What does the load on a scaffold include?

The load on a scaffold encompasses various elements that contribute to the total weight the scaffold must support. This includes not just the weight of the scaffold structure itself, but also the combined weight of workers, their tools, equipment, materials they may be handling, and any other environmental pressures such as wind or snow that could affect the stability and safety of the scaffold.

Understanding this concept is crucial because scaffolds are engineered to support specific maximum loads, and exceeding this load can lead to structural failure, posing significant safety risks. Therefore, acknowledging all contributing factors to the load is essential for safe scaffold use and compliance with safety regulations. This holistic view of what constitutes the load on a scaffold reflects best practices in scaffold safety and design.