Steel Erection Safety
Steel erection involves assembling and connecting steel beams to form a structural frame for buildings and bridges. There are many obvious hazards associated with lifting large, heavy steel members and working at heights. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 15 ironworkers die each year in work related accidents. Precautions should be taken to prevent injuries during the construction, alteration, and/or repair of single and multi-story buildings, bridges, and other structures where steel erection occurs. This module provides hazard awareness information to prevent the most common incidents.
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Learning Objectives
• Identify the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities for steel erection • Identify steel erection hazards • Identify and describe safe erection procedures and how to prevent a structure from collapsing • Describe fall protection procedures and equipment • Describe how to prevent injuries from falling objects
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R |
Key Questions
What are the major causes of injuries during steel erection activities?
Most injuries are caused by falls, falling objects, or structural collapses.
What is a site-specific erection plan?
Documentation that includes the order of erection activities, crane selection and placement, safety procedures, and an emergency response plan developed by a qualified person.
What are the connection requirements for open web steel joists?
Joists under 40 ft. long can be bolted or welded on one end. Joists spanning 40-60 ft. must be bolted on one end, but joists spanning 60 ft. or more, must be bolted at both ends.
When is fall protection required?
Connectors and metal decking installers are required to use fall protection above 30 ft. Between 15 and 30 ft. they must wear a personal fall arrest system, but they are not required to tie-off. All other employees working higher than 15 feet must use conventional fall protection.
Is job specific training required for any ironworker jobs?
Yes, employees involved in multiple-lift rigging, connecting, and installing decking must receive special job-specific training.
Sample Video Transcript
Collapsing structures are a leading cause of worker fatalities, so structural stability is critical. Stability requires a good foundation. Prior to setting the column, the base plate and anchor bolts should be inspected. All columns must be anchored by a minimum of four anchor bolts set in concrete. The column base plate can be placed on a level concrete floor. A pre-grouted leveling plate, leveling nuts, or shims. When leveling nuts or shims are used, the space between the base plate and foundation is filled in with grout. A tapered grout edge from the base plate to the foundation is preferred. Bracing or guy-wires may be needed until the column is secured with additional framing. The stability of the column should be checked prior to releasing the hoist lines.
Additional Resources
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA eTools – https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/steelerection/index.html
- Steel Joist Institute – https://steeljoist.org/
- Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) – www.seaa.net
Course Applies To
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