Masonry Magazine May 2004 Page. 33
Selecting adequate plank is only part of the overall plank safety. Brick or block, or accommodate several workers at a time, may need to be rated for heavy-duty (75 psf) loading. Instead of assuming uniform loading, contractors should assess their material loading process and determine how much actual point loading they have. For example, each worker with tools is considered a 250-pound load. OSHA and ANSI standards define one-person loading as 250 pounds placed at the center of the plank or deck span. Two-person loading is 250 pounds placed 18" to the left and right of midspan. Three-person loading assumes 250-pound loads at each of the points noted above, one in the center and one 18 inches left and right of midspan. The distance a plank spans between supports is also important. The permissible span depends on the size, strength and stiffness of the plank, as well as the loads imposed.
Proper Installation and Use
SELECTING adequate plank is only part of the overall plank safety. Plank also must be correctly installed and used properly to help prevent accidents. Ideally, planking should come within a few inches of the wall, although OSHA does allow a distance of up to 14 inches. Adjacent parallel planks should be no more than one inch apart to prevent workers or tools from falling through any gaps. All planks should be securely tied to supporting brackets, bearers or ledgers to minimize plank movement. Plank ends should extend six to 12 inches beyond the supporting members and overlap other planks by at least 12 inches, with the overlap at the supports, not the midspan. Although not equipped to perform sophisticated deflection testing on used plank, most mason contractors can visually monitor their plank for excessive deflection. As a general rule, Southern yellow pine, Douglas fir and manufactured plank that deflects under loading more than two inches for a 10-foot span, one inch for an eight-foot span, or 3/4 inches for a seven-foot span is considered overloaded. When this occurs, the
Kennison
FOREST PRODUCTS INC
Dense
Industrial 65
Solid Sawn
Scaffold
Plank
• Meets OSHA/ANSI Standards
• Smooth and Rough Surfaces
• Partial or Full Loads
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Dense Industrial 65 Solid Sawn Scaffold Plank
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