What is the purpose of installing braces in scaffolding?

The primary purpose of installing braces in scaffolding is to stabilize the structure. Braces are strategically placed to prevent lateral movement and to support the framework against wind loads and other forces that may affect the scaffolding during use. This stability is crucial to ensure the safety of the workers on the scaffolding, as well as to maintain the integrity of the scaffolding itself. By providing rigidity and resisting shifts, braces help to keep the entire scaffolding system secure, minimizing the risk of collapse or accidents on the job site.

Other options, while relevant to different aspects of scaffolding, do not directly address the core function of braces. Supporting legs is typically a function of the scaffold's design, aesthetics may play a role in some approvals or constructions but is not a primary concern in functional scaffolding, and controlling access points pertains more to safety measures and regulations rather than the structural function of braces.