OSHA has several sets of regulations governing scaffolds. The general industry standards (29 CFR 1910.28 & 29) emphasize specifications for various types of scaffolds. They're very precise about everything from the spacing of the poles to the size of the planking. OSHA requires that a scaffold must be able to support at least four times its maximum intended load of people and equipment; a swinging scaffold designed for a 500-pound load can hold no more than two people, a swinging scaffold designed for a 750-pound load can hold no more than three people, a suspended scaffold's rope or wire must be able to support six times the maximum intended load, and while in use, a scaffold must be secured to the building or wall.