A properly designed scaffold must be able to support its own weight and how many times the maximum intended working load applied or transmitted to it?

A properly designed scaffold must be able to support its own weight and four times the maximum intended working load applied or transmitted to it. This requirement is based on safety standards that aim to ensure scaffolding can withstand unexpected loads without collapsing. By being designed to support these factors, it reduces the risk of accidents and structural failures, providing a safer working environment for construction personnel.

The rationale behind the four-times load support is that it incorporates a safety margin, accommodating potential dynamic forces such as movement and vibrations, which can exert additional stress on the scaffold beyond what is typically expected. This provision is critical in protecting workers and ensuring that scaffolding remains stable during use, regardless of unforeseen circumstances or load increases. Thus, the choice indicating a factor of four reflects established industry standards for safety and reliability in scaffold construction.