Scaffolding plans are long wood boards that are laid across the scaffolding sections to provide workers with the space to stand and to work from. Unlike a purpose-built scaffold work plank, the scaffolding planks don’t connect to the framework for the scaffolding. The planks of scaffolding are lifted up the scaffolding sections by workers and are placed on the sections of the scaffolding in order to provide a spot for workers to stand when assembling their scaffolding. The planks are often simply raised section by section during the process of erecting the scaffolding, instead of putting them across the entire scaffolding tower.

The use of wood planks for scaffolding is popular due to two reasons. First, the planks are sturdy and stack easily when in transport. The primary reason that many scaffolding rental firms use wooden planks for their scaffolding is because they are considerably less expensive than an aluminum specially-built work platform. Some employees prefer using the planks due to the fact that aluminum platforms are usually slippery and are prone to slide onto the steel tubing of the scaffold sections. Planks made of wood absorb up water, whereas the aluminum versions typically pool rainwater and create a dangerous slipping condition.

Many accidents can happen in the event that the scaffolding structure is not fully stabilized.

Sometimes, the wood planks are doubled to give greater support to materials for heavy work like bricks and mortar. The overhanging ends of planks are also a good place to set materials and supplies whereas the aluminum platforms stop directly at the edge of the scaffold. Another reason that some workers are more inclined to choice of planks over that of platforms made of aluminum is because they tend of the platform to adhere against the structure. The platforms will sometimes become stuck if the scaffold is bent or moved at all it is necessary for the platforms to be pulled and pounded out of position at the time of breakdown, whereas the a timber plank lift off the sections.

The use of scaffolding planks not only reduces time but also helps save money, and generally provides the same level of safety as the purpose-built platforms. These planks are easy to rearrange while erecting the scaffolding, resulting in more or better footing when striving to lift the scaffolding sections in place. In certain situations workers may actually outfit the working portion of a scaffold with both an aluminum platform and the scaffolding planks. The work materials are typically put on the platform because it has sides that keep the materials from falling off the scaffold as workers are working from the scaffolding planks.

What You Must Know – What You Need to Know Wood Scaffold Plank

In accordance with the guidelines in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration the contractor is responsible for the safety of scaffolding–even if it’s rented, even when the equipment is in poor condition or mislabeled. OSHA has specific guidelines regarding the use of scaffold planking.

It must be able to carry its own weight, and at not less than four times the load.
when fully full, the plank can’t be able to deflect more than 1/60 of the span

Planks of solid-sawn wood used for scaffold planking have to be examined and graded by a certified inspector. Planks manufactured by a manufacturer are also acceptable and are recommended to use according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. If you use what OSHA recommends, you will successfully pass your safety test (assuming the planks are in good condition). If you decide to use another planking lumber you might have prove that they are in compliance with the performance standards. The most important reason to adhere to the OSHA recommendations for scaffold planking is the safety of your employees. There are many alternatives to solid-sawn planks of wood such as manufactured (or engineered) lumber planks, aluminum or steel planks and platforms. This article concentrates specifically on the engineered planks of lumber. The manufactured wood scaffold planks are available in three varieties:

Laminated veneer lumber
The lumber is laminated with glue (glulam)
Pinned planks

Engineered lumber has grown in popularity over the last few years due in part to its advantages over solid-sawnlumber:

Longevity
Stiffness and power
Certification
Cost

The scaffold structure is as safe as the scaffolding components. Selection of the planks, maintenance and storage are essential. Regular inspection of the planks performed by a competent person is an OSHA condition. In general, around 70% of scaffolding is rental. The manufacturers are the best sources of information about engineered planks. The article also contains information about laminated veneer lumber and a chart to compare the features of different manufacturers’ scaffold planks.