Scaffolding is an essential piece of construction equipment for building, cleaning, painting, and maintaining the exterior of tall buildings. However, without adequate scaffold construction and safety standards, these towering structures can become quite hazardous.
Of the hundreds of scaffolding accidents that occur each year, many are the direct result of inadequate planking. As planking is arguably the most essential feature of a successful scaffold, the importance of selecting, inspecting, and replacing planks cannot be understated.
To help contractors meet the mark for safe scaffold construction, OSHA scaffold plank requirements draw out a specific set of parameters for adequate planking.
Lumber Quality
OSHA scaffold wood plank requirements distinguish scaffold-grade lumber from construction-grade lumber. Construction-grade lumber is one-third weaker than scaffold-grade and should never be used as a scaffolding platform.
Scaffold-grade lumber quality is determined by:
- Rings per inch: Indicates density and strength.
- Slope of the grain: Reflects structural integrity.
- Defects: Checks, notches, and knots that compromise performance.
Solid-sawn wood must meet lumber grading standards. Even stamped scaffold-grade lumber may degrade from load or weather over time.
Plank Condition
Even scaffold-grade lumber will degrade. UV exposure, moisture, and repeated use can lead to splits, checks, and notches. Key considerations:
- Splits: Go through the board and require immediate removal.
- Checks: Surface cracks; must be monitored and should not exceed ¼ inch.
- Notches: Surface cracks at plank ends; monitor closely.
Planks with paint, plaster, or debris cannot be used, as their condition can’t be visually verified. Expanded steel walkboards are ideal for messy jobs and do not trap debris. Wood planks used on mudsill projects should not be reused.
Maximum Spans
The span of a scaffold plank is the distance between supports. The greater the span, the more deflection (bend), which reduces strength. For non-wood/fabricated planks, span limits are provided by the manufacturer based on duty ratings:
- Light-duty: 25 psf
- Medium-duty: 50 psf
- Heavy-duty: 75 psf+
Deflection Standards
OSHA allows no more than 1/60th of the span in deflection. Examples:
- 10 ft plank (120") → max 2" deflection
- 5 ft plank (60") → max 1" deflection
If deflection appears excessive, stop use and inspect immediately.
Requirements for Fully Planked Scaffolding
Continuous planking is the OSHA goal. General spacing rules:
- Gaps between planks or between plank and upright: ≤ 1 inch
- In special cases: ≤ 9.25 inches only if cutting/notching would cause tipping risk
OSHA Compliant Continuous Planking Solutions From Bil-Jax
For full OSHA compliance, it's essential to use premium planking materials. Bil-Jax goes beyond scaffold-grade lumber by offering engineered materials that ensure performance and safety.
Innovative Materials: Exterior Grade, 5-Layer Plywood
Bil-Jax walkboards use high-density, moisture-resistant 5-layer plywood, offering:
- High-Density Composition: Resists warping and splitting.
- Moisture Resistance: Stamped for exterior grade use.
- Enhanced Safety: Consistent strength over long spans.
TUF-N-LITE Walkboard
The TUF-N-LITE Walkboard features ½" plywood decking, aluminum I-beam rails, offset hooks for continuous decking, and supports 75 psf for multi-span setups. Ideal for covering large scaffold areas.
X-TRU-LITE Walkboard
The X-TRU-LITE Walkboard uses a 3-hook design, grooved aluminum for traction, and corrosion-resistant materials. Supports 75 psf and excels in wet environments.
X-PANDED Steel Walkboard
The X-PANDED Steel Walkboard features galvanized mesh that repels paint and debris. Offset hooks and 75 psf support make it ideal for heavy-duty, messy jobsites.
Steel Walkboard
The Steel Walkboard supports up to 140 psf, making it perfect for masonry and heavy equipment projects. Galvanized steel resists UV, moisture, and delivers long-term performance.
Contact Bil-Jax for OSHA Compliant Plank Solutions
To ensure safety and compliance on your scaffolding construction projects, trust Bil-Jax for durable, OSHA-compliant walkboards. Our team can help you find the right solution for your needs.