According to federal OSHA safety standards, what is the height to base width ratio after which a scaffold must be restrained from tipping?

The height to base width ratio that necessitates restraining a scaffold from tipping is indeed 4:1. This standard ensures that the scaffold maintains stability and minimizes the risk of falling over due to top-heavy conditions. When the height of the scaffold exceeds four times the width of its base, it becomes increasingly unstable, and additional measures such as guying or bracing are required to prevent tipping.

This safety measure is rooted in physics, where the center of gravity and the base of support play crucial roles in an object's stability. Maintaining a safe height to base width ratio helps to distribute the load effectively and provides a secure working platform. As scaffolds are used in construction and maintenance tasks, following this guideline is vital for ensuring the safety of workers who rely on these structures.