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 Code of Federal Regulations (Last Updated: November 8, 2024)
 Title 29 - Labor
 Subtitle B - Regulations Relating to Labor
 Chapter XVII - Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor
 Part 1926 - Safety and Health Regulations for Construction
 Subpart L - Scaffolds

  Appendixes - [Reserved]  

Latest version.
  • (Non-mandatory)Appendix A to Subpart L—Scaffold Specifications

    This Appendix provides non-mandatory guidelines to assist employers in complying with the requirements of subpart L of this part. An employer may use these guidelines and tables as a starting point for designing scaffold systems. However, the guidelines do not provide all the information necessary to build a complete system, and the employer is still responsible for designing and assembling these components in such a way that the completed system will meet the requirements of § 1926.451(a). Scaffold components which are not selected and loaded in accordance with this Appendix, and components for which no specific guidelines or tables are given in this Appendix (e.g., joints, ties, components for wood pole scaffolds more than 60 feet in height, components for heavy-duty horse scaffolds, components made with other materials, and components with other dimensions, etc.) must be designed and constructed in accordance with the capacity requirements of § 1926.451(a), and loaded in accordance with § 1926.451(d)(1).

    Index to Appendix A for Subpart L

    1. General guidelines and tables.

    2. Specific guidelines and tables.

    (a) Pole scaffolds:

    Single-pole wood pole scaffolds.

    Independent wood pole scaffolds.

    (b) Tube and coupler scaffolds.

    (c) Fabricated frame scaffolds.

    (d) Plasterers’, decorators’ and large area scaffolds.

    (e) Bricklayers’ square scaffolds.

    (f) Horse scaffolds.

    (g) Form scaffolds and carpenters’ bracket scaffolds.

    (h) Roof bracket scaffolds.

    (i) Outrigger scaffolds (one level).

    (j) Pump jack scaffolds.

    (k) Ladder jack scaffolds.

    (l) Window jack scaffolds.

    (m) Crawling boards (chicken ladders).

    (n) Step, platform and trestle ladder scaffolds.

    (o) Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

    (p) Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

    (q)(1) Stonesetters’ multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

    (2) Masons’ multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

    (r) Catenary scaffolds.

    (s) Float (ship) scaffolds.

    (t) Interior hung scaffolds.

    (u) Needle beam scaffolds.

    (v) Multi-level suspension scaffolds.

    (w) Mobile scaffolds.

    (x) Repair bracket scaffolds.

    (y) Stilts.

    (z) Tank builders’ scaffolds.

    1. General Guidelines and Tables

    (a) The following tables, and the tables in Part 2—Specific guidelines and tables, assume that all load-carrying timber members (except planks) of the scaffold are a minimum of 1,500 lb-f/in2 (stress grade) construction grade lumber. All dimensions are nominal sizes as provided in the American Softwood Lumber Standards, dated January 1970, except that, where rough sizes are noted, only rough or undressed lumber of the size specified will satisfy minimum requirements.

    (b) Solid sawn wood used as scaffold planks shall be selected for such use following the grading rules established by a recognized lumber grading association or by an independent lumber grading inspection agency. Such planks shall be identified by the grade stamp of such association or agency. The association or agency and the grading rules under which the wood is graded shall be certified by the Board of Review, American Lumber Standard Committee, as set forth in the American Softwood Lumber Standard of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    (i) Allowable spans shall be determined in compliance with the National Design Specification for Wood Construction published by the National Forest Products Association; paragraph 5 of ANSI A10.8-1988 Scaffolding-Safety Requirements published by the American National Standards Institute; or for 2 x 10 inch (nominal) or 2 x 9 inch (rough) solid sawn wood planks, as shown in the following table:

    Maximum intended nominal load
  • (lb/ft2)
    • Maximum permissible span using full thickness undressed
  • lumber
  • (ft)
    • Maximum permissible span using nominal thickness
  • lumber
  • (ft)
    • 251085086756

    (ii) The maximum permissible span for 11/4 × 9-inch or wider wood plank of full thickness with a maximum intended load of 50 lb/ft.2 shall be 4 feet.

    (c) Fabricated planks and platforms may be used in lieu of solid sawn wood planks. Maximum spans for such units shall be as recommended by the manufacturer based on the maximum intended load being calculated as follows:

    Rated load
  • capacity
    • Intended load    Light-duty• 25 pounds per square foot applied uniformly over the entire span area.Medium-duty• 50 pounds per square foot applied uniformly over the entire span area.Heavy-duty• 75 pounds per square foot applied uniformly over the entire span area.One-person• 250 pounds placed at the center of the span (total 250 pounds).Two-person• 250 pounds placed 18 inches to the left and right of the center of the span (total 500 pounds).Three-person• 250 pounds placed at the center of the span and 250 pounds placed 18 inches to the left and right of the center of the span (total 750 pounds).     Note:

    Platform units used to make scaffold platforms intended for light-duty use shall be capable of supporting at least 25 pounds per square foot applied uniformly over the entire unit-span area, or a 250-pound point load placed on the unit at the center of the span, whichever load produces the greater shear force.

    (d) Guardrails shall be as follows:

    (i) Toprails shall be equivalent in strength to 2 inch by 4 inch lumber; or

    11/4 inch × 1/8 inch structural angle iron; or

    1 inch × .070 inch wall steel tubing; or 1.990 inch × .058 inch wall aluminum tubing.

    (ii) Midrails shall be equivalent in strength to 1 inch by 6 inch lumber; or

    11/4 inch × 11/4 inch × 1/8 inch structural angle iron; or

    1 inch × .070 inch wall steel tubing; or

    1.990 inch × .058 inch wall aluminum tubing.

    (iii) Toeboards shall be equivalent in strength to 1 inch by 4 inch lumber; or

    11/4 inch × 11/4 inch structural angle iron; or

    1 inch × .070 inch wall steel tubing; or

    1.990 inch × .058 inch wall aluminum tubing.

    (iv) Posts shall be equivalent in strength to 2 inch by 4 inch lumber; or

    11/4 inch × 11/4 inch × 1/8 structural angle iron; or

    1 inch × .070 inch wall steel tubing; or

    1.990 inch × .058 inch wall aluminum tubing.

    (v) Distance between posts shall not exceed 8 feet.

    (e) Overhead protection shall consist of 2 inch nominal planking laid tight, or 3/4-inch plywood.

    (f) Screen installed between toeboards and midrails or toprails shall consist of No. 18 gauge U.S. Standard wire one inch mesh.

    2. Specific guidelines and tables.

    (a) Pole Scaffolds.

    Single Pole Wood Pole ScaffoldsLight duty up to 20 feet highLight duty up to 60 feet highMedium duty up to 60 feet highHeavy duty up to 60 feet highMaximum intended load (lbs/ft 2)25255075Poles or uprights2×4 in4×4 in4×4 in4×6 in.Maximum pole spacing (longitudinal)6 feet10 feet8 feet6 feetMaximum pole spacing (transverse)5 feet5 feet5 feet5 feetRunners1×4 in11/4×9 in2×10 in2×10 in.Bearers and maximum spacing of bearers:3 feet2×4 in2×4 in2×10 in. or 3×4 in2×10 in. or 3×5 in.5 feet2×6 in. or 3×4 in2×6 in. or 3×4 in. (rough)2×10 in. or 3×4 in2×10 in. or 3×5 in.6 feet2×10 in. or 3×4 in2×10 in. or 3×5 in.8 feet2×10 in. or 3×4 inPlanking11/4×9 in2×10 in2×10 in2×10 in.Maximum vertical spacing of horizontal members7 feet9 feet7 feet6 ft. 6 in.Bracing horizontal1×4 in1×4 in1×6 in. or 11/4×4 in2×4 in.Bracing diagonal1×4 in1×4 in1×4 in2×4 in.Tie-ins1×4 in1×4 in1×4 in1×4 in.Note: All members except planking are used on edge. All wood bearers shall be reinforced with 3/16×2 inch steel strip, or the equivalent, secured to the lower edges for the entire length of the bearer. Independent Wood Pole ScaffoldsLight duty up to 20 feet highLight duty up to 60 feet highMedium duty up to 60 feet highHeavy duty up to 60 feet highMaximum intended load25 lbs/ft225 lbs/ft250 lbs/ft275 lbs/ft2.Poles or uprights2×4 in4×4 in4×4 in4×4 in.Maximum pole spacing (longitudinal)6 feet10 feet8 feet6 feet.Maximum (transverse)6 feet10 feet8 feet8 feet.Runners11/4×4 in11/4×9 in2×10 in2×10 in.Bearers and maximum spacing of bearers:3 feet2×4 in2×4 in2×10 in2×10 in. (rough).6 feet2×6 in. or 3×4 in2×10 in. (rough) or 3×8 in2×10 in2×10 in. (rough).8 feet2×6 in. or 3×4 in2×10 in. (rough) or 3×8 in2×10 in10 feet2×6 in. or 3×4 in2×10 in.— (rough) or 3×3 inPlanking11/4×9 in2×10 in2×10 in2×10 in.Maximum vertical spacing of horizontal members7 feet7 feet6 feet6 feet.Bracing horizontal1×4 in1×4 in1×6 in. or 11/4×4 in2×4 in.Bracing diagonal1×4 in1×4 in1×4 in2×4 in.Tie-ins1×4 in1×4 in1×4 in1×4 in.Note: All members except planking are used on edge. All wood bearers shall be reinforced with 3/16×2 inch steel strip, or the equivalent, secured to the lower edges for the entire length of the bearer.

    (b) Tube and coupler scaffolds.

    Minimum Size of MembersLight dutyMedium dutyHeavy dutyMaximum intended load25 lbs/ft250 lbs/ft275 lbs/ft2.Posts, runners and bracesNominal 2 in. (1.90 inches) OD steel tube or pipeNominal 2 in. (1.90 inches) OD steel tube or pipeNominal 2 in. (1.90 inches) OD steel tube or pipe.BearersNominal 2 in. (1.90 inches)Nominal 2 in. (1.90 inches)Nominal 21/2 in. (2.375 in.).OD steel tube or pipe and a maximum post spacing of 4 ft.×10 ft.OD steel tube or pipe and a maximum post spacing of 4 ft.×7 ft. orOD steel tube or pipe and a maximum post spacing of 6 ft.×6 ft.Nominal 21/2 in. (2.375 in.)OD steel tube or pipe and a maximum post spacing of 6 ft.×8 ft.*Maximum runner spacing vertically6 ft. 6 in6 ft. 6 in6 ft. 6 in.* Bearers shall be installed in the direction of the shorter dimension.Note: Longitudinal diagonal bracing shall be installed at an angle of 45° (±5°). Maximum Number of Planked LevelsMaximum number of additional planked levelsLight dutyMedium dutyHeavy dutyMaximum height of scaffold
  • (in feet)
    • Number of Working Levels:1161161252111012536001254100125

    (c) Fabricated frame scaffolds. Because of their prefabricated nature, no additional guidelines or tables for these scaffolds are being adopted in this Appendix.

    (d) Plasterers’, decorators’, and large area scaffolds. The guidelines for pole scaffolds or tube and coupler scaffolds (Appendix A (a) and (b)) may be applied.

    (e) Bricklayers’ square scaffolds.

    Maximum intended load: 50 lb/ft.2* Maximum width: 5 ft. Maximum height: 5 ft. Gussets: 1 × 6 in. Braces: 1 × 8 in. Legs: 2 × 6 in. Bearers (horizontal members): 2 × 6 in.

    (f) Horse scaffolds.

    Maximum intended load (light duty): 25 lb/ft.2 ** Maximum intended load (medium duty): 50 lb/ft.2 ** Horizontal members or bearers: Light duty: 2 × 4 in. Medium duty: 3 × 4 in. Legs: 2 × 4 in. Longitudinal brace between legs: 1 × 6 in. Gusset brace at top of legs: 1 × 8 in. Half diagonal braces: 2 × 4 in.

    (g) Form scaffolds and carpenters’ bracket scaffolds.

    (1) Brackets shall consist of a triangular-shaped frame made of wood with a cross-section not less than 2 inches by 3 inches, or of 11/4 inch × 11/4 inch × 1/8 inch structural angle iron.

    (2) Bolts used to attach brackets to structures shall not be less than 5/8 inches in diameter.

    (3) Maximum bracket spacing shall be 8 feet on centers.

    (4) No more than two employees shall occupy any given 8 feet of a bracket or form scaffold at any one time. Tools and materials shall not exceed 75 pounds in addition to the occupancy.

    (5) Wooden figure-four scaffolds:

    Maximum intended load: 25 lb/ft.2 Uprights: 2 × 4 in. or 2 × 6 in. Bearers (two): 1 × 6 in. Braces: 1 × 6 in. Maximum length of bearers (unsupported): 3 ft. 6 in.

    (i) Outrigger bearers shall consist of two pieces of 1 × 6 inch lumber nailed on opposite sides of the vertical support.

    (ii) Bearers for wood figure-four brackets shall project not more than 3 feet 6 inches from the outside of the form support, and shall be braced and secured to prevent tipping or turning. The knee or angle brace shall intersect the bearer at least 3 feet from the form at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, and the lower end shall be nailed to a vertical support.

    (6) Metal bracket scaffolds:

    Maximum intended load: 25 lb/ft.2 Uprights: 2 × 4 inch Bearers: As designed. Braces: As designed.

    (7) Wood bracket scaffolds:

    Maximum intended load: 25 lb/ft.2 Uprights: 2 × 4 in or 2 × 6 in Bearers: 2 × 6 in Maximum scaffold width: 3 ft 6 in Braces: 1 × 6 in

    (h) Roof bracket scaffolds. No specific guidelines or tables are given.

    (i) Outrigger scaffolds (single level). No specific guidelines or tables are given.

    (j) Pump jack scaffolds. Wood poles shall not exceed 30 feet in height. Maximum intended load—500 lbs between poles; applied at the center of the span. Not more than two employees shall be on a pump jack scaffold at one time between any two supports. When 2 × 4's are spliced together to make a 4 × 4 inch wood pole, they shall be spliced with “10 penny” common nails no more than 12 inches center to center, staggered uniformly from the opposite outside edges.

    (k) Ladder jack scaffolds. Maximum intended load—25 lb/ft2. However, not more than two employees shall occupy any platform at any one time. Maximum span between supports shall be 8 feet.

    (l) Window jack scaffolds. Not more than one employee shall occupy a window jack scaffold at any one time.

    (m) Crawling boards (chicken ladders). Crawling boards shall be not less than 10 inches wide and 1 inch thick, with cleats having a minimum 1 × 11/2 inch cross-sectional area. The cleats shall be equal in length to the width of the board and spaced at equal intervals not to exceed 24 inches.

    (n) Step, platform, and trestle ladder scaffolds. No additional guidelines or tables are given.

    (o) Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. Maximum intended load—250 lbs. Wood seats for boatswains’ chairs shall be not less than 1 inch thick if made of non-laminated wood, or 5/8 inches thick if made of marine quality plywood.

    (p) Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. (1) In addition to direct connections to buildings (except window cleaners’ anchors) acceptable ways to prevent scaffold sway include angulated roping and static lines. Angulated roping is a system of platform suspension in which the upper wire rope sheaves or suspension points are closer to the plane of the building face than the corresponding attachment points on the platform, thus causing the platform to press against the face of the building. Static lines are separate ropes secured at their top and bottom ends closer to the plane of the building face than the outermost edge of the platform. By drawing the static line taut, the platform is drawn against the face of the building.

    (2) On suspension scaffolds designed for a working load of 500 pounds, no more than two employees shall be permitted on the scaffold at one time. On suspension scaffolds with a working load of 750 pounds, no more than three employees shall be permitted on the scaffold at one time.

    (3) Ladder-type platforms. The side stringer shall be of clear straight-grained spruce. The rungs shall be of straight-grained oak, ash, or hickory, at least 11/8 inches in diameter, with 7/8 inch tenons mortised into the side stringers at least 7/8 inch. The stringers shall be tied together with tie rods not less than 1/4 inch in diameter, passing through the stringers and riveted up tight against washers on both ends. The flooring strips shall be spaced not more than 5/8 inch apart, except at the side rails where the space may be 1 inch. Ladder-type platforms shall be constructed in accordance with the following table:

    Schedule for Ladder-Type PlatformsLength of Platform12 feet14 & 16 feet18 & 20 feet.Side stringers, minimum cross section (finished sizes):At ends13/4 × 23/4 in13/4 × 23/4 in13/4 × 3 in.At middle13/4 × 33/4 in13/4 × 33/4 in13/4 × 4 in.Reinforcing strip (minimum)A 1/8 × 7/8 inch steel reinforcing strip shall be attached to the side or underside, full length.RungsRungs shall be 11/8 inch minimum diameter with at least 7/8 inch in diameter tenons, and the maximum spacing shall be 12 inches to center.Tie rods:Number (minimum)344Diameter (minimum)1/4 inch1/4 inch1/4 inchFlooring, minimum finished size1/2 × 23/4 in1/2 × 23/4 in1/2 × 23/4 in. Schedule for Ladder-Type PlatformsLength of Platform22 & 24 ft28 & 30 ft.Side stringers, minimum cross section (finished sizes):At ends13/4×3 in13/4 × 31/2 in.At middle13/4 × 41/4 in13/4 × 5 in.Reinforcing strip (minimum)A 1/8 × 7/8-inch steel reinforcing strip shall be attached to the side or underside, full length.RungsRungs shall be 11/8 inch minimum diameter with at least 7/8 inch in diameter tenons, and the maximum spacing shall be 12 inches to center. Tie rods.Number (minimum)56.Diameter (minimum)1/4 in1/4 in.Flooring, minimum finished size1/2 × 23/4 in1/2 × 23/4 in.

    (4) Plank-Type Platforms. Plank-type platforms shall be composed of not less than nominal 2 × 8 inch unspliced planks, connected together on the underside with cleats at intervals not exceeding 4 feet, starting 6 inches from each end. A bar or other effective means shall be securely fastened to the platform at each end to prevent the platform from slipping off the hanger. The span between hangers for plank-type platforms shall not exceed 10 feet.

    (5) Beam-Type Platforms. Beam platforms shall have side stringers of lumber not less than 2 × 6 inches set on edge. The span between hangers shall not exceed 12 feet when beam platforms are used. The flooring shall be supported on 2 × 6 inch cross beams, laid flat and set into the upper edge of the stringers with a snug fit, at intervals of not more than 4 feet, securely nailed to the cross beams. Floor-boards shall not be spaced more than 1/2 inch apart.

    (q)(1) Multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds and stonesetters’ multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. No specific guidelines or tables are given for these scaffolds.

    (2) Masons’ multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. Maximum intended load—50 lb/ft2. Each outrigger beam shall be at least a standard 7 inch, 15.3 pound steel I-beam, at least 15 feet long. Such beams shall not project more than 6 feet 6 inches beyond the bearing point. Where the overhang exceeds 6 feet 6 inches, outrigger beams shall be composed of stronger beams or multiple beams.

    (r) Catenary scaffolds. (1) Maximum intended load—500 lbs.

    (2) Not more than two employees shall be permitted on the scaffold at one time.

    (3) Maximum capacity of come-along shall be 2,000 lbs.

    (4) Vertical pickups shall be spaced not more than 50 feet apart.

    (5) Ropes shall be equivalent in strength to at least 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) diameter improved plow steel wire rope.

    (s) Float (ship) scaffolds. (1) Maximum intended load—750 lbs.

    (2) Platforms shall be made of 3/4 inch plywood, equivalent in rating to American Plywood Association Grade B-B, Group I, Exterior.

    (3) Bearers shall be made from 2×4 inch, or 1×10 inch rough lumber. They shall be free of knots and other flaws.

    (4) Ropes shall be equivalent in strength to at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter first grade manila rope.

    (t) Interior hung scaffolds.

    Bearers (use on edge): 2×10 in. Maximum intended load: Maximum span 25 lb/ft.2: 10 ft. 50 lb/ft.2: 10 ft. 75 lb/ft.2: 7 ft.

    (u) Needle beam scaffolds.

    Maximum intended load: 25 lb/ft.2 Beams: 4×6 in. Maximum platform span: 8 ft. Maximum beam span: 10 ft.

    (1) Ropes shall be attached to the needle beams by a scaffold hitch or an eye splice. The loose end of the rope shall be tied by a bowline knot or by a round turn and a half hitch.

    (2) Ropes shall be equivalent in strength to at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter first grade manila rope.

    (v) Multi-level suspension scaffolds. No additional guidelines or tables are being given for these scaffolds.

    (w) Mobile Scaffolds. Stability test as described in the ANSI A92 series documents, as appropriate for the type of scaffold, can be used to establish stability for the purpose of § 1926.452(w)(6).

    (x) Repair bracket scaffolds. No additional guidelines or tables are being given for these scaffolds.

    (y) Stilts. No specific guidelines or tables are given.

    (z) Tank builder's scaffold.

    (1) The maximum distance between brackets to which scaffolding and guardrail supports are attached shall be no more than 10 feet 6 inches.

    (2) Not more than three employees shall occupy a 10 feet 6 inch span of scaffold planking at any time.

    (3) A taut wire or synthetic rope supported on the scaffold brackets shall be installed at the scaffold plank level between the innermost edge of the scaffold platform and the curved plate structure of the tank shell to serve as a safety line in lieu of an inner guardrail assembly where the space between the scaffold platform and the tank exceeds 12 inches (30.48 cm). In the event the open space on either side of the rope exceeds 12 inches (30.48 cm), a second wire or synthetic rope appropriately placed, or guardrails in accordance with § 1926.451(e)(4), shall be installed in order to reduce that open space to less than 12 inches (30.48 cm).

    (4) Scaffold planks of rough full-dimensioned 2-inch (5.1 cm)×12-inch (30.5 cm) Douglas Fir or Southern Yellow Pine of Select Structural Grade shall be used. Douglas Fir planks shall have a fiber stress of at least 1900 lb/in2 (130,929 n/cm2) and a modulus of elasticity of at least 1,900,000 lb/in2 (130,929,000 n/cm2), while Yellow Pine planks shall have a fiber stress of at least 2500 lb/in2 (172,275 n/cm2) and a modulus of elasticity of at least 2,000,000 lb/in2 (137,820,000 n/cm2).

    (5) Guardrails shall be constructed of a taut wire or synthetic rope, and shall be supported by angle irons attached to brackets welded to the steel plates. These guardrails shall comply with § 1926.451(e)(4). Guardrail supports shall be located at no greater than 10 feet 6 inch intervals.