How can you erect structural steel safely?
- Make regular visits to the job site
- Have regular toolbox talks
- Provide the right equipment for the job
- Follow the best practices for structural stability
- Only allow certified welders to do fieldwork
- Implement a progressive inspection schedule
Building anything with structural steel is considered one of the more dangerous construction projects to do. Some risks can be immediate, such as badly erected steel or workers getting injured. Other risks can be less apparent, causing extra problems and racking up costs for your company down the road.
So how can you start your project and complete it safely, without posing a danger to your workers now, or the people occupying the building later on? Here are a few tips on how to erect structural steel safely to help you get started.
Make Regular Visits To The Job Site
Site visits are one of the most important prep work that you can do for your structural steel project. They are essential before you even begin any steel erection activities.
Generally, you’ll need to do a few site visits before construction starts. Site visits are crucial for all the teams collaborating on the project as they can identify potential pitfalls before they happen. Even if contractors are trying to get steel erection started as soon as possible, you should take the time to do several job site visits to check for problems.
Ensure your team has adequate access to carry structural steel to the site. Check if the lay-down area is firm, well-drained, and properly graded as well. Potential hazards, like power lines, need to be identified so they can be redirected or insulated before steel erection starts. You can also take this time to check on the foundation. Is it properly laid down and safe for your construction team to commence the structural steel erection process?
Checking on all these factors during a site visit can ensure your steel erection project goes much smoother, avoiding delays and posing safety risks. Site visits can also help you determine whether you need to do additional work or invest in specialty equipment to prepare the site for steel structures.
Have Regular Toolbox Talks
Aside from prepping your site, you should also ensure your team is ready to take on this project. It is a very demanding job. And in some cases, there will be people on the team who lack the experience or knowledge needed to erect structural steel safely.
This is why “toolbox talks” are an essential part of preparing your team. Toolbox talks refer to informal group discussions wherein team leaders can discuss safety issues and teach their team the best practices when working with structural steel. Team leaders can provide information about safety issues, keep everyone on the same page, and even refresh the knowledge of older workers on the basic safety rules when handling steel.
Provide The Right Equipment For The Job
Make sure that each worker is fully equipped before they go out on the job site. Their gear should include a hard hat, fall protection gear, safety shoes, protective eyewear, tough work gloves, hearing protection, environment-appropriate clothing, and toolbelts or lanyards.
Ideally, your team should have all the personal protective equipment they need before the steel erection project begins. But, work can be demanding and there will be times when safety items like gloves, hearing protection, and the like become damaged at work. So, ensure there is a company stockpile that can provide quick replacements for the gear of your workers.
Follow The Best Practices For Structural Stability
Another tip for ensuring structural steel safety is to follow the best practices for stability. Always check if the structure is properly erected and can maintain stability at all times. Additionally, never allow construction loads to be placed on unfinished steel structures because this poses a safety hazard for both the structure and your workers. Only do so when the framework is completely bolted, welded, or otherwise adequately secured to hold that load.
When your structural steel pieces are still in the process of being erected, you may want to use temporary bracing to prevent dislodging or misalignment of the pieces. Make sure this bracing is properly installed following your steel erection plan to ensure the stability of the framework. This bracing should also only be removed under the approval and guidance of an experienced foreman or engineer.
Only Allow Certified Welders To Do Fieldwork
Welding is a commonplace method of joining or reforming structural steel pieces. While most welding can be accomplished on the factory floor, there are some cases when fieldwork is needed. But, never allow just any of your workers to do the job.
Any welder who volunteers to do the fieldwork should be certified and qualified to perform the job. This is essential as welding involves complicated techniques and even the slightest mistake can create a dangerous welding defect that threatens your steel structure’s stability later on.
Implement A Progressive Inspection Schedule
Implementing a progressive inspection schedule at each stage of the erection process can help identify potential errors in a much more efficient manner. This will also prevent these errors from affecting later parts of the project. Implementing a progressive inspection schedule is crucial as even the smallest defect can become a serious safety risk the nearer the building is to completion.
Experienced workers can help you do a full sweep of the structure. They will be able to check each connection point and every installed component for strength and tolerances. Adjustments should be made immediately if any errors are found.
Only when the entire structure has passed inspection should your team continue onto the next stage of steel erection.
Key Takeaway
Dealing with construction projects can be quite difficult and demanding. Setting up new steel structures, in particular, requires careful planning and execution. But, knowing how to erect structural steel safely is key to creating a structurally sound building while also avoiding risk and injury to your team.
Looking for a trustworthy partner to help you on your next structural steel project? Get in touch with Regan Industrial Sales, Inc. today! We are well-versed in all the safety and quality principles needed to make high-quality structural steel. Send a message here to learn more about our manufacturing process and steel products.
