scaffolding brace

Scaffold Brace

Scaffold Brace: A rigid connection that holds one scaffold member in a fixed position with respect to another member, or to a building or structure. One of the most common types is the fabricated frame scaffold made of modular frames and braces.

Scaffold Brace OSHA Requirement

29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3) requires scaffolds to be properly braced by cross bracing or diagonal braces, or both, for securing vertical members together laterally, and the cross braces shall be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, square, and rigid.

29 CFR 1926.451(e)(10) requires guardrails made of lumber, not less than 2 x 4 inches (or other material providing equivalent protection), approximately 42 inches high, with a midrail, of 1 x 6 inch lumber (or other material providing equivalent protection), and toeboards, shall be installed at all open sides and ends on all scaffolds more than 10 feet above the ground or floor.

OSHA prohibits the use of cross braces as a means of access.

The structural members: poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights must be plumb and braced to prevent swaying and displacement.

Employers must provide access when the scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet (0.6 m) above or below a point of access.

Direct access is acceptable when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches (36 cm) horizontally and not more than 24 inches (61 cm) vertically from the other surfaces. More on scaffolding safety


Saferack offers a long-term solution to your scaffold issues. Leasing or renting regular steel scaffolding for a longer-term or semi-permanent basis has several negative aspects to it, aside from being unsafe for your workers, especially if it’s improperly installed. Learn more about the disadvantages of scaffolding rental.