Scaffold boards are platforms that allow builders to access elevated areas and move freely between levels while working at heights. It’s also where scaffold protection like toe boards are fitted along the edges to prevent tools or materials from falling off the platform.
Given their crucial role, it’s essential for construction personnel or anyone learning about scaffolding to be familiar with these boards. This guide will explore what scaffold boards are and their specifications.
Scaffold Boards Setup on Scaffolding
Scaffold boards, also known as walk boards, are placed horizontally on each level, side by side, to form a flat surface that covers the scaffolding’s width. These boards are supported by a metal framework, resting on the horizontal scaffold tubes or transoms — these are the bearers that span across the ledgers at right angles to the building. This setup lets workers move safely across the scaffold and reach different areas of the site.
Scaffold boards are used in the installation of every category of scaffolding in construction.
What Are Scaffold Boards Made Of?
Boards manufactured to Grade A standards are recommended according to British Standard specifications. Manufacturers guarantee this requirement is met by adding marking on the boards’ end bands.
End bands are affixed with metal strips using three clout nails at the end and two on each edge of the boards. They extend around the edges of 38mm boards by at least 150mm and 63mm boards by at least 100mm.
Besides being used as a tag system, these bands protect the boards from splitting. They’re used to mark the boards with the BS code, manufacturer year, supplier ID, support span, and whether the board was graded visually or by a machine (e.g., machine-stress-graded timber).
Scaffold Boards Dimension
When talking about safety measures for scaffold boards, part of compliance involves ensuring the boards meet the recommended width, length, and thickness as specified by British Standards.
Width
Scaffold boards must comply with British Standard (BS) 2482, which sets 225mm (9 inches) as the standard width. This, however, can vary based on workload requirements. For lighter loads, narrower boards around 200mm (8 inches) are ideal. Wider boards, up to 300mm (12 inches), provide more stability and support for heavier loads.
The width also depends on the scaffolding design, which determines how many boards are placed side by side. A 3-board scaffold fits 3 standard-width boards side by side, a 4-board fits 4, and for heavier loads, a 5-board allows 5 wider boards.
Note: Extra boards may also be added to fill gaps between the scaffold and the building, with their width depending on the gap size.
Length
Scaffold boards come in various lengths and are measured in feet. Common lengths include 3ft (0.9m), 4ft (1.2m), 5ft (1.5m), 6ft (1.8m), 8ft (2.4m), 10ft (3m), and 13ft (3.9m). The length you choose depends on the span between the scaffolding frames and the type of work being done.
Note: Each length can have the same width, depending on the manufacturer. SP Gilray offers industry-standard sizes of scaffold boards.
Thickness
Standard thicknesses include 38mm, 45mm, and 63mm, with 38mm being the most commonly used. The board’s thickness affects its support span. Thicker boards, like the 45mm and 63mm, handle heavier loads and larger spans best.
Meeting all these requirements alone does not guarantee safety; proper measures must also be in place. A thorough inspection is important, ensuring the surface is smooth and free from visible cracks, splits, warping, moisture and decay. Anti-slip protection should also be used, when necessary, especially in wet or oily conditions.
For more information on scaffold equipment, including boards, tubes, and other fittings, contact us on 01322 442006 or at tracey@spgilray.com.