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Scaffold plank grades and permissible spans

Summary A construction supplier asked about scaffold plank requirements. OSHA said planking had to be scaffold grade or equivalent under approved grading rules, and that the described selected structural 2 by 10 planks appeared to meet the standard when used within the permitted span limits.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1985-10-03
Date issued
October 3, 1985
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document that may no longer represent OSHA policy; it does not give a replacement or withdrawal date.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Scaffolds
Source
View the official document

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The current status of this document is unclear
OSHA labels this an archive document that may no longer represent OSHA policy; it does not give a replacement or withdrawal date. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

October 3, 1985

Mr. John Rectenwald
General Electric Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Rectenwald:

Mr. Richard B. Starrak, President George McQueston Company, Inc., located in Iron Horse Park, North Billerica, Massachusetts, requested that this office write to you concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) requirements for scaffold plank.

29 CFR 1926.451(a)(10) of our Construction Industry standards requires all planking to be Scaffold Grades, or equivalent, as recognized by approved grading rules for the species of wood used. The maximum permissible spans for 2x10 inch or wider planks shall be as shown in the following table.

Plank thickness Working load (p.s.f.) Permissible span (ft.)
Full thickness undressed lumber 25 10
Full thickness undressed lumber 50 8
Full thickness undressed lumber 75 6
Nominal thickness lumber(1) 25 8
Nominal thickness lumber(1) 50 6

(1) Nominal thickness lumber not recommended for heavy duty use.

It appears, based on a copy of a West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau inspection certificate included with Mr. Starrak's letter to us that 2"x10" selected structural scaffold plank used in conformance with the spans allowed in Table L-3 would satisfy our planking standards.

If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Field Operations

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