What should be checked to ensure the stability of the structure when erecting a scaffold?

To ensure the stability of a scaffold when it is being erected, checking that the structure is stable is crucial. This involves assessing various factors that contribute to the overall safety and integrity of the scaffold, including how well the scaffold is secured and supported. A stable scaffold minimizes the risk of tipping or collapsing, which could lead to accidents and injuries.

In practice, stability checks would involve examining the connections between different components of the scaffold, ensuring that it is level and plumb, and assessing whether the load-bearing capacity can support workers and materials effectively. Additionally, maintaining stability includes ensuring that all outriggers, braces, and other stability aids are correctly installed and functioning.

While the other options address important considerations when constructing a scaffold, they do not encompass the overall stability as directly as assessing the structure itself. For instance, material strength is important to ensure the components can support the intended load, while the height of the scaffold and the ground conditions are significant for safety and suitability of use. However, they serve more as supporting factors rather than directly checking the scaffold's structural stability, which is paramount for safe operation.