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804 Safe Scaffold Erection and Inspection
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Overlap

Platform planks overlapped to create a long platform should overlap at least 12 inches beyond supports, unless the planks are nailed together or otherwise restrained so they do not move.

Improperly overlapping planks
The planks are not properly overlapped in this photo.

Abutted Planks

When platform units are abutted together or overlapped to make a long platform, ensure each end rests on a separate support or equivalent support.

Platform Lengths

A platform 10 feet or less in length should generally extend at least 6 inches, but no more than 12 inches, beyond its support, unless the excess length is guarded or can support workers and material without tipping.

Planks cannot extend more than 18 inches beyond their support.

A platform longer than 10 feet should generally extend no more than 18 inches beyond a support unless the excess length is guarded or can support workers and material without tipping.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-11. Generally, how far may unrestrained 12-foot platform planks overlap beyond scaffold supports?