Strength
The strength of the platform is critical, obviously, to the occupant. Frankly, if the platform cannot hold the anticipated load, you won’t like the result. The strength of the platform is determined by the designer and must be based on the anticipated load – that’s why the designer must know what the scaffold is going to be used for prior to designing the scaffold and the platform. Criteria that determines the strength of the platform include the type of material (is it wood, wood veneer, metal or plastic?), the dimensions of that material, the orientation of those dimensions, and the span of the platform member between supports. For example, a 2×10 wood member used on edge, the 10 inches vertical, holds much more than a 2×10 on the flat, the 10 inches horizontal. (Of course, a 2×10 on edge is really tough to walk on unless you’re really good at balancing!)
Construction
The construction of the platform is critical to the success of the platform. Not only is the platform required to remain in place but it must not make hazards for the user. For example, if the platform isn’t wide enough, there are gaps in the platform where a foot or body can fall through, or the bearing isn’t sufficient, can make the scaffold experience unpleasant, if not hazardous, for the user. The scaffold industry has established minimum expectations for platforms and these expectations have been codified in the OSHA standards.
Safety
A scaffold platform is really only a platform if it is safe. Whenever a fall hazard exists a platform must have a guardrail system unless the platform users are utilizing personal fall protection equipment. Each platform must also have a safe form of access. Finally, all platforms must have falling object protection whenever that hazard exists.
Platform Considerations
Here are a few guidelines for the design, construction, and safe use of a platform:
There are other factors to consider when choosing a platform and a qualified scaffold designer will know the advantages of each. If you are a user, know the limitations and load capacities of the platform before using it. Remember, if the plank breaks, there’s nothing to stop you but the ground and that may be a long way down. You falling 6 feet results in a force of about 2,400 pounds. The wood plank that is supposed to stop you can only hold 1,000 pounds. How many planks do you think you’ll break (and have to pay for) before you stop?