Tarrant County Building Safety: Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed Rules (2026)

Because Texas is not an OSHA State Plan state, federal OSHA has direct jurisdiction over private-sector construction and general-industry scaffolding in Tarrant County. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L (sections 1926.450 through 1926.454) sets detailed rules for all scaffolds used in construction: a qualified person must design scaffolds supporting specialized loads, a competent person must inspect before each shift, and fall protection is required at heights over 10 feet via guardrails, personal fall-arrest systems, or fall-restraint. Guardrails must be 38 to 45 inches high with a midrail and toeboard, and every scaffold platform must be fully planked with maximum 1-inch gaps. Scaffolds must be able to support their own weight plus 4 times the maximum intended load. Training is required under 1926.454 on hazards and procedures. For general industry (non-construction) work, 29 CFR 1910.28 and 1910.29 apply with analogous rules. Public sector workers (Tarrant County employees, municipal employees) are covered under Texas Government Code Chapter 412 which applies parallel standards through the State Office of Risk Management. Tarrant County does not operate a separate scaffold inspection program; inspections are primarily OSHA-driven, triggered by complaints, injuries, or planned audits. Rigging and hoisting near DFW airspace may additionally trigger FAA review if cranes or tall scaffolds exceed Part 77 surfaces.