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All About Scaffold Planks

In the construction and building industry, scaffold planks – also known as walkplanks or scaffold planks, wood for scaffolding and even scaffolding wood (when constructed from wood)–are substances used on scaffolding structures in order to ensure safe working conditions while at height. Typically they are constructed of treated and finished wood, like southern yellow pine and spruce that are then inspected for conformity with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Alternatives to traditional planks of wood comprise laminated veneer lumber (LVL)–consisting of several layers of fine wood joined using adhesives.

This blog post gives an overview of the lvl scaffold plank and outlines the wood types that are available, as well as the specifications for OSHA conformity.

The Solid Sawn Scaffolding Planks

Solid sawn scaffolding plans offer an increased machinestress rating (MSR) according to the grade rulebook, which surpasses the industry standards for both visual and functional properties. Its features include:

The OSHA/ANSI standards are in compliance
There is availability of S4S with rough and smooth surfaces, 2 inches by 10 inches and 2 inches by 12 inches sizes.
Ends that have been clipped and roped
End trimming with precision and painting
Custom embossing options and wrapping paper
Produced in the USA warranty

Made of Southern pine, a species of wood that is known for its durability, our sturdy sawn decking boards provide incredible stability and durability which makes it an economical and reliable option to use by companies manufacturing scaffolds and professionals in construction, masonry and stucco sectors.

Laminate Veneer Lumber (LVL)

We are the sole retailer of the brand SURE-LAM 2.1E and 2.3E —-made entirely in the USA using high-quality Douglas fir. The durability in the raw material when combined with the latest manufacturing techniques make the perfect scaffold plank that provides the highest level of reliability for a reasonable cost. Highlights include:

The OSHA/ANSI standards are in compliance
Inspection and testing that is rigorous and testing, including the independent third-party
The options for custom lengths, sizes and embossing
Color of the seal at the end
The Made In the USA Guarantee

OSHA Requirements OSHA Compliance

As per OSHA estimates there are thousands of accidents which occur at work result from the failure to follow regulations or inadequate worker training on safety for scaffolding. Regarding the scaffold planks, this refers to the wrong selection as well as use.

When selecting and using planks of wooden construction for the context of a scaffolding project It is important to think about the following factors: the size, capacity for load in addition to the required number and the condition. The main considerations to be aware of include:

OSHA standards have minimum 6-inches of space on both sides of the frame.
Scaffolds shouldn’t defect–i.e. warp more than one-half of the length.
Every component of a scaffolding system has to be capable of supporting at least four times the intended load prior to being put into the project.
The safe use of scaffolding demands that the strength and quality of the structure increase by using more extensive applications.
Prior to using a scaffold plank be sure that the plank is properly sealed and treated by the manufacturer. This is vital to ensure secure and solid conditions during construction.

The use of scaffold grade lumber, which is more durable than construction grade lumber — is important. To be classified as a scaffold grade lumber, it has to be more than six rings for every inch. They should also possess only a few imperfections (e.g. knots, knots, and notches) as well as, for Southern pine it must have a grain slope of 1/8 inch to the left for each 14 inches of length. In addition, the lumber must be examined, graded as well as clearly marked with an external third party agency.