![]() ![]() Single scaffold planks are generally used in brick masonry applications. Aluminum scaffolding planks are lightweight and low cost. Steel scaffolding planks exhibit excellent strength and durability.Īluminum planks. The two most common types of metal scaffolding planks are: LVL scaffolding planks are made from thin layers of wood that are bonded together with an exterior-grade adhesive. Solid-sawn scaffolding planks are commonly made from Southern Pine, but they can also be constructed from Douglas Fir or other similar tree species. Two of the most commonly used types of wood scaffolding planks are: Additionally, it must be inspected, graded, and marked by a certified independent third-party organization. The material must have more than six rings per inch, few surface and structural defects, and, in the case of Southern pine, a grain slope of one inch to the side for every 14 inches in length. The lumber used for scaffolding planks is a different grade than the lumber used for construction projects. 2.As indicated above, scaffolding planks are available in various materials and designs.Wooden Scaffolding Types Scaffolding Planks by Material Regardless of any future changes, the concepts in this article also apply to other lumber grades, such as Douglas Fir-Larch No. It is interesting to note that scaffold grade lumber does not allow pith center or juvenile wood due to the impact on strength and safe performance. These proposed SPIB changes also do not apply to scaffold grade Southern Pine given that the grading rules are different. OSHA further requires that employers train any employees who work on scaffolding to help them recognize and mitigate hazards.Įditor’s Note: While there have been proposed changes by the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) for Southern Pine dimension lumber grading rules and design values, this article is based on the design values in place in the fall of 2011. Using the correct material to properly construct scaffolding helps maintain a safe and efficient jobsite. Of course, the purpose of these strict scaffolding standards is safety. Scaffold planks are also available using LVL material, which through its manufacturing process, eliminates many standard dimension lumber characteristics that could reduce strength. 2 grade allows for pith and juvenile wood, scaffold grade planks do not allow these characteristics because they could weaken the lumber. For instance, scaffold grade lumber has a higher standard for number and size of knots permitted, as well as slope of grain. The lumber characteristics required for scaffold grade are higher and more stringent than those for No. 2 might work, there are still significant differences between a No. 2 2x10 could work for scaffolding? Beware-even if the numbers suggest No. One question that could be asked is: What if the design calculations for a specific loading situation indicate that No. 2 lumber (left) and scaffold-grade lumber (right) may look similar at first glance, scaffold lumber meets a number of particularly high standards, which most construction-grade lumber does not meet. Table 1 compares the allowable spans for nominal and solid sawn wood planks. In addition, construction lumber is also cut to nominal sizes, so a 2x10 isn’t literally 2 in by 10 in. Construction lumber is not intended to withstand the forces likely to occur in a scaffold assembly. For instance, construction lumber only has two-thirds the capacity of scaffold-grade lumber. Lumber designated as scaffold-grade meets a number of particularly high standards, which most construction-grade lumber does not meet. The standard defines a scaffold as, “any temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting structure (including points of anchorage), used for supporting employees or materials or both.” Subpart L is OSHA’s standard for scaffolding, which is available at. Only scaffold-grade lumber should be used for erecting scaffolds. No, 2x10s and other lumber commonly used for trusses are not sufficient for scaffolding applications. Questionįor scaffolding, can 2x10s be used in lieu of scaffold-grade planks? Answer Training workers how to properly construct scaffolds (and use the correct material) is the key to avoiding these kinds of accidents. ![]() The number one cause of scaffold accidents is the planking giving way. Scaffolding is common on the jobsite, but it’s especially on peoples’ minds with OSHA’s new fall protection regulations. A safe scaffold starts with the correct material.
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