Masonry Magazine April 2005 Page. 30
SCAFFOLD PLANK
Cook says that they've completed experiments in the hot, damp Houston climate where they tight-stacked scaffold planks in the side yard and left them there.
"You open it up, and there are things growing in there that you can't even identify," he says.
As a result of this common mistake, Indian Mill gives out stacking sticks so customers can store their planks properly, getting air between the units and letting them dry out while not in use.
Mike Gilleran, CEO of McCausey Lumber Co. of Roseville, Mich., adds that another common mistake is using planking for tasks that it isn't intended. From using planks on the ground in wet conditions to get better traction for heavy machinery, to placing them under scaffolding legs as a mudsill, these extracurricular activities can cause big problems.
"By putting the plank in the mud and resting their scaffold frames on top of it, they're able to prevent the scaffold frame from sinking in the mud. But what ends up happening is that every corner of that scaffold frame and all of them connected to it are creating what is called a point load," he explains. "The load that they're putting on it-let's say they're putting a 2,000-pound pallet of block or brick on top of that area - is creating a very small footprint on top of that plank that can fracture the plank, whether it's D165 or IVL. Maybe that fracture is not visible because the plank is covered in mortar, dirt, dust or mud. Then they break down the scaffold frame and somehow that plank makes its way back into the stack of walkboards."
Kennison
FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
The Solid Choice for
Scaffold Plank
Services Available:
Rod-Clip-Brand
End Painting
Precision End Trimming
Paper Wrapping
Meets OSHA/ANSI Standards
Smooth and Rough Surfaces
Call today for delivered prices to your area on partial or full loads!
Dense Industrial 65 Solid Sawn Scaffold Plank
Sizes available:
2x8" 2x10 2x12"
Lengths: 4'-20'
Laminated Scaffold Plank also available!
Call Our Sales Team!
1-888-697-5585
Fax: 337-527-0412
Bob Edens
Sales, ext. 17
Jared Kennison
Sales, ext. 15
Joe Kennison
Sales, ext. 14
www.kennisonforest.com
Education and Information
ALL THREE OF OUR EXPERTS determined that education and information were key to alleviating the common mistakes that occur with scaffold planks.
"Being well-informed is a good thing for masons because plank can be a very hazardous type of equipment to have on the job if not properly cared for," says Kennison.
"Being well-informed is a good thing for masons because plank can be a very hazardous type of equipment to have on the job if not properly cared for Jared Kennison, Kennison Forest Products,"