TG13:03

Non-Standard Boarded Platform

INTRODUCTION

This guide considers working platforms, which have additional requirements over those that
are normally provided on an access scaffold.

In an ideal world all working platforms should contain no gaps or holes. The design of some
platforms is such that standards, columns etc, occur within the platform area. This will
clearly produce gaps unless specific measures are taken to avoid or close these gaps.
Guidance is therefore provided on how the problems can be overcome in practice, but
member's attention is drawn to the relevant Statutory Regulations.

NOTCHING FOR STANDARDS

The 50mm gap caused by the protrusion of standards through the working platform is
generally considered to be acceptable and should only require covering in exceptional
circumstances. The most common situation where this gap occurs is when a removable
inside board is used on a platform. Where this gap is not in the normal access route it does
not provide a serious hazard. If, however, the gap occurs in the normal working area it
should be covered by plywood - see sketch A. Typical detail of the plywood fixing method
is given in sketch E.

NOTCHING
Notching of scaffold boards should be avoided wherever possible as it will decrease the
overall strength of the board. If, however, a notch has to be cut in the board then the notch
should not extend over more than 1/3rd of the board width. The length of the notch should
also be kept to a minimum and should not be more than 150mm. Additional supports
should be provided within 150mm of each side of the notch.

The size and extent of any notching to a board depends upon the relative size and location
of the objects which penetrate through the working platform area. The solution to any
particular problem will vary with each individual circumstance; thus each location has to be
considered individually.

NASC 1 of 4 13 February 2003

OBJECTS LESS THAN A BOARD WIDTH

Any gap in a platform work area which is clearly a hazard will have to be covered, usually
by plywood fixed firmly to the adjacent boards. An alternative is to use a piece of solid
timber. This implies a piece of 38mm timber of the right width to fix in the gap - NOT shown
in figures. Care is however necessary to ensure that this additional timber is adequately
supported at each end. A detail of the alternative plywood cover system is shown in sketch
A, with fixings on sketch E.

OBJECTS
Objects largerLARGER THAN
than a board width A BOARD WIDTH

When the platform has to be formed around a large object, e.g. concrete column, several
different methods of completing the platform are available. Sketches B, C and D show
three typical methods. In all cases it is essential to ensure that all the cut length boards are
adequately supported and fixed down where there is a risk of lifting. For larger circular
columns it may be necessary to cover the gaps that occur around the column.

CUTTING
Cutting OF BOARDS
of boards

It is often necessary to reduce the length of a board to suit a particular platform layout.
When the board length is reduced the end band and/or nail plate is lost from one end. It is
recommended that in all cases for traceability reasons at least, one end of the board should
retain its original end band and/or nail plate and where practical, an end band or nail plate,
should be added to the cut end.

SUPPORTS
Supports FOR
for short SHORT BOARDS
boards

The code of practice for access scaffolding BS 5973 contains the following
recommendations on the supporting of the short boards, which are standard thickness:

"Boards which are nominally 38mm thick and less than 3.35m long may be supported
on three transoms. Boards which are nominally 38mm thick and less than 2.13m long
should not be used unless they are fixed down to prevent tipping:

Boards, which are less than 1.80m long, may be supported on two transoms, but
should be fixed down at both ends. Such boards occur adjacent to ladder openings
and provision should be made to prevent them from moving under impact and
vibration."

In addition to the above it is important to follow the basic support criteria for all 38mm thick
boards:
a) Maximum span between transoms 1.5m

b) Minimum overhang at ends 50mm

c) Maximum overhang at ends 150mm

NASC 2 of 4
An overhang can exceed the above minimum at the corner or ends of the scaffold platform
so long as guardrails and toeboard are provided to prevent access on to the unsupported
end of the scaffold board. This method of construction reduces the need to cut boards.

BOARDS
Boards RETURNED
returned from site FROM SITE

When notched boards are returned they should normally be reduced in length to remove
any notch. Notched boards should not be stored with soundboards as they may be
inadvertently sent to another site as a platform board.

Sketch A

Sketch B

Sketch C

3 of 4
NASC
 Sketch D

Sketch E: Typical Plywood Fixing Details

Whilst every effort has been made to provide reliable and accurate information, we would welcome any corrections to information provided by the Writer which
may not be entirely accurate, therefore and for this reason, the NASC or indeed the Writer, cannot accept responsibility for any misinformation posted.

NASC, CARTHUSIAN COURT, 12 CARTHUSIAN STREET, LONDON EC1M 6EZ

NASC TEL: 020 7397 8120 FAX: 020 7397 8121 enquiries@nasc.org.uk www.nasc.org.uk
4 of 4