![]() The tester is called the SPT-6 scaffold plank tester, which can be rented or bought, or Indian Mill can provide inspection and testing services. Indian Mill has created a center load scaffold plank tester that will test a plank’s ability to meet the deflection requirement. Inspecting scaffold planks to meet OSHA guidelines requires a visual inspection of the scaffold plank condition and the periodic evaluation of the plank’s ability to meet the intended load. Nominal dimensional lumber has been in place since 1964. Given the cost of changing the mill standard cuts, full-dimension lumber is expensive and hard to find. In extremely rare cases, lumber mills will produce scaffold plank at full dimensions. For example, an industry-standard 2×10 is actually only 1 ½” by 9 ¼”, and a 2×12 is 1 ½” by 11 ¼”. Nominal sizes do not equate to the actual size. Wood scaffold plank is extremely high-grade dimensional lumber, most commonly found in the nominal size of 2×10 and 2×12. ![]() OSHA Scaffold Load Table – Appendix A 1(c) Rated Load CapacityĢ5 lbs per sq ft applied uniformly over the entire spanĥ0 lbs per sq ft applied uniformly over the entire spanħ5 lbs per sq ft applied uniformly over the entire spanĢ50 lbs placed at the center of the span (total 250 lbs)Ģ50 lbs placed 18” to the left and right of the center of the span (total 500 lbs)Ģ50 lbs placed at the center and 250 lbs placed 18” to the left and right of the center of the span (total 750 lbs)Ī significant portion of the wood scaffold plank market uses Southern Yellow Pine however, Douglas Fir is used in some geographies. These are outlined in the following table. However, American Lumber Standards sets forth the grading requirements for solid sawn wood scaffold plank to meet this requirement.Īccording to the OSHA Guide to Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry, platforms and planks must meet intended load guidelines. This rule would imply that an eight-foot span cannot deflect more than 1.6 inches. Specifically, this requirement relates to OSHA Section 1926.451(f)(16), which specifies that platforms may not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when loaded. OSHA does not define the standards for wood scaffold plank, but they create requirements and guidelines expected of wood scaffold plank. Regular plank inspection is a good practice and could prevent a plank failure that results in an injury or worse. Is the board abnormally heavy? The board may be waterlogged, which may lead to future issues as the water dries and causes the lumber cells to shrink. Does the board feel abnormally light? There is a chance for interior rot. But be aware boards may have unseen issues. ![]() Warped boards are potential tripping hazards. Severely discolored boards might indicate chemical exposure or rot. Altered boards would include modifications such as drill holes or saw cuts. An inspector may look for planks that have been altered, severely discolored or warped. When the wood fibers begin to break down, strength is reduced. Much like us, wood is made up of cells, which string together to form the wood fibers. Wood will degrade over time with exposure to weather, job site materials, and use. ![]()
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