Platforms - Decks

What are some safety tips for decks on a scaffold?

Use wooden and metal decks according to job requirements, standards, occupational health and safety regulations and manufacturer's instructions.

Only cleat planks at the ends to prevent lengthwise movement. Wiring down planks can also prevent movement, provided wire does not create a tripping hazard. Where planks overlap, rest the cleated end on the support. Do not use cleats elsewhere on the plank to prevent splitting.

Make sure that adjoining planks are of uniform thickness for an even platform.
Lay planks side by side across the full width of the scaffold.
Check scaffold planks for large knots, worm holes, steeply sloping grain at the edges, spike knots, and splits. Splits wider than 10 mm (3/8 in), lengthwise closer than 75 mm (3 in.) to the edge of the plank, or lengthwise longer than ½ the length of the plank are not acceptable. Discard immediately any planks showing these or other defects.
Check hooks and hardware of prefabricated platform units regularly for looseness, distortion and cracks. Damage can occur if the platforms are dropped or thrown.
Clean ice, snow, oil and grease off planks. Platform decks should be slip-resistant and should not accumulate water.
Inspect planks on a regular basis while on the scaffold. Weather, rot, and general use can deteriorate the planks.
Do not jump on the planks to test their strength. Jumping can cause undetectable damage.

Make sure that all working platforms are about 500 mm (20 in.) minimum in width.
Try to plank the entire working level of a scaffold for maximum support and stability. Use a minimum of 48 mm thick Number 1 Grade spruce-pine-fir (SPF) planking or better.
Overlap or extend planking 150 mm (6 in.) to 300 mm (12 in.) and cleat at each end to prevent planking from slipping and blowing off.
Support planks at intervals not exceeding 3m (10 ft) for light work and 2.1 m (7 ft.) for heavy work (bricklaying, masonry).
Check with officials in your local jurisdiction as recommendations may vary.

Stack planks on a firm level surface to prevent warping.
Band the ends of the boards. Do not paint as the paint can conceal defects.
Do not use scaffold planks as a base to stack materials, or as ramps or temporary roadways.