PCH Access of Western Australia, a specialist in scaffolding hire and sales for use on offshore oil and gas projects including the North West Shelf, uses futurebuild Hyplank exclusively on site, choosing it because it is less likely to split, it doesn’t warp, is slightly lighter than alternatives and it is safer because it doesn’t splinter.
“Because Karri splits at the ends we’re usually cutting them down,” says Paul Gregory from PCH. “With Hyplank there’s a better finish on the board - they’re quite precise in their dimensions so you end up with a more functional board.” Boards of irregular dimensions ar a potential safety risk.
Gregory says another reason for using Hyplank is the environment - “anything you can do to minimise the impact on the environment is a good thing” - and the product is made from 100 percent renewable plantation pine while there is a diminishing number of Karri boards and political pressure to protect the species from logging.
While Hyplank is more expensive than Karri plank Gregory says its effective life span has to be taken into account. Also client’s are requesting it.
Source: Building Products News.