In the context of scaffold platforms, what type of scaffold would impose a 3-meter limit on plank spans?

In scaffolding, the span of planks is critical for ensuring safety and stability. The choice specifying a 3-meter limit on plank spans refers to light-duty scaffolds. These scaffolds are designed for lighter loads and, as a result, impose stricter limits on the distance between supports for planks.

Light-duty scaffolds generally support lighter trades and activities, such as painting or light maintenance work, necessitating shorter spans to ensure that the planks do not sag or fail under load. By limiting the spans to 3 meters, safety is prioritized, minimizing the risk of structural failure and ensuring that workers are supported adequately while on the scaffold.

In contrast, medium-duty and heavy-duty scaffolds are designed for heavier loads and can accommodate longer plank spans, which is why they are not applicable when discussing a 3-meter limit. Industrial scaffold configurations also tend to handle more substantial loads and longer spans, further diverging from light-duty scaffold specifications. Thus, the 3-meter limit aligns with the safety measures inherent in light-duty scaffolds.