What should be ensured when building a scaffold regarding its foundation?

When building a scaffold, it is crucial that the foundation is able to carry and distribute the load effectively. This is necessary to ensure the safety and stability of the scaffold and the workers using it. A strong and properly designed foundation provides the necessary support to handle the weight of the scaffold itself, along with any additional loads from workers, materials, and equipment. This helps prevent collapses or accidents that could arise from inadequate support.

In contrast, a decorative foundation does not serve any structural purpose and would fail to provide the essential support needed. Relying on just tying off the scaffold does not compensate for a poor foundation, as the anchor points may not adequately stabilize the structure without a solid base. Additionally, a foundation built on a slope would create an unstable environment, increasing the risk of tipping or shifting under load. Therefore, ensuring that the foundation can carry and distribute the load is a fundamental requirement in scaffold construction.