Final answer:
When erecting a scaffold, the poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights must rest on base plates to ensure a solid and stable foundation, rather than on unstable surfaces like mud or gravel.
Step-by-step explanation:
When erecting a supported scaffold, poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights should bear on base plates. To ensure stability and safety, scaffolding must have a solid foundation. Base plates serve as the flat supports that distribute the load of the scaffold. They should be placed on solid ground to prevent sinking, shifting, or tilting, which could compromise the scaffold's integrity. While gravel may offer some stability, it is not as secure as a solid surface, and mud is likely too soft to provide adequate support. Therefore, Option 4, Base plates, is the correct answer.