If a scaffold needs to be moved, what must be ensured first?

When moving a scaffold, ensuring that it is structurally stable is crucial for safety. Scaffolds can be tall and can hold significant weight; if they are not stable during the move, there is a risk of tipping over or becoming unbalanced. Such an incident could lead to serious injuries to those nearby or to the personnel moving the scaffold.

Evaluating the scaffold's structural stability involves checking the integrity of the components, ensuring that all parts are secure and that it has not been damaged or weakened in any way. This step is vital before attempting to relocate the scaffold, as stability directly impacts safety for everyone involved in the operation.

While ensuring the scaffold is clean of debris, confirming that personnel are clear of the area, and checking for visibility are important safety considerations, they come into play after verifying that the scaffold itself is stable enough to be moved without risk of collapse or failure.