According to CFR regulations, each scaffold must support its own weight and what factor of the maximum intended load?

The requirement for scaffolds to support their own weight plus a certain factor of the maximum intended load is guided by safety regulations that aim to prevent structural failure and ensure worker safety. According to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) related to scaffolding, the correct factor is four times the maximum intended load. This means that if a scaffold is designed to support a specific weight, it should be able to support four times that weight to provide an adequate margin of safety.

This regulation reflects the need for safety in construction and maintenance environments where scaffolding is used, as loads can sometimes exceed initial expectations due to the addition of materials, tools, or people. By requiring scaffolds to be able to handle four times the intended load, any accidental overload can be mitigated, reducing the risk of collapse and enhancing overall workplace safety.

This four-fold safety factor also recognizes potential variations in load distribution and environmental conditions that could affect the stability of the scaffold. Therefore, this requirement is established to enhance the design and use of scaffolding in construction, ensuring that it remains safe under varying conditions and usage scenarios.