BEACON SCAFFOLDING

What Are Scaffold Boards Made From?

Depending on where you’re located in the world, different laws and regulations have their own rules when it comes to the type of wood that is used in scaffolding boards, as well as what treatments and finishes are used too. In the UK, European Whitewood is imported from Europe to be used to produce scaffold boards created to meet UK regulations for health and safety and working at height. 

When it comes to finding scaffolding for your project, it’s important you choose a reputable and trusted company so you know you are getting industry-standard scaffolding boards, poles, and railings to keep your workers and equipment safe. In addition to their intended use as a stable surface for working at height, recent years have seen the growth of scaffolding boards being used in decoration and renovations too.

If you’re looking for well-made, industry-standard scaffolding boards, the team at Beacon Scaffolding can help! We offer a range of high-quality scaffolding services, including hire and sales, specialised scaffolding and health and safety services. We believe that everyone should be informed on scaffolding and the regulations behind each piece of equipment that goes into erecting a structure. 

European Whitewood is used for scaffolding boards due to it being considered one of the safest wood materials to use. Not only is it highly durable, but the size and density of the tree it comes from means that thicker and longer boards can be created compared to other options. By having increased durability and size, the strength and structural integrity of scaffold structures are improved, which reduces the risk of accidents or injury.

It’s also important to note that European Whitewood is preferred because it is naturally very sturdy and has the desirable cell structure to make a long-lasting piece of equipment. Scaffold boards need to be very strong to allow multiple people to stand on them and work at height, and also account for the weight of tools and other protective gear the workers may have. 

There are a variety of different scaffolding types available to complete your project, from traditional scaffolding to suspended scaffolding, trestle scaffolding, and more. Typically, these scaffolding types utilise similar materials, while their structure and uses are different. Some of the common materials used to construct scaffolding include: 

• Aluminium: Used on the scaffolding poles that are used to achieve height and provide a surface for scaffolding boards. It is lightweight and easy to assemble – an excellent solution for projects that require the scaffolding to be moved and adjusted. 
• Steel: As above, another material is commonly used for scaffolding poles due to its strength and durability. A little more heavy-duty than aluminium, steel can withstand strong winds and harsher weather conditions. 
• Fir or Pine: Though uncommon in the UK, wood can also be used to create the ‘tube’ structures found on scaffolding, typically made using wood from a fir or pine tree. This low-cost option is rarely used, and steel or aluminium tubes are implemented instead. 
• Fibreglass: A relatively new material to be used in scaffolding, fibreglass is a fibre-reinforced plastic that’s a speciality scaffold material – best used in projects where there is risk from live-overhead cables as the plastic won’t conduct electricity. 

In addition to tubes and boards, there are also several safety equipment and supplies to fit the scaffolding structure, which includes hoop irons and nail plates that can be found at the end of scaffolding boards. 

If you own your own scaffolding for repeated projects, it’s vital that you check the boards before each and every use to make sure they are still up to regulation standards. If an accident happens and the boards are found to be in bad condition or damaged before being assembled, liability will fall on the company or contractors. Keep your workers safe by checking European Whitewood boards in the following ways: 

A lot of damage on scaffolding boards can be noticed with a simple visual inspection, which involves examining the surface for warping, spits, cracks, or cuts that could turn into a bigger issue down the line. The ends and edges of scaffolding boards are the most likely place these problems will be noticed as they are more exposed to the elements than the rest of the board – making them more prone to wear and tear. 

Even though European Whitewood is the perfect material for scaffolding boards, as it is made of wood, there is still the potential for rot to form. Discoloured patches will be easy to see with a visual inspection, but soft patches – also a sign of rot – will need to be felt, so it’s a good idea to have a feel of the boards by gently pressing a finger to it to test the overall firmness. This may need to be done in multiple locations. 

Scaffolding boards won’t usually be made completely out of wood as metal components will be used to safely secure the boards to the tubes to create platforms, so it’s essential these components aren’t overlooked during an inspection. Rust and corrosion will be the most obvious indicators to an issue with your scaffolding boards, but loose screws, bolts, or nails should also be looked for and rectified before being assembled. 

Scaffolding boards are designed to hold the weight of many workers and tools – including any safety equipment also being used. Applying pressure to the boards should not cause them to flex or give too much; if there is a noticeable change in the way the board sits (i.e. not straight), it may be time to replace them with a new set, and it’s especially important to not load anything heavy onto them.

These tests can be performed yourself or by an external scaffolding safety specialist. If you hire your scaffolding rather than own your own, our team at Beacon Scaffolding would still recommend performing these tests to make sure the scaffolding is fully up to standard before use. 

To get the most out of your scaffolding boards, it’s important to take care of them both while being used and while being stored for the next project. There are several simple steps to take to keep them in good working order, including: 

Storing them properly: Scaffolding boards should be stored in a well-ventilated and dry area to stop moisture from building up and causing damage or rot. Additionally, keep them out of direct, bright sunlight when possible to avoid warping or degradation. 

Clean regularly: After every use, the entire scaffold should be cleaned, and any dirt or debris removed. This can be done using a mild detergent or wood cleaner. 

Apply protective coatings: Using a weather-resistant preservative for wood or a strong sealant can make a big difference in the longevity of your scaffolding boards. 

Correct handling: Prevent unnecessary stress or impact when transporting wooden scaffolding boards and ensure they are properly secured during transportation. 

Follow safety guidelines: Safety guidelines are supposed to keep you and your workers safe, so they usually contain advice for safety checking scaffolding boards as well as advice on proper usage, which can reduce damage over time. 

For more information, reach out to Beacon Scaffolding today to find out more about keeping your scaffolding boards in good condition for a longer period of time. 

Contact Beacon Scaffolding today for scaffolding services and advice! 

If you would like to know more or to arrange one of our professional scaffolding services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our professional team today! In addition to scaffold hire and sales services for domestic and commercial scaffolding, we also provide health and safety services and scaffolding design. 

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