What supports the force on toeboards?

Toeboards are safety devices used in scaffolding to prevent tools and materials from falling off the edges, creating hazards for people working below. The design and requirements for toeboards are grounded in safety regulations that specify how much force they need to withstand.

The correct choice indicates that toeboards are required to support a force of 50 lbs. This is established to ensure that the toeboards can handle the weight of potential loads without failure. By being able to support this amount, toeboards enhance safety by effectively keeping the work area secure, thereby preventing accidents related to falling objects.

The specified force is essential for ensuring that the toeboards can resist impact and not only accommodate static loads but also dynamic loads that may occur due to wind or movement on the scaffold. This requirement is in place to protect the welfare of workers and pedestrians in the vicinity by minimizing the risk of materials causing injury.