Scaffolding eTool
Suspended Scaffolds » Catenary
A catenary scaffold is a scaffold consisting of a platform supported by two essentially horizontal and parallel ropes attached to structural members of a building or other structure.
NOTE: The requirements on this page are specific to catenary scaffolds only. For requirements that apply to all types of suspended scaffolds, please refer to the Two-point (swing stage) module.
- Catenary scaffolds may not have [29 CFR 1926.452(r)(1)]:
- More than one platform between consecutive vertical pickups.
- More than two platforms altogether.
- Platforms supported by wire rope must have hook-shaped stops on each of the platform to prevent them from slipping off the wire ropes. These hooks must be positioned so that they prevent the platform from falling if one of the horizontal wire ropes breaks. [29 CFR 1926.452(r)(2)]
- Wire ropes must not be over-tightened to the point that a scaffold load will overstress them. [29 CFR 1926.452(r)(3)]
- Wire ropes must be continuous and without splices between anchors. [29 CFR 1926.452(r)(4)]
- Each employee on a catenary scaffold must be protected by a personal fall-arrest system. [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(i)]
- Catenary scaffolds have a maximum intended load of 500 pounds. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart L Appendix A (r)(1)]
- No more than two employees at a time are permitted on a catenary scaffold. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart L Appendix A (r)(2)]
- Maximum capacity of come-along is 2,000 pounds. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart L Appendix A (r)(3)]
- Vertical pickups must be spaced no more than 50 feet apart. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart L Appendix A (r)(4)]
- Ropes must be equivalent in strength to at least ½ inch-diameter improved plow steel wire rope. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart L Appendix A (r)(5)]