Ladder jack scaffolding is used often in construction because it's inexpensive, portable, easy to put up and take down, and can fit in narrow places. To create a ladder jack scaffold, triangle-shaped brackets – known as ladder jacks – are attached to portable ladders, which are used on each side of a ladder jack scaffold to form a means of support for a platform, according to a fact sheet from OSHA.

The two main types of ladder jack bracket devices are side rail and two- or three-rung. Side rail ladder jacks are installed onto the railing and rungs of extension or single ladders. Two- or three-rung ladder jacks hook directly onto two or three ladder rungs.

Before beginning work on a ladder jack scaffold, follow these tips from OSHA:

Additionally, keep the area around the base of the ladder clear to prevent slips, trips and falls, and refrain from setting up a scaffold in busy areas, OSHA states. Secure the ladder with slip-resistant feet when on potentially slippery surfaces, and keep the platforms clear of any items. Practice extreme caution around electrical hazards, including power lines and energized electrical equipment.

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