition of a suspended scaffold, fall protection and falling object protection must meet the suspended scaffold requirements in Subpart L—specifically fall protection in 29 CFR 1926.451(g) and falling object protection in 29 CFR 1926.451(h). OSHA's interpretation on suspended conveyances confirms these requirements; see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2023-12-05 and 1926 Subpart L.
No. Appendix E illustrations are non-mandatory guidance and by themselves do not satisfy mandatory requirements; employers must document and demonstrate compliance with the enforceable provisions of Subpart L. Inspectors and employers should rely on the mandatory rules in 1926 Subpart L and applicable manufacturer instructions and engineering designs in addition to any helpful illustrations in Appendix E.
Appendix E shows illustrative guardrail systems and toeboards as examples of acceptable components for scaffolds. These illustrations are guidance only; to be in compliance, employers must install guardrails and toeboards that meet the mandatory performance and dimensional requirements found in 1926 Subpart L.
Employers should use the illustrated tie and brace patterns in Appendix E as visual guidance to inform scaffold layout and stability planning, but must ensure final designs meet the mandatory design, tie spacing, and bracing criteria in 1926 Subpart L and any applicable manufacturer specifications or engineered designs.
Appendix E includes illustrations that differentiate maximum vertical guy, tie, or brace spacing for scaffolds with bases wider than 3'-0" versus narrower bases; these are non-mandatory graphic examples intended to show how attachment points may vary with base geometry. Employers must follow the mandatory stability and tie-in requirements in 1926 Subpart L and, when needed, use engineering calculations or manufacturer guidance to determine actual spacing.
Yes. Appendix E contains drawings of tube-and-coupler scaffold components such as rigid clamps and swivel clamps and shows that ties should be at clamp locations. These are non-mandatory illustrations; employers must ensure component selection and installation meet the mandatory requirements in 1926 Subpart L and the manufacturer's instructions where applicable.
Yes. Employers may use Appendix E illustrations as training aids because they provide clear visual examples of scaffold parts, bracing, and tie patterns. However, training must also cover the mandatory requirements of Subpart L and any site-specific hazards; see Appendix E to Subpart L of Part 1926 for the illustrations and 1926 Subpart L for required training topics.
No. Appendix E's stair tower and access illustrations are examples only; employers must provide safe access that complies with the mandatory access and egress requirements in Subpart L and other applicable standards in 1926 Subpart L. Use the illustrations for guidance but verify the actual installation meets the mandatory criteria.
If a scaffold must differ from the Appendix E illustrations due to site constraints, the employer should ensure the alternate design provides equivalent or better safety by following the mandatory requirements in Subpart L, consulting the scaffold manufacturer, and obtaining engineered designs when required. Appendix E is advisory; compliance must be demonstrated against the mandatory rules in 1926 Subpart L.