Erecting scaffold planks

If you are doing some repairs to the exterior of your home, then you may require a scaffolding tower to allow you to reach those higher places. While companies can lease you some scaffolding supplies, buying used scaffold is an option which you could consider. However, when it comes to erecting the scaffold planks, what seems to be a fairly simple job actually has some strict guidelines that should be carefully followed. This article gives you more details regarding these guidelines.

The boards

Used scaffolding boards should ideally be 'banded' or 'nail plated' at both ends. In addition, the British Standard code BS 2482, lays out the minimum requirements for the boards and these should be examined before erection can begin. As well as being free of all defects outlined in the British Standard guideline, the boards should be free of defects such as splits that are longer than 225mm, and should not have any spilled-paint patches. In addition, all boards should ideally be free of the following: burns, concrete, notches, nails, warping and excessive knots. Finally, should the boards be coloured grey with age, they should not be used in any circumstances.

Erection

When the scaffold pole erection is being carried out, the boards themselves should be temporarily stored neatly either close to or preferably underneath the scaffolding that is being constructed. Any boards that are not required should be removed and stored in an allocated storage area. During erection, boards should not be thrown either to or from work levels. Ideally, all the boards should be carefully lifted in to place, unless specific and appropriate lifting equipment is used and all relevant safely regulations are adhered to.

Inspection

Once the scaffolding has been constructed and all the boards have been set in place, the structure should be carefully inspected by someone who is qualified in such areas. Before this inspection is carried out, the structure should clearly display a sign reading 'Scaffolding not to be used' or words to that effect. Once the inspection has been carried out, provided, of course, that the structure has been passed as being safe for use, this sign can be replaced with a 'Safe to Use' sign. The structure can then be used.