Scaffold Planks

scaffold is a makeshift structure temporarily created to support construction workers and materials during construction. It has been in use since time immemorial.

 

Several types of scaffolding are used today. There are pre-constructed, modular system of pipes or tubes, made from different kinds of materials such as steel, aluminium, or even wood or bamboo as commonly used in Asia.

Safety in Erecting Scaffold Planks

Scaffoldings are critical to the success of the construction. Its structure must be ensured to be safe and secure. Therefore, guidelines have been created in order to verify the safety of scaffolding.

 

Scafflink Australia strictly follows these rules and regulations. Every scaffolding specialist must keep in mind that:

  • Inspections and testing must first be held on all scaffold planks.
  • To create a work surface, there should be at least two lumber scaffold planks standing side by side.
  • Scaffold planks must completely cover the area between front and rear vertical supports or the rear guardrail.
  • Scaffold planks should be verified and secured against any movement in any possible direction, including uplift.

Guidelines for Sawn wood scaffold planks or lumber scaffold planks

The grades and sizes below should help you and your scaffolder when picking the appropriate scaffold planks.

 

          GRADE                                WIDTH (in mm)              WIDTH (in Inches)

Select structural Scaffold planks            38 x 235                     2 x 10 (nominal)

Select structural Joists and planks         38 x 235                     2 x 10 (nominal)

No. 2 and Better Joists and planks         48 x 251                     2 x 10 (rough sewn)

No. 2 and Better Joists and planks         38 x 235                     2 x 10 (dressed/nominal)

 

Note that these scaffold planks must be doubled, one on top of the other.

  • The recommended maximum span is 7 feet for heavy duty scaffolds and 10 feet for light duty scaffolds.
  • Lumber used for planks must be graded and marked by the National Lumber Grades Authority using the standard grading rules for lumber.
  • Remember that scaffold planks must extend a minimum of 150 mm (6 in.) and a maximum of 300 mm (12 in.) beyond their supports.
  • Scaffold planks must be held in place if there is a danger of the planks slipping off their supports.

In the end, always remember that safety comes first. Scaffolding used may be cheap, but safety must still be ensured.

If you would like to discuss more about scaffold planks, feel free to call Scaff Connect. We are always happy to answer your enquiries.