Masonry Magazine May 2004 Page. 31
A scaffold plank that must hold palletized
A scaffold plank that must hold palletized brick or block, or accommodate several workers at a time, may need to be rated for heavy-duty (75 psf) loading.
Providing a safe work surface is an important part of overall worker safety. OSHA regulations require that all work surfaces be completely decked or planked, allowing no more than a one-inch gap between two planks laid side-by-side, or between the plank and an outside vertical member. However, there are three scenarios where exceptions are made: 1) during scaffold erection, 2) in demonstrated confined areas after scaffold erection is completed, and 3) when planking is used solely as a walkway. Since most scaffold manufacturers use a five-foot-wide frame, what exactly does this mean?
First, let's talk about wood plank. There are two types of wood plank: manufactured (i.e., laminate) and sawn plank. Sawn plank is typically produced from Southern yellow pine, Douglas fir or spruce. It is available rough-sawn or dressed, which is differentiated by thickness and the amount of surface treatment. Nominal two-inch rough-sawn dry lumber is usually 1-3/4 inches to 1-7/8 inches thick, and receives no surface treatment. Nominal two-inch dressed lumber is surface planed on four sides and commonly 1-1/2 inches thick after kiln drying.
Wood planks are graded by a certified lumber grader and must meet the minimum grade of D165 or better to be considered scaffold grade. Common lumber is not considered scaffold grade. The scaffold grade designation is critical because most lumber is graded for other uses, such as floor joists where the board face is vertical and loads rest on the edge of the board. Scaffold plank, on the other hand, is tested for use horizontally with loads bearing on its face.
Most scaffold-grade plank nominally measures two inches by 10 inches, while actual dimensions are typically 1-1/2 inches by 9-1/2 inches. This applies to both sawn and manufactured plank. With this being the usual case, it will take six planks to completely deck a five-foot-wide frame.
Many times, in addition to workers, heavy tools and building materials are placed on the plank. Contractors need to remember to review the plank's load chart that is part of the OSHA Regulations for Scaffolding to ensure the maximum load capacity of the plank is not exceeded.
Full Thickness
IN THE CASE of laminated plank - a manufactured, wood plank product that's made from layers of thin, dried veneers it is both visually and ultrasonically graded to meet specific standards.
HORKING LOAD
/SQ. FT.
MISSIBLE SPAN (FT.)
FULL THICKNESS
UNDRESSED LUMBER
25 50 75
NOMINAL THICKNESS
LUMBER
25 50
10 8 6
89
DOES PRICE COME FIRST?
When making purchases for our businesses, all of us look for "the good deal" - the best product on the market for the lowest possible price.
Take vehicle tires for example. In today's world, with faulty tires, accidents and lawsuits, what comes to mind and what is your deciding factor? Blowouts? Wear? Safety? Price? Price may be a concern, but I bet most of us would answer that the overall value is what we research. We want our investment to go further. If that means the extra $75 I spent on the last set of tires gets me an additional 10,000 miles safely and another year of use, then that is a good deal.
Should buying scaffold planks be any different? As a buyer considering cheap prices, ask yourself: Are corners being cut? What risk am I running and at what cost? What will get my crew from Point A to Point B safely?
With stricter grading tolerances than standard D165 scaffold plank, the GripStrip™ Scaffold Plank rises to a new level of performance, safety and longevity, while maintaining a competitive investment.
D165 scaffold plank grade allows for a certain amount of end split, warp and stain; defects that can quickly shorten the life of a plank. At the time GripStrip™ Scaffold Plank is manufactured, all splits, warp, stain and other noticeable defects are completely removed. GripStrip™ Scaffold Plank is also more dense than traditional scaffold plank, resulting in better deflection, stable performance and most importantly longer life.
Every high-quality piece then goes through the following processes in order to make it a GripStrip™ Scaffold Plank:
* All planks have GripStrips™ on both top and bottom to help eliminate slippery surfaces, thus providing a far safer plank to work on.
* GripStrip™ planks are mechanically Proof-Loaded in a non-destructive manner per ANSI (A10.8-2001) specifications.
* Each end is Hydraulically Pinned and Precision Mitered on all corners.
* GripStrips™ are highlighted with waterproof ink to ensure moisture beading, lack of moisture entry and extended plank life.
* Continuously-branded, permanently with your company's name, "OSHA SCAFFOLD PLANK" and the date of production.
* Advanced Performance Water Sealer applied to the ends.
Don't risk your business with questionable scaffold plank. Check with your scaffold plank supplier to help lessen your liability-request a certificate of Liability Insurance. Ask for a Certification of Grade/Specification. Do they visually grade and proof-load? What safety features can they provide for you to maximize the well being of your crew? Contact the Scaffold Industry Association for other requirements set forth for plank manufactures.
When purchasing scaffold plank for your next job, take into consideration the risk of price only and what you get for it. With a zero failure/accident free record, GripStrip™ Scaffold Plank will help you rise to that next level safely.
For more information on GripStrip™ Scaffold Plank, contact Mill Direct Lumber Sales, Inc., toll-free at (866) 261-5563 or on the web at www.milldirectlumber.com.
ximum span for two inch by nine-inch or wider planks
The Voice of the Mason Contractor
May 2004
Masonry 29