A group of posts, rails, right and left side L shaped post to rail connectors, base plates, and toeboard holding plates to allow temporary or permanent installation of a safety guard rail system with two or more guard rails that may be used as a guard rail on stairways or on flat surfaces. Installation may be by one man using only tools necessary to fasten base plates to a surface. The same group of parts can be used to form rectangular, square, or odd shaped scaffolds with or without toe board holders.