Masonry Magazine May 2004 Page. 34
Planks and WALKBOARDS
load should be redistributed or, if the planks are new, they should be rejected. Be aware that not all damage is visible.
Maintaining Scaffold Plank
MASON CONTRACTORS should treat scaffold plank as the important safety equipment it is. Here are a few tips:
Because impact loads can affect a plank's serviceability, don't drop or throw it.
Load planks carefully and store them in a safe place, away from potential damage from forklifts or other machinery.
Don't use the "gorilla jump" testing method.
Laminated veneer lumber is most susceptible to damage.
Bank plank ends with metal to prevent splitting.
Clean mortar off plank and store it properly between jobs.
Don't use plank for mud sills and then reuse it on the scaffold, as this will overload and weaken it.
Routinely inspect plank for visible damage. Never paint scaffold plank since it can conceal defects.
If notches, cracks or saw kerfs are found in plank, they must be cut shorter to eliminate hazards.
Metal banding or rodding may reinforce plank with splits.
Be aware that not all damage is visible. Plank that has been overloaded or subjected to severe impact may be weakened, even if it's apparently intact. Some people advocate periodic retesting and recertification of scaffold plank to detect such damage, but this procedure is neither required nor widely practiced. Still, if a contractor suspects that a plank has been overstressed and has any doubts about its condition, it should be rejected.
Consider the reduction in a plank's load-carrying capacity caused by high moisture content (above 19%). If plank is used green or treated with fire-retardant chemicals, refer to grading standards for any necessary adjustments to safe spans and loadings.
Rainwater on the face surface of plank normally has little effect on its moisture content, but water entering the ends of plank can. Plank ends should be sealed, while the ends of cut plank should be resealed. Check the weight of plank that gets thoroughly wet on the job. If a plank is unusually heavy, it may have absorbed enough water to negatively affect its strength.
Manufactured wood plank may be more susceptible to moisture absorption than solid-sawn plank. If manufactured wood plank gets soaked, or even if it is exposed to prolonged periods of high humidity, consult the equipment's manufacturer.
By treating your plank and walkboards with the same respect you might other safety equipment, your investment will last and the safety of your crewmembers will be increased.
Chuck Hutchinson is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Bil-Jax, Inc. He also has over 28 years of construction equipment manufacturing and distribution experience. He may be contacted at (419) 445-8915.
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