852482=2009

Specification
for timber
scaffoldboards

NO COPYINGWITHOUTBSiPERN4ISSION
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BY COPYRIGHT
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BritishStandards

BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD
Publishingand copyrightinformation
The BSIcopyrightnoticedisplayedin this documentindicates
when the
documentwas lastissued.
@ BSr2009
lsBN9780 580 544033
r c s9 1 . 2 2 0
ThefollowingBSIreferences
relateto the work on thisstandard:
Committee reference B/514/42
Draftfor comment08/30113948
DC
Publicationhistory
F i r s tp u b l i s h e d
M a y1 9 5 4
Firstrevision,February1963
Secondrevision,August 1970
T h i r dr e v i s i o nJ,u l y1 9 8 1
Fourthrevision,
June2009
Amendments issued since publication
Date

Text affected

BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009

Contents
Foreword ii
1
Scope 1
2
Normative references 1
3
T e r m sa n d d e f i n i t i o n s 1
4
Typesof timber 2
5
D i m e n s i o nas n d t o l e r a n c e s 3
6
Construction 3
7
T i m b e rq u a l i t y 5
8
Factoryproductioncontrol 17
9
Marking 18
Annexes
Annex A (informative)Propertiesof scaffoldboards Ig
Annex B (informative)Supportcentres 20
Annex C (informative)Method of test for determiningbending
strength 21
Bibliography 23
List of figures
Figure1 - Typicalknotsand groupsof knots 7
Figure2 - Measurementof rate of growth 13
F i g u r e3 - M e a s u r e m e not f s l o p eo f g r a i n 1 3
F i g u r e4 - M e a s u r e m e not f w a n e 1 4
Figure5 - Measurementof bow spring,twist and cup for a 3.9 m
board 15
FigureC.1- Set-upfor testing of scaffoldboards 2l
List of tables
Table1 - Timbersfor machinegrading of scaffoldboards, for which
settingshave been derived 2
Table2 - Timbersfor visualgrading of scaffoldboards 2
Table3 - Targetcross-sectional
sizes 3
T a b l e4 - C o o k B o l i n d e rg r a d es e t t i n g s 1 7
Table5 - Computermaticand Micromaticgrade settings l7
TableA.1 - Strengthproperties 19
Table8.1 - Targetspans 20
TableC.1- Ultimate momentsto be achievedin load tests 22

Summaryof pages
Thisdocumentcomprises
a front covel an insidefront covel
pagesi to iV pages1 to 24,an insidebackcoverand a backcover.
@ BSI2009 .

BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD

Foreword
Publishing information
ThisBritishStandardis publishedby BSIand came into effect on
30 June 2009.lt was prepared by subcommittee 81514/42,
Access
and working platforms, under the authority of TechnicalCommittee
81514,Accessand support equipment. A list of organizations
representedon this committeecan be obtained on requestto its
secretary.
Supersession
ThisBritishStandardsupersedes
BS2482:1981,
which is withdrawn.
Information about this document
This is a full revisionof the standard,and introducesthe following
p r i n c i p acl h a n g e s .
a)

5 0 m m t h i c k b o a r d sa r e n o l o n g e ri n c l u d e dw i t h i n t h e s t a n d a r d .

b) The method of selectionof 38 mm thick boardshasbeen revised

and two gradeswith different maximumsupportcentres(1.2 m
a n d 1 . 5m ) a r e n o w s p e c i f i e d .
c)

The method of selectionof 63 mm thick boardshasbeen revised

a n d a s i n g l eg r a d ew i t h m a x i m u ms u p p o r tc e n t r e so f 2 . 5 m i s
now specified.

d) Annex A providesupdated informationon the performance

characteristics
of boardsconformingto this standard.
e) Annex B providesinformationon supportcentres,which are
defined in terms of a 'target span'with a setting-outallowance.
Guidanceon the useof scaffoldboardsin access
scaffoldingis given
in the NationalAccessand scaffoldingConfederation's
technical
guidance notes,A guide to good practice for scaffolding with tubes
and fittings (TG20:05)l1l and also BSEN 12811for scaffoldplatforms.
Attention is drawn to the UK government'stimber procurement
policy,which requiresthat timber usedat constructionsitesfor all
centralgovernmentprojectsis from a legal and sustainablesource.
Guidanceon implementationis offered by the central point of
Expertisefor Timber Procurement(CpfD.tr
Prod uct certif ication/i nspection/testi n g
Usersof this BritishStandardare advisedto considerthe desirability
of th i rd-party certification/inspectio n/testi ng of p rod uct conform ity
with this Britishstandard.Usersseekingassistance
in identifying
appropriateconformityassessment
bodiesor schemesmay ask BSI
to forward their enquiriesto the relevantassociation.
Presentational conventions
The provisionsof this standardare presentedin roman (i.e.upright)
type. lts requirementsare expressedin sentencesin which the
p r i n c i p aal u x i l i a r yv e r b i s " s h a l l " .

1) Availableat www.proforest.neUcpet.
o @ BSI2009

BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009
Commentary,explanation and general informative material is
presentedin smaller italic type, and doesnot constitute a normative
element.
Contractual and legal considerations
This publicationdoes not purport to includeall the necessary
provisionsof a contract.Usersare responsible
for its correct
application.
Compliancewith a British Standardcannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.

O BSI2009 .

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BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009

1 Scope
ThisBritishStandardspecifiesrequirementsfor timber scaffold
boardswith a width of 225 mm and a thicknessof either 38 mm or
63 mm.
It coversboard sizing,board construction,and timber quality and
grading,for which it specifies:
a) two gradesfor 38 mm thick scaffoldboards,as follows:
1)

1.2 m supportcentre- a grade that is suitablefor support at

centresup to 1.2 m, which may be selectedby visualor
m a c h i n es t r e n g t hg r a d i n g ;

2)

1.5 m supportcentre- a grade that is suitablefor support at

centresup to 1.5 m, which may only be selectedby machine
strengthgrading.

b) a singlegrade for 63 mm thick scaffoldboardsthat is suitablefor

support at centresup to 2.5 m, which may be selectedby visual
o r m a c h i n es t r e n g t hg r a d i n g .
ThisBritishStandarddoesnot cover laminatedor finger-jointed
scaffold boards.
NOTE Annex A providesinformation on performancecharacteristics.
Annex B provides information on support centres.

2 Normativereferences
The following referenceddocumentsare indispensable
for the
applicationof this document.For dated references,
only the edition
cited applies.For undated references,
the latestedition of the
r e f e r e n c e dd o c u m e n t( i n c l u d i n ga n y a m e n d m e n t sa) p p l i e s .
BS 1706,Method for specifying electroplated coatingsof zinc and
cadmium on iron and steel
BS4978, Specification for visual strength grading of softwood
BS6100-4,Glossaryof building and civil engineering terms- Part 4:
Forest products
BS6338, Specification for chromate conversion coatings on
electroplated zinc and cadmium coatings
BSEN 10143,Continuouslyhot-dip coated stee/ sheet and strip Toleranceson dimensionsand shape
BSEN 13183-1
, Moisture content of a pieceof sawn timber - Part 1:
Determination by oven dry method
BSEN 13556,Round and sawn timber - Nomenclatureof timbers
used in Europe

3 Termsand definitions
Forthe purposesof this Britishstandard,the nomenclaturegiven in
B SE N ' 1 3 5 5 6a, n d t h e t e r m sa n d d e f i n i t i o n sg i v e n i n B S6 1 0 0 - 4a n d
t h e f o l l o w i n ga p p l y .

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BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD

3.1 scaffold board

board intendedto providepart of the supportsurfaceor platform in
scaffoldingwhen supportedat appropriatecentresand subjectedto
a n t i c i p a t e dl o a d i n g s
NOTE Alternative namesinclude "scaffold plank" and "scaffold
batten".

3.2 target span

supportcentresfor which the grading rulesfor the scaffoldboard
have been developed

4 Typesof timber
Timbers
for scaffoldboardsshallbe selected
from thosespecified
in
Table1 or Table2, asappropriate.
Table1

Timbersfor machinegradingof scaffoldboards,for which

settingshave been derived
Standard name

Botanical species

Other common names

Europe
Redwood

Pinus sylvestris

European redwood

Piceaabies
Abies alba

European whitewood
European whitewood

Whitewood

Table2

Timbersfor visualgradingof scaffoldboards

Standard name

Botanical species

Other common names

Europe
Redwood
Whitewood

Pinus sylvestris
Piceaabies
Abies alba

European redwood
European whitewood
European whitewood

Pseudotsugamenziesii
Larix occidentalis

Douglas fir
Western larch

Hem - fir

Tsugaheterophylla
A bi esamabi l i s
Abies grandis

Western hemlock
A mabi l i sfi r
Grand fir

Sp ru c e- p i ne - fi r

P i ceamari ana
P i ceaengel manni

B l ackspruce

Canadian species
combinations
Douglas fir - larch

Pinus banksiana
Pinus contorta
Pinus ponderosa

E ngel mannspruce
E asternC anadi anspr uce
Red spruce
White spruce
Jack pine
Lodgepole pine
Ponderosa pine

Abies lasiocarpa
Abies balsamea

Alpine fir
Balsamfir

Picearubens
Picea glauca

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BRITISH
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BS2482:2009
Table2

Timbersfor visualgrading of scaffoldboards(continued)

Standardname

Botanical species

Other commonnames

USA
Southernyellowpine Pinusechinata
Pinuspalustris
Pinuselliottii
Pinustaeda

S hortl eafpi ne
Longl eaf pi ne
S l a s hp i n e
L o b l o l l yp i n e

NOTE 1 The most commonly available timber is European whitewood.

NOTE 2 This table lists those timbers known to be suitable for use for
the production of scaffold boards. No attempt hasbeen made to list
timbers in such a manner as to indicate their relative strengths.

Dimensions
and tolerances
Basiccross-sectional
sizes,when measuredat20o/omoisturecontent
i n a c c o r d a n cw
B
e i t h SE N 1 3 1 8 3 - 1s,h a l lc o n f o r mt o T a b l e3 .

Table3

Targetcross-sectional
sizes
Thickness
mm

width
mm

38 +2
63 +3

225 +5
225 +5

I t s h a l lb e a s s u m e dt h a t t h e t h i c k n e s sa n d w i d t h o f a b o a r d :
a)

increaseby 0.25%for every1% of moisturecontent higherthan

20% up to 27Yo;and

b)

decreaseby 0.25o/o
for every 1% of moisturecontent lower than
20o/o.

A finishedscaffoldboard shall be of the length describedby the

supplier,with a toleranceof +25 mm, exceptin the caseof boardsof
b a s i cl e n g t h g r e a t e rt h a n 3 . 9 m , f o r w h i c h t h e t o l e r a n c eo n l e n g t h
s h a l lb e + 5 0 m m .
NOTE1 lf more preciselengthsthan those specifiedare required for
system(prefabricated)scaffolds,the tolerancesshould be thosedefined
as acceptableby the scaffoldmanufacturer.
NOTE2 Crosscuttingis permissible
as this doesnot affect the structural
integrity of the board. For visuallygraded boards, all defectswill have
For machinegraded boards, the board will have
been visuallyassessed.
beenmechanicallyassessed
along itslength.

Construction
5 . 1 General
The face surfaceshall be sawn,edgesshallbe sawn or planed,and
cornersshallbe left square.Endsshallbe protectedfrom splitting by
the useof either end bands(see5.2)or nailplates(see6.3),fitted in
s u c ha m a n n e ra st o a v o i dc a u s i n gi n j u r y .

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BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD

G.z Endbands
5.2.1 General
E n d b a n d ss h a l lb e s o f i n i s h e da st o a v o i dc a u s i n gi n j u r yt h r o u g h
s h a r pe n d s .

6.2.2 38 mm thick boards

E n d b a n d ss h a l lb e m a d ef r o m z i n c - c o a t e m
d i l d s t e e lc o n f o r m i n gt o
BSEN 10143,witha thicknessof not lessthan 0.6 mm. The width of
t h e e n d b a n d ss h a l lb e n o t l e s s t h a n2 0 m m a n d n o t g r e a t e r t h a nt h e
t h i c k n e s so f t h e b o a r d .T h e ys h a l le x t e n df o r a m i n i m u mo f 1 5 0m m
a l o n gt h e e d g e o f t h e b o a r d .
T h e e n d b a n d ss h a l lb e s e c u r e dt o t h e e d g e o f t h e b o a r d a l o n g e a c h
s i d ew i t h :
a)

n o t f e w e r t h a n t w o 3 0 m m x 3 . 0 m m c l o u t n a i l s ,g a l v a n i z e d
in accordance
with BS1706or zinc-platedand chromateconversion-coated
in accordance
with BS6338;or

b)

n o t f e w e r t h a n t w o 1 . 8 m m w i r e x 11 . 3 m m c r o w n x 3 0 m m l o n g
staples,galvanizedto BS6338or made from stainless
steel.
NOTE1 When usingstap/esto securethe end band to the board,
the crownsof the staplesshouldbe fitted perpendicularto the edge
of the board.

T h e e n d b a n d ss h a l lb e s e c u r e dt o t h e e n d o f t h e b o a r dw i t h :
1 ) n o t f e w e r t h a n t h r e e 3 0 m m x 3 . 0 m m c l o u t n a i l s ,e i t h e r
g a l v a n i z e di n a c c o r d a n cw
e i t h B S1 7 0 6o r z i n c - p l a t e da n d
chromate-conversion-coated
in accordance
with BS6338;or
2)

n o t f e w e r t h a n t h r e e 1 . 8m m w i r e x 1 1 . 3m m c r o w n x 3 0 m m
long staples,galvanizedto BS6338or made from stainlesssteel;
or
NOTE2 When usingstap/esto securethe end band to the board,
the crownsof the staplesshouldbe fitted perpendicularto the end
of the board.

3)

not fewer than 28 teeth, stampedor pressedfrom the end band

in sucha way that sharpstripsof steelare bent from the slotsto
projectat approximately90' from the inner face of the band.

6.2.3 53 mm thick boards

E n d b a n d ss h a l lb e m a d ef r o m z i n c - c o a t e m
d i l d s t e e lc o n f o r m i n gt o
BSEN 10143,with a thicknessof not lessthan 0.6 mm. The width of
t h e e n d b a n d ss h a l lb e n o t l e s s t h a n4 7 m m a n d n o t g r e a t e r t h a nt h e
t h i c k n e s so f t h e b o a r d .T h e ys h a l le x t e n df o r a m i n i m u mo f 1 0 0m m
a l o n gt h e e d g e o f t h e b o a r d .

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BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009
T h e e n d b a n d ss h a l lb e s e c u r e dt o t h e e d g e o f t h e b o a r d a l o n g e a c h
s i d ew i t h :
a)

not fewer than two 30 mm x 3.0 mm clout nails,galvanized

in accordance
with BS1706or zinc-platedand chromateconversion-coated
in accordance
with BS6338;or

b)

n o t f e w e r t h a n t w o 1 . 8 m m w i r e x 1 1 . 3m m c r o w n x 3 0 m m l o n g
staples,galvanizedto BS6338or made from stainless
steel.
NOTE1 When using stap/esto securethe end band to the board,
the crowns of the stap/esshould be fitted perpendicularto the edge
of the board.

The end bandsshallbe securedto the end of the board with:

1 ) n o t f e w e r t h a n t h r e e 3 0 m m x 3 . 0 m m c l o u t n a i l s ,e i t h e r
g a l v a n i z e di n a c c o r d a n cw
e i t h B S1 7 0 6o r z i n c - p l a t e da n d
chromate-conversion-coated
in accordance
with BS6338;or
2)

n o t f e w e r t h a n t h r e e 1 . 8m m w i r e x 1 1 . 3m m c r o w n x 3 0 m m
long staples,galvanizedto BS6338or made from stainless
steel;
or
NOTE2 When usingstap/esto securethe end band to the board,
the crowns of the staplesshould be fitted perpendicularto the end
of the board.

3)

not fewer than 28 teeth, stampedor pressedfrom the end band

in sucha way that sharpstripsof steelare bent from the slotsto
projectat approximately90' from the inner face of the band.

G.3 Nailplates
N a i l p l a t e s h a l lb e m a d ef r o m g a l v a n i z e ds h e e ts t e e l ,b y s t a m p i n go r
pressinga pattern of slotsso that sharp stripsof steel are bent from
the endsof the slotsto projectat approximately90' from the inner
face of the plate.
The platesshall havea thicknessof not lessthan 0.7 mm (22 gauge)
with a width of not lessthan 27 mm and length of not lessthan
1 9 0m m .
There shall be not fewer than 42 teeth per plate and at least 50o/oof
theseteeth shall havea length of not lessthan 8 mm. At leasttwo
platesshallbe attachedacrosseachend of the board (one on each
f a c e )a n d s h a l lb e p o s i t i o n e dw i t h i n 2 3 0 m m o f t h e e n d o f t h e b o a r d .
The nailplatesshall be attachedby being pressedinto the face of the
scaffoldboard until the upper surfaceof the nailplateis flush with
that of the board. Beforethe nailplateis inserted,pressureshallbe
appliedto the edgesof the board in order to closeany fissuresthat
might be present.The sizelimitsof fissuresshallconform to7.2.2.4.

7 Timberquality
7.1 General
Timber shallbe assessed
in accordance
with 7.2 or 7.3,as appropriate.
B o t h v i s u a la n d m a c h i n es t r e n g t hg r a d i n go p e r a t i o n ss h a l lb e c a r r i e d
out by a competent,adequatelytrained and supervisedperson.
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BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD
NOTE 1 lf testing of scaffold boards described as conforming to BS 2482
is required to validate the grading, the method described in Annex C
should be used. Under no circumstancesshould attempts be made to
proof load scaffold boards intended for subsequent use, as such loading
might seriously impair their strength.
NOTE 2 Minimum requirements of a factory production control system
are specified in Clause 8.

7.2 Visualgradingof 38 mm thick, 1.2 m supportspan

boardsand 63 mm thick boards
7.2.1 Methodsof measurement
7.2.1.1 Knots
NOTE Typicalknots,andgroupsof knots,togetherwith their
measurementsare shown in Figuresl a) to f).
K n o t ss h a l lb e m e a s u r e da t r i g h t a n g l e st o t h e l e n g t ho f t h e b o a r d .l n
the caseof the following typesof knots,the dimensionof the knot
s h a l lb e d i s r e g a r d e d .
a)

F o r k n o t sv i s i b l eo n t h e e d g e b u t w h o s ea x i si s e s s e n t i a l l y
p e r p e n d i c u l at ro t h e f a c e ,t h e d i m e n s i o no n t h e e d g e s h a l lb e
d i s r e g a r d e d[ s e eF i g u r e1 a ) ] .

b)

F o r a l l s p l a yk n o t s ,t h e d i m e n s i o no f t h e k n o t o n t h e f a c es h a l lb e
ignored[seeFigure1c)].

W h e r e m o r e t h a n o n e k n o t o c c u r sw i t h i n a n y 1 0 0m m l e n g t h a l o n g
the board,the knotsshallbe consideredas a group [seeFigure1f)].
Subjectto the exclusions
specifiedin item a), eachappearanceof
everyknot on both edgesshallbe measuredand summed.
Subjectto the exclusions
specifiedin item b), eachappearanceof
everyknot on both facesshallbe measuredand summed.
7.2.1.2

Characteristicsother than knots

Characteristics
other than knotsshallbe measuredin accordance
with
BS4978.

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BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009

Figure 1 Typical knots and groups of knots

3
/

>

t l

t l

t l

t l

a) Faceknots
Key
1

M e a s u r ea t r i g h t a n g l e st o l e n g t h

l g n o r ep a r t v i s i b l eo n e d g e

S u ma l l m e a s u r e m e n tssh o w n

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BS2482:2009
Figure 1 Typicalknots and groups of knots (continued)

b) Edgeknots (visibleon edgesonly)

Key
1

S u ma l l m e a s u r e m e n tssh o w n

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BRITISH
STANDARD

BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009

Figure 1 Typical knots and groups of knots (continued)

c) Splayknots
Key
1

O n l y p a r t sv i s i b l eo n e d g e m e a s u r e d

Sum both measurements

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BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD

Figure 1 Typicalknots and groups of knots (continued)

+
+ tT-

,FN
d) Arrisknots
Key
1 Sumall facemeasurements
2

Sumall edgemeasurements

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BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009

Figure 1 Typical knots and groups of knots (continued)

e) Edgeknotsemergingon to face
Key
1

Measure
on faceseparately

Measure
on edge

.
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BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD

Figure 1 Typicalknots and groups of knots (continued)

f) Groupsof knots
Key
1

M o r e t h a n o n e k n o t w i t h i n a 1 0 0m m l e n g t h- c o n s i d e a
r sg r o u p

S u ma l l m e a s u r e m e n t s

7.2.2 Limiting characteristics

7.2.2.1 Rateof growth
Theboardshallbe rejectedif therearefewerthan 5 growthringsper
25 mm,whenmeasured
in accordance
with Figure2.

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BRITISH
STANDARD

Figure2

BS2482:2009

Measurementof rate of growth

a) Measuredthrough centre

b) Measured25 mm from pith

Y = 2 5m m
Z=75mm

7.2.2.2

Slope of grain
The board shall be rejectedif the slopeof grain exceeds1 in 10 on
the face or on the edge (seeFigure3).
NOTE1 Grain should run parallel to the face of the board.
NOTE2 A scribeshould be used when visuallyassessingthe board for
slopeof grain.

Figure3

Measurementof slope of grain

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BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD
7.2.2.3

Knots
The board shallbe rejectedif:
a) the measurementof any singleknot on the face (exceptsplay
knots as excludedin 7.2.1.1)exceeds75 mm;
b) the sum of knot measurements
on both edges,noting the
e x c l u s i o nosf 7 . 2 . 1 . 1e, x c e e d s2 8 m m f o r 3 8 m m t h i c k b o a r d so r
35 mm for 63 mm thick boards;
c)

the sum of knot measurements

on both faces,noting the
e x c l u s i o nosf 7 . 2 . 1 . 1e, x c e e d s1 5 0m m .

Where knots or groupsof knots of maximumsizeoccurin more than

one position,the board shallbe rejectedunlessthere is at least
150 mm of cleartimber betweensuchoccurrences.
7.2.2.4

Fissuresand resin pockets

The board shallbe rejectedif fissureson either face,with a depth
exceeding12 mm, are longerthan 225 mm.
Resinpocketsshallbe assessed
as fissures.
NOTE Unlimited minor surface checksarepermitted.

7.2.2.5 Wane
The board shallbe rejectedif wane reducesthe full edge dimension
b y m o r e t h a n 1 2 m m a n d t h e f a c ed i m e n s i o nb y m o r et h a n 2 5 m m ,
when measuredin accordance
with Figure4. When end bandsare
fitted, wane shallnot extendon the edge suchthat the edge of the
bandisunsupported.
Figure4

Measurementof wane

V ,( 2 5 m m

Key

K ,( 1 2 m m

Faceof board

Vr+Vr(25mm

Edgeof board

Kr+ K, { 12mm

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BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009
7.2.2.6

Distortion
A board with a length of 3.9 m shall be rejectedif:
a)

bow exceeds12 mm;

b) springexceeds10 mm;
c)

twist exceeds12 mm over the full width of the board;

d)

cup exceeds5 mm.

For shorterboard lengths,these limitsshallbe reducedin direct

proportionto the ratio of the board length to 3.9 m.
NOTE The measurementof bow spring, twist and cup is shown in
Figure 5.
Figure5 Measurementof bow, spring, twist and cup for a 3.9 m board

a) Bow

b) Spring

E
E

r\

c) Twist

d) Cup

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BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD
7.2.2.7

Insect holes
The board shallbe rejectedif it containswormholesand wood wasp
holesor if there is activeinfestationof the timber.

7.2.2.8

Abnormal features
The board shallbe rejectedif it containsreactionwood and other
abnormalfeaturesdetrimentalto strength.

7.2.2.9

Decay
The board shallbe free from fungal decay;however,blue stain in
sapwoodis permissible.

7.2.2.10 Damage
The board shallbe rejectedif affectedby damagethat is likelyto
causea greaterreductionin strengththan other admissible
characteristics
or that is likelyto prejudicesafefootholding or cause
i n j u r yw h i l s t h a n d l i n g .

7.3 Machinegrading of boards

7.3.1 Methodsof measurement
7.3.1.1

Mechanically assessedcharacteristics
Excludingthose characteristics
limited by 7 -3.2.2,
timber quality shall
be measuredby passingthe board through a Cook Bolinder2),
C o m p u t e r m a t ioc r M i c r o m a t i c 3
s t)r e n g t hg r a d i n gm a c h i n eT. h e
strengthgrading machineshallbe operated,calibratedand serviced
in accordance
with the manufacturer'srecommendations.

7.3.1.2

Visually assessedcharacteristics
T h e l i m i t i n gc h a r a c t e r i s t i sc ps e c i f i e di n 7 . 3 . 2 . 2s h a l lb e m e a s u r e di n
accordance
with BS4978.Where visualassessment
of knots is
necessary
for mechanically
assessed
boards(see7.3.2.2),such
k n o t ss h a l lb e m e a s u r e di n a c c o r d a n cw
e ith 7.2.1.1.

2 ) C o o kB o l i n d e ri s a m e t h o do f m a c h i n es t r e n g t hg r a d i n ga n d i s
the trade
n a m e o f a productsuppl i edby TechmachLtd. Thi si nformati oni s gi venf or
th e c o n veni ence
of usersof thi s standardand doesnot consti tutean
e n d o rs ementby B S Iof the productnamed.E qui val entproductsmay be
u s e di f t hey can be show nto l eadto the sameresul ts.
3 ) C o mp u termati cand Mi cromati care trade marksow ned by MP CLtd, Unit
2 , T a b rumsl ndustri alE state,B attl esbri dge,
E ssex
S S 117eX , and are the
d y M P CL t d .T h i si n f o r m a t i o ni s g i v e n
t r a d e n a m e so f a p r o d u c t s u p p l i e b
fo r th e c onveni ence
of usersof thi s standardand doesnot consti tutean
e n d o rs ementby B S Iof the productnamed.E qui val entproductsmay be
u s e di f t hey can be show nto l eadto the sameresul ts.
16 o @BSl2OO9

BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009
7.3.2 Limiting characteristics
7.3.2.1 Mechanicallyassessedcharacteristics
Theboardshallbe accepted
by a strengthgradingm a c h i n es e t t o t h e
limitingvaluesspecified
in eitherTable4 or Table5, as appropriate.
Table4

Table5

7.3.2.2

CookBolindergradesettings
Targetthickness
m
m

Targetspan of board
m

Fixed deflection
mm

Load
kN

38
38
63

1.2
1.5
2.5

7.1
7.1
3.7

2.21
3.41
5.54

Computermatic
and Micromaticgradesettings
Targetthickness Targetspan of board
m
m
m

Fixed load
N

Deflection limits
B i t so f 0 . 1 9 m m

38
38
63

3 062
3 062
8 505

53
34
29

1.2
1.5
2.5

Visually assessedcharacteristics
Over the full length of the board,characteristics
and defectsshall
c o n f o r mt o 7 . 2 . 2 , 4 t o 7 . 2 . 2 . 1 0I.n a d d i t i o n ,w h e r e a m a c h i n ed o e sn o t
fully grade to within 600 mm of both endsof a board,a visualcheck
for knots shallbe made on the non-gradedportion. lf, upon assessing
t h i s p o r t i o n ,i t i s f o u n d t o h a v ea k n o t l a r g e rt h a n t h e m a x i m u m
p e r m i t t e di n 7 . 2 . 2 . 3 a, n d i f s u c ha k n o t i s a l s ol a r g e rt h a n a n y
existingin the fully graded portion,the board shall be rejected.

8 Factoryproductioncontrol
A productioncontrol systemshallbe established,
documentedand
m a i n t a i n e dt o e n s u r et h a t a l l p r o d u c t sp l a c e do n t h e m a r k e tc o n f o r m
to the statedcharacteristics.
The systemshallconsistof documented
procedures,
with regularinspections
and assessment
to controlthe
raw material,equipmentand processes.
The systemshall incorporatethe following elementsrelatingto the
control and supervisionof the strengthgrading of scaffoldboards.
a)

A representative
shallbe responsible
for the operationof the
g r a d e r sa n d s h a l lr e v i e wt h e g r a d i n gr e c o r d so n a w e e k l yb a s i s .

b)

Stepsshall be taken to ensurethat rejectedtimber is not

re-gradedand is storedseparatelyfrom timber conformingto
BS2482.

c)

Gradedtimber shallbe protectedin storageand during transport

to the extent necessary
to minimizedowngradingof the timber.

@B S2I 0 0 9 .

17

BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD
d) The following recordsshallbe kept for eachparcelof graded
timber:
1) the job or ordernumber;
2)

the customer'sname,if known, or identifyingreference;

3 ) t h e t i m b e rs p e c i eo
s r s p e c i e cs o m b i n a t i o na n d i t s s o u r c e ;
4)

t i m b e r s i z ea n d s u r f a c ef i n i s h( p l a n e do r s a w n ) ;

5 ) t h e n u m b e ro f p i e c e si n e a c hg r a d ea n d t h e n u m b e ro f
rejects;
6) the date of grading;
7 ) t h e g r a d e r ' sn a m eo r i d e n t i f i c a t i o nn u m b e r ;
8) the averagemoisturecontent;
9 ) t h e h i g h e s tm o i s t u r ec o n t e n tr e a d i n g .
NOTE1 When strength grading for stockor in a continuous process,the
requirementto keeprecordsas in items1),2) and 5) may be modified.
NOTE2 When recording the timber sourcein item 3), it is sufficient to
record the shipper'send mark, where this exists.

9 Marking
E a c hb o a r d s h a l lb e a rt h e f o l l o w i n g i n f o r m a t i o n m
, a r k e di n a l e g i b l e
manner upon the meansof end protection(seeclause6), upon a
s p e c i a l l yp r o v i d e di d e n t i f i c a t i o np l a t e o r b y m e a n so f b r a n d so n t h e
surfaceof the board:
a) the number and year of this Britishstandard,i.e. BS24g2:20094);
b ) t h e i d e n t i f i c a t i o nm a r k o f t h e s u p p l i e r ;
c)

t h e l e t t e r M o r V d e n o t i n gm a c h i n eo r v i s u a lg r a d i n g ;

d) the word "support", followed by the target span in metresup to

w h i c h t h e b o a r d m a y b e s u p p o r t e d( s e eT a b l eB . 1 ) ;
e) where appropriate,the identificationmark of a third-party
certificationbody.

4) Marking BS2482:2009on or in relationto a product represents

a
m a n u f a c t u r e rd
' se c l a r a t i o n
o f c o n f o r m i t yi,. e .a c l a i mb y o r o n b e h a l f
o f th e manufacturerthat the productmeetsthe requi rementsof the
s t a n d a r dT. h e a c c u r a coy f t h e c l a i mi s s o l e l yt h e c l a i m a n t ' rse s p o n s i b i l i t y .
S u c ha d ecl arati oni s not to be confusedw i th thi rd-partycerti fi cati onof
c o n fo rm i ty.
18 o @BS12009

BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009

Annex
A (informative)
Properties of scaffold boards
Scaffoldboardsconformingto this BritishStandardwould be
expectedto providethe strengthpropertiesshown in TableA.'1.
Table A.1

Strength properties
Boardthickness Targetspan
m
m
m

38
38
53

1.2
1.5
2.5

working moment of resistanceof a

singleboardwhere:
An applied load
acts only on an
i ndi vi dual board
kNm

An applied load is
spread uniformlyA)
acrossa m inim um
of 4 boards
kNm

0.50
0.65
1.25

0.61
0.81
1.48

NorE This data is based on a load of five days duration on a board

measured at 27% moisture content.
A ) F o r e x a m p l ev, i a a r i g i d b u i l d i n gp r o d u c tp a c k o r s i m i l a r .

@B S2I 0 0 9 .

19

BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD

AnnexB (informative) SUppOft

CgntfeS

The scaffoldboardsspecifiedin this BritishStandardare designedto

o p e r a t eu p t o t h e t a r g e t s p a n sg i v e n i n T a b l e8 . 1 .H o w e v e r a
,
t o l e r a n c eo f + 1 0 0m m i s a l l o w e do v e rt h i s s p a nw h e n s e t t i n go u t
supports.When correctlysupported,the scaffoldboardsare designed
to meet the loadingsstipulatedby BSEN 12811 for scaffold
platforms.

TableB.1 Targetspans
Boardtype
mm
38
38
63

20 o @8S12009

Span
m
'1.2
1.5
2.5

BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009

Annex
c (informative)
Method of test for determining bending

strength
c.1 Sampling
c . l . 1 l f t e s t i n gi n d i v i d u a bl o a r d s t, a k e a n y b o a r d ,a t a m o i s t u r e
content of 27% or greater.
C.'1.2lftesting a batch of boards,take at least20 boards,at a
moisturecontent of 27o/oor greater.

c.z Procedu
re
P o s i t i o nt h e t e s t s p e c i m e na s a p l a n k o v e r a s p a no f 1 . 2m f o r 3 8 m m
t h i c k b o a r d so r a s p a no f 1 . 7m f o r 6 3 m m b o a r d s ,h a v i n gp l a c e dt h e
board'sworst visualdefect in the centralhalf of the span.Support
the specimenon rollersand a fixed knife edge reaction,or by other
deviceswhich achievean acceptablefree supportconditionwithout
s i g n i f i c a nlto c a li n d e n t a t i o no f t h e s p e c i m e nL. o a dt h e s p e c i m e na s
s h o w n i n F i g u r eC . 1 ,a t a c o n t i n u o u sr a t e a d j u s t e ds o t h a t m a x i m u m
l o a d i s r e a c h e dw i t h i n 3 0 0 + 1 2 0s , u n t i l f a i l u r eo c c u r s .
Repeatthe test for eachspecimen.
NOTE The loading equipmentusedneedsto be capableof measuring
loadsto an accuracyof 1% or better.

FigureC.1 Set-upfor testing of scaffold boards

F o r3 8 m m t h i c k b o a r d s o
, = 0 . 3 m , L = 1. 2 m .
F o r6 3 m m t h i c k b o a r d s a
, = 0 . 4 2 5m , L = 1 . 1m .
Key
a

Distancefrom supportto load point

Total load appliedto test specimen

Span

@ B S I2 0 0 9 .

21

BS2482:2009

BRITISH
STANDARD

c.3 Expression
of results
Calculatethe ultimate moment of eachtest specimenusingthe
formula:
Mrtt=0'5xaxFr,,

where:
a

is the distancefrom supportto load point, in m (see

F i g u r eC . t ) ;

M u * i st h e u l t i m a t em o m e n t o f t h e b o a r d ,i n k N m ;
Fu*

i s t h e m a x i m u mt o t a l l o a d a p p l i e dt o t h e b o a r d ,i n k N .

c.4 Interpretation of results

C . 4 . 1 A ni n d i v i d u a b
l o a r dc o n f o r m i n gt o o n e o f t h e t a r g e t s p a n s
given in this BritishStandardwould be expectedto achievethe
respectivm
e i n i m u mu l t i m a t em o m e n tg i v e n i n T a b l eC . 1 ,w h e n
tested in accordance
with C.2.
C.4.2A batchof boardsconformingto one of the target spansgiven
in this BritishStandardwould be expectedto:

Table C.1

a)

h a v en o m o r e t h a n 1 i n 2 0 b o a r d sw i t h a n u l t i m a t em o m e n t l e s s
than the respectivelower fifth-percentileultimate moment given
i n T a b l eC . 1 ;

b)

have no board with an ultimate moment lessthan the respective

m i n i m u mu l t i m a t em o m e n tg i v e ni n T a b l eC . 1 .

Ultimate moments to be achieved in load tests

Board
Targetspan
thickness m
mm

Lowerfifth-percentile
ultimatemoment
kNm

Minimum ultimate
moment of any
board
kNm

38
38
53

0.90
1.30
2.50

0.77
1.19
2."10

1.2
1.5
2.5

NOTE Eecauseof the nature of timber and the factors affecting

its performance, values of bending strength obtained by testing in
accordance with C.2 ought not to be used as design values without
taking due account of various modifying factors. For instance, the
duration of the test load is very much shorter than that likely to be
found in actual use,and this is an important modifying influence.

22 o @BS|2O09

BRITISH
STANDARD

BS2482:2009

Bibliography
publications
Standards
For dated references,
only the edition cited applies.For undated
references,
the latestedition of the referenceddocument(including
a n y a m e n d m e n t sa) p p l i e s .
BSEN 12811(all parts), Temporary works equipment

Other publications
t1l

NATTONAL
(NASC).
ACCESS
AND SCAFFOLDTNG
CONFEDERATION
A guide to good practice for scaffolding with tubes and fittings.
TG20:08.London:NASC,2008.

@BSI2009 .

23

24 o @8512009

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