In the UK, scaffold boards are made of European Whitewood. During scaffolding, scaffold boards are essential in providing a sturdy working platform for the construction workers. To ensure the safety of the workers, scaffolders need to ensure that the boards used at the construction sites are of the right size and bear superior structural integrity. In the UK, it’s a requirement that scaffold boards should be tested to ensure compliance with the British Standards(BS 2482:2009). Some of the materials used to make scaffold boards include the following:
- Timber
- Plastic
- Steel
Timber scaffold boards
Timbers scaffolds are the common choice when it comes to the material used for making scaffolding boards. This doesn’t mean any type of wood qualifies to be used. The quality of the wood such as its thickness, sturdiness, and durability are among some that need to be considered when choosing the right material.
In the UK, the best wood for scaffolding is European Whitewood, otherwise known as Norway spruce or silver fir, is the most commonly used option. It’s also one of the safest wood materials used. It’s the common option since it’s the material required by the BS 2482:2009 British Standards. Some of the features that make it an ideal choice include the following:
- Durability
- Size
- Strength
- Structural integrity
This type of wood is preferred over others because of its sturdiness and desirable cell structure. The wood isn’t dried before use to avoid it warping or bending when exposed to weather elements.
Hoop irons or nail plates that can be found at the ends of the scaffold boards are some of the metal plates used to protect the timber boards from impact damage.
If you find the scaffold planks aren’t ideal to continue being used, they can always be reused as something different by making furniture like desks, shelves, crates, etc.
Plastic scaffold planks
Considering their resistance against harsh elements and corrosion, plastic scaffold boards have a long lifespan compared to timber boards.
They are one of the lightweight options you can work with and are also suitable for use for both internal and external projects.
Steel scaffolding boards
The other material scaffold boards can be made of is steel. The common type of steel is galvanised steel. The boards are similar to the timber ones but they are heavier, stronger, fire-resistant, and would be best suited for harsher environments.
Kitemarked scaffolding boards
If you were thinking of scaffolding, you should ensure that British Standard certified boards are used since you’re guaranteed that they’re adhering to the requirements. The other option you can consider is the kitemarked boards.
This means such boards have third-party certification as they’re also compliant with the British Standard requirements. There are plenty of other third-party certifications but the most important is ensuring that the boards are in line with the BS 2482:2009 stipulations.
Are scaffold boards hardwood
Scaffold boards can be either hardwood or softwood. Hardwood planks are more durable, sturdy, and resistant to wear. Different types of hardwood such as oak, beech or ash can be used to make scaffold planks. However, you’ll find that boards made from softwood such as spruce, pine and fir are a more common choice.
Scaffold board safety checks
To ensure that the worker’s safety isn’t compromised, it’s advisable for scaffolders to check the state of the scaffolding planks frequently. They should also ensure that any defective boards are immediately replaced.
With all this said on what scaffolding boards are made of, you already have an idea of the most suitable material depending on the project at hand. Safety during scaffolding is something that can’t be overlooked thus making it essential for construction companies to ensure that the materials used are of the best quality.