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Stay of roof bracket scaffold platform-width enforcement

Summary OSHA told regional administrators that it had stayed enforcement of the 12-inch minimum platform-width rule for roof bracket scaffolds. It said manufacturers' input led it to seek a new rulemaking on the proper width. The memo does not state when that temporary stay ended.
Document
Federal guidance
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1996-12-12
Date issued
December 12, 1996
Status
Unknown
OSHA describes a temporary enforcement stay pending rulemaking, but this page does not state when it ended.
Status last verified October 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Scaffolds
Source
View the official document

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The current status of this document is unclear
OSHA describes a temporary enforcement stay pending rulemaking, but this page does not state when it ended. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

December 12, 1996

MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS

FROM: RUSSELL B. SWANSON, DIRECTOR, DIRECTORATE OF CONSTRUCTION

SUBJECT: STAY OF ENFORCEMENT FOR ROOF BRACKET SCAFFOLDS COVERED BY THE FINAL RULE FOR SCAFFOLDS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

On November 25, the Assistant Secretary stayed section §1926.451(b)(2)(i) of the final rule for scaffolds in construction (part 1926, subpart L) with regard to roof bracket scaffolds. This memorandum is to inform you of that stay.

Based on input from scaffold manufacturers, OSHA has determined that it is inappropriate at this time to enforce the 12 inch minimum width provision for roof bracket scaffolds. The Agency will be initiating rulemaking to determine the appropriate minimum width for such scaffolds. Please direct any questions or comments regarding this action to the Office of Construction Standards and Compliance Assistance (attention Ted Twardowski) at (202) 219-7207.

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