Floorboards Wood 17 02 01
Floorboards are mostly made from dimensional timber although some may include a laminated base with a durable veneer for the surface layer. They are manufactured in a range of sizes of various thicknesses and finishes, depending on the function and specification required. Older floorboards will commonly have a faced edge to butt up to the next board, whereas more recent floorboards commonly have a tongue and groove connection.
Usage & Probable Locations
Floorboards are normally used for suspended floors over joists, sprung floors at leisure facilities, laid flooring over insulation or concrete slabs or as a walkway platform both internally and externally. Floorboards can be found throughout the rooms and corridors of domestic, commercial and industrial buildings and structures including houses, cottages, period buildings, factories, hospitals and public buildings.
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE requirements indicated are for guidance purposes only. DRIDS has identified the PPE that is mandatory on all demolition projects and ones that may be required subject to site specific Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). Hover over the icon to determine the types of PPE required for the removal of this material.
Removal, Segregation & Storage
Depending on how a floorboards has been fitted for use, will determine how it is removed, segregated and stored. Floorboards that are in good condition, not water damaged and not coated with glues or paints will have some reclamation or reuse value. They should be segregated and stored flat on a suitably sized pallet or on timber skids, preferably inside or covered with plastic or tarpaulin sheets to keep them dry. They should also be stored away from plant movements to prevent splash damage or breakage. Floorboards destined for recycling or recovery should be segregated into a timber only skip along with other wood and timber items. Floorboards destined for disposal should be placed in the mixed skip.
Tools
Fixtures, Fittings & Connections
Floorboards are generally butted together or interconnected with tongue and grooved edges. They are commonly fixed in place with nails, screws, pins, gromets, dowels, a glue or adhesive. They may be laid tightly inside metal, timber or plastic channels without the need for fixings. Some floorboards are laid on top of roof trusses and purlins with a waterproof membrane and roof sheets/tiles above. They may also be used for prefabricated panels with insulation and laminated sheets. Coach screws, straps, nuts and bolts, stitch plates and various other ironmongery may be used to connect floor panels.
Health & Safety
Subject to task-specific Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). Use correct eye, face and dust protective equipment for removing fixings, especially nails, screws and pins. Wear gloves when handling floorboards with damaged edges or coated in preservatives, adhesives or paints to prevent irritation, cuts and splinters. Wear eye protection when using hand tools. Only use harness protection at height as a last resort. Only use cutting tools, 360 plant and attachments if properly trained.
