When tying a scaffold to another structure, what must be assessed?

When tying a scaffold to another structure, it is crucial to assess whether the structure is stable. Stability is fundamental to ensure the integrity of both the scaffold and the structure it is being tied to. If the structure is unstable, there is an increased risk of accidents, including the scaffold collapsing or tipping over, which could endanger workers and lead to serious injuries.

A stable structure provides a solid foundation that can support the scaffold and the loads it carries, including workers and materials. Assessing stability involves checking for any signs of weakness, such as structural damage, and ensuring that the joining points used for tying the scaffold are secure and capable of bearing the required loads.

While aspects such as scaffold height, the type of materials used, and the load capacity of the scaffold are also important considerations in scaffold safety and setup, they do not directly address the immediate need to ensure the surrounding structure's stability during the tying process.