What condition should scaffold planks meet to ensure safety prior to use?

For ensuring the safety of scaffold planks prior to use, the condition that "cracks are less than 0.5 times the width of planks" is the key safety criterion. This guideline helps to maintain the structural integrity of the planks. A crack measuring less than half the width indicates that the plank is unlikely to suffer from structural failure during use. If cracks were to be greater than a specified threshold relative to the width, the plank could be compromised, leading to increased risk of accidents or collapses while supporting personnel or materials.

Safety standards outline specific tolerances for wear and damage to scaffold components, focusing on preventing hazardous conditions. Therefore, the requirement for cracks to be less than 0.5 times the width of the planks is a crucial metric used to assess the usability and safety of scaffolding.