For a 10-foot scaffold plank, what is the maximum overhang beyond the end support?

For a 10-foot scaffold plank, what is the maximum overhang beyond the end support?

• A. 4 inches
• B. 8 inches
• C. 12 inches
• D. 16 inches

Answer: (C)

Understanding how far a scaffold plank can extend beyond its end support is about keeping the plank stable and preventing a lever effect that could tip or fail the support. When a plank is supported only at its ends, the portion that hangs past the end support creates a cantilever. The longer that overhang, the larger the bending moment on the plank and the end support, which raises the risk of bending, slipping, or pulling away from the support. For a ten-foot plank, the safe maximum overhang is twelve inches. This length provides enough working space beyond the support without producing excessive cantilevering. Exceeding that limit would compromise stability, while smaller overhangs are permissible but do not represent the maximum allowed.

Understanding how far a scaffold plank can extend beyond its end support is about keeping the plank stable and preventing a lever effect that could tip or fail the support. When a plank is supported only at its ends, the portion that hangs past the end support creates a cantilever. The longer that overhang, the larger the bending moment on the plank and the end support, which raises the risk of bending, slipping, or pulling away from the support.

For a ten-foot plank, the safe maximum overhang is twelve inches. This length provides enough working space beyond the support without producing excessive cantilevering. Exceeding that limit would compromise stability, while smaller overhangs are permissible but do not represent the maximum allowed.