How much should a scaffold be able to support at a minimum?

A scaffold should be designed to support at least four times the maximum intended load to ensure safety and stability. This factor of safety is essential because it accounts for potential overloads, dynamic forces from workers' movements, and any unexpected conditions that may affect the load on the scaffolding.

By establishing a requirement to support up to four times the intended load, scaffolds are more resilient to various factors such as unexpected addition of materials, equipment, or personnel, as well as environmental conditions like wind or vibration. This level of safety helps prevent structural failures that could lead to accidents or injuries.

Having a scaffold that only supports its own weight or less than four times the intended load increases the risk of failure, which is why the other options are not acceptable in ensuring safety standards. The correct answer emphasizes the higher safety margin necessary in construction environments where loads can be dynamic and unpredictable.