May 18, 2010 7:00 AM CDT
John Warlikowski, western sales manager and LVL product manager for Kennison Forest Products Inc., suggests the following checklist to avoid problems with uncertified planking.
How Your Planks Should Stack Up
By Masonry
Planks must be clearly identified that they are intended for use as scaffold plank.
John Warlikowski, western sales manager and LVL product manager for Kennison Forest Products Inc., suggests the following checklist to avoid problems with uncertified planking.
Physical/Mechanical Properties:
- Each scaffold plank is capable of supporting the one-person loading requirement when the plank is supported on a 10-foot span. ANSI A10.8- 5.2.1
- Each scaffold plank meets the OSHA capacity requirement by following provisions in paragraph 5 of ANSI A10.8 OSHA 1926.451(a) and Appendix A.1.b.i
- Plank surfaces (top and bottom) are not obscured by any coating or finish. Finishes or treatments are allowed if they are not opaque. ANSI A10.8- 5.2.12 and OSHA 1926.451(b)(9)
Manufacture:
- The plank is manufactured under a quality management system (i.e. ISO 9001)
- The manufacturing process is inspected on a monthlybasis by an independent third-party agency (i.e. TP. APA, PPA) ANSI A10.8
- All adhesives used in the manufacture of the planks meet the requirements of ASTM D2559.
Identification:
- Information on planks is embossed on the sides for means of long-term identification.
- All planks are embossed with the MOE on the sides for means of long-term identification. (i.e. 2.15E, 1.9E)
- All planks bear the seal of an independent, nationally recognized third-party inspection agency. ANSI A10.8-5.2.10
- Plank emboss includes a means of identifying the manufacturer (i.e. manufacturer name/logo or product brand name) an identification of the manufacturing mill number.
- Date of manufacture is included on the plank for traceability to manufacturing data.
- The planks is clearly identified that it is intended to be used as “SCAFFOLD PLANK”
- All chemically treated (i.e. fire-retardant) planks are readily identified as such. Identification should indicate that chemically treated planks are safe for either interior or exterior use.
Literature:
- Allowable design properties are published by the manufacturer. ANSI A10.8-5.2.9
- Design values include appropriate adjustments such as wet use and fire-treatment.
- Tables indicating maximum span are published by the manufacturer consistent with industry-accepted criteria. ANSI A10.8-5.2.11
- Planks are designed so that they do not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when loaded. OSHA 1926.451 (f)(16)
- Product name embossed on plank matches name on literature.
- Literature includes manufacturer recommendations on the following:
- Proper storage and handling
- Visual inspection
- Mechanical evaluation.
Manufacturer/Supplier:
- The manufacturer can supply a certificate of insurance.
- The manufacturer offers a warranty covering the quality of the manufactured of the product.
- The manufacturer is an active member in the Scaffold Industry Association and other industry trade and professional associations.
- The manufacture has personnel and ability to respond to technical questions and field problems.
About the Author
Masonry, the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America, covers every aspect of the mason contractor profession - equipment and techniques, building codes and standards, business planning, promoting your business, legal issues and more. Read or subscribe to Masonry magazine at www.masonrymagazine.com.
