Final answer:
A scaffold must support at least four times the maximum intended load. This question pertains to engineering and safety standards, requiring calculations involving static equilibrium in physics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the load-bearing capacity of a scaffold and is a principle often discussed in the context of engineering and occupational safety. A scaffold should be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load. This factor of safety ensures that the scaffold can bear the load of workers, equipment, and any other additional loads without risk of collapse.
When considering the problem given, the calculation of the tensions in the cables supporting a scaffold involves using principles from Physics, specifically static equilibrium and the mechanics of materials. The mass of the painter, the mass of the equipment, and the weight of the scaffold itself all contribute to the load that the scaffold must support. The tensions in the supporting cables must be calculated based on this load and their respective distances from the points of support.