1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidelines to Nitro Construction Services in establishing a safe environment during the erection of steel structures.
2.0 RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of the Site Manager/Superintendent to implement the requirements of this procedure.
3.0 REFERENCES
29 CFR 1926. 750-761
4.0 DEFINITIONS
4.1 Choker – A wire rope or synthetic fiber rigging assembly that is used to attach a load to a hoisting device.
4.2 Competent person – One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
4.3 Connector – An employee who, working with hoisting equipment, is placing and connecting structural members and/or components.
4.4 Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ) – An area in which certain work (for example, initial installation and placement of metal decking) may take place without the use of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, fall restraint systems, or safety net systems and where access to the zone is controlled.
4.5 Controlled load lowering – Lowering a load by means of a mechanical hoist drum device that allows a hoisted load to be lowered with maximum control using the gear train or hydraulic components of the hoist mechanism.
4.6 Controlling contractor – A prime contractor, general contractor, construction manager, or any other legal entity which has the overall responsibility for the construction of the project.
4.7 Critical lift – A lift that (1) exceeds 75 percent of the rated capacity of the crane or derrick, or (2) requires the use of more than one crane or derrick.
4.8 Decking hole – A gap or void more than 2 inches in its least dimension and less than 12 inches in its greatest dimension in a floor, roof or other walking/working surface.
4.9 Double connection – An attachment method where the connection point is intended for two pieces of steel that share common bolts on either side of a central piece.
4.10 Hoisting equipment – Commercially manufactured lifting equipment designed to lift and position a load of known weight to a location at some known elevation and horizontal distance from the equipment’s center of rotation.
4.11 Leading-edge – The unprotected side and edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor or other walking/working surface (such as a deck) which changes location as additional floor, roof, decking or formwork sections are placed, formed or constructed.
4.12 Multiple lift rigging – A rigging assembly manufactured by wire rope rigging suppliers that facilitates the attachment of up to five independent loads to the hoist rigging of a crane.
4.13 Opening – A gap or void 12 inches or more in its least dimension in a floor, roof, or other walking/working surface.
4.14 Permanent floor – A structurally completed floor at any level or elevation.
4.15 Personal fall arrest system – A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. A personal fall arrest system consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body harness and may include a lanyard.
4.16 Positioning device system – A body belt or body harness rigged to allow an employee to be supported on an elevated, vertical surface, such as a wall or column, and work with both hands-free while leaning.
4.17 Qualified person – One who, by the possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
4.18 Steel erection – The construction, alteration, or repair of steel buildings, bridges, and other structures, including the installation of metal decking and all planking used during the process of erection.
4.19 Unprotected sides and edges – Any side or edge (except at entrances to points of access) of a walking/working surface, for example, a floor, roof, ramp, or runway, where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches high.
5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 General
5.1.1 Prior to the start of work, the site manager and superintendent shall make a survey of the conditions of the site to determine the hazards and the kind and number of safeguards that will be installed.
5.1.2 Prior to the commencement of steel erection, the controlling contractor erector shall provide to the steel erector:
5.1.2.1 Written verification that the concrete in the footings, piers, and walls, and the mortar in the footings piers and walls, has attained either 75 percent of the intended minimum compressive design strength or sufficient strength to support the loads imposed during steel erection. This determination shall be made on the basis of an appropriate ASTM standard test method of field-cured samples.
5.1.2.2 Written notification from the project structural engineer of record of any repair, replacements, and modifications to the anchor bolts.
5.2 Pre-planning of Overhead Hoisting Operations:
5.2.1 The controlling contractor shall bar other construction work processes below steel erection unless overhead protection is provided for the employees below.
5.2.2 All hoisting operations in steel erection shall be pre-planned to ensure that the requirements for working under loads when hoisting and rigging are met.
5.2.3 Where site conditions warrant, a site-specific plan may be developed with alternate means and methods that provide employee protection. This plan must be developed by a qualified person and be available at the worksite. The plan must be reviewed and approved by the Safety Department and the responsible engineer.
5.3 Safe Access
5.3.1 Workers shall have clear and safe access to work areas, walkways, runways and passageways, ladders, stairways and elevators, protection for floor and roof openings, and adequate illumination of work areas.
5.3.2 Access and egress shall be established as close to the work areas as possible to minimize travel on skeletal steel.
5.4 Safety Equipment
5.4.1 Temporary flooring, perimeter guarding, ladders, stairways, and scaffolding shall be provided where required.
5.4.2 Hand lines shall be used to raise and lower tools. Tools shall not be hoisted by hoses or electrical cords.
5.5 Fall Protection
5.5.1 Full body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard shall be worn by employees whose work exposes them to falls in excess of six (6’) feet.
5.5.2 Lanyards or safety lines shall be secured to a structural member capable of supporting 5,400 lbs. or to a static line or lifeline.
5.5.3 Fall protection erected by the steel erector shall remain in the area where steel erection activities have been completed, to be used by other trades, only if the controlling contractor or its authorized representative:
5.5.3.1 Has directed the steel erector to leave the fall protection in place;
5.5.3.2 Has inspected and accepted control and responsibility of the fall protection prior to authorized persons other than the steel erectors to the work area.
5.5.3.3 Has provided written documentation to the erector confirming control and responsibility of the fall protection.
5.5.4 Safety nets shall be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above the ground or water surface, or other surfaces where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety harnesses are impractical.
5.6 Use of Cranes
5.6.1 Cranes being used in steel erection activities shall be visually inspected prior to each shift by a competent person. The inspection shall include observation for deficiencies during operation and shall be documented.
5.6.2 Inspections shall be maintained for the duration of the project.
5.7 Rigging and Hoisting
5.7.1 Routes for suspended loads shall be pre-planned to ensure that no employee is required to work directly below a suspended load except for:
5.7.1.1 Employees engaged in the initial connection of the steel.
5.7.1.2 Employees necessary for the hooking or unhooking of the load.
5.7.2 Controlled lowering shall be performed whenever the load is being lowered over connectors.
5.7.3 Routes for suspended loads shall be pre-planned to ensure that no employee is required to work directly below a suspended load, except for:
5.7.3.1 Employees engaged in the initial connection of the steel; or
5.7.3.2 Employees necessary for the hooking or unhooking of the load.
5.7.4 When working under materials being hoisted:
5.7.4.1 Hooks with self-closing safety latches or their equivalent shall be used to prevent components from slipping out of the hook;
5.7.4.2 Materials shall be rigged to prevent unintentional displacement; and
5.7.4.3 All loads shall be rigged by qualified riggers.
5.7.5 A qualified rigger shall inspect rigging prior to each shift.
5.7.6 Multiple lifts (Christmas Treeing) shall only be performed when:
5.7.6.1 A multiple lift rigging assembly is used.
5.7.6.2 A maximum of five (5) members are hoisted per lift.
5.7.6.3 Similar structure members are lifted.
5.7.6.4 All employees engaged in multiple lifts have been trained in hazards associated with using the multiple lift rigging assemblies.
5.7.7 Multiple lift rigging assembly components shall be:
5.7.7.1 Designed with the maximum capacity for total assembly and each individual attachment point.
5.7.7.2 Certified by manufacturer or qualified rigger based on 5 to I safety factors for all components.
5.7.7 Multiple lift rigging assembly components shall not be loaded in excess of the rated capacity specified in the hoisting equipment load charts and the rigging rating chart.
5.7.8 Multiple lift rigging assemblies shall be rigged and unloaded in accordance with 1926.753(4), (5) and (6)
5.7.9 Bundle packaging shall not be used for hoisting unless designed for that purpose.
5.7.10 Loose items shall not be hoisted on top of metal decking.
5.8 Metal Decking, Roof, Floor and Hole Openings
5.8.1 Metal decking bundles shall be landed on joists in accordance with 1926.757(e)(4).
5.8.2 Framed metal decking opening shall have structural members turned down to allow continuous deck installation.
5.8.3 Metal decking shall be laid tightly and secured upon placement to prevent accidental movement or displacement.
5.8.4 Metal decking panels shall be placed to ensure full support by structural members.
5.8.5 Roof and hole openings shall be decked over or covered. Openings that cannot be decked or covered shall be protected in accordance with Fall Protection Procedure #045.
5.8.6 Perimeter safety cables shall be installed at the final interior and exterior perimeter as soon as the metal decking has been installed.
5.8.7 Metal decking holes and openings shall not be cut until immediately being filled with the intended permanent equipment or materials meeting the strength requirements of 1926.754(e)(3) or they shall be immediately covered.
5.8.8 Decking around columns where planks or metal do not fit tightly shall be covered with the material of sufficient strength to provide fall protection for personnel and prevent objects from falling through.
5.8.9 Covers for roof and floor openings shall be:
5.8.9.1 Capable of supporting twice the intended load without failure.
5.8.9.2 Secured to prevent accidental displacement.
5.8.9.3 Painted or marked with high-visibility (orange or pink) paint or material indicating “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard.
5.9 Flooring – Skeleton Steel Construction
5.9.1 Structural stability shall be maintained at all times during the erection process.
5.9.2 During steel erection an appropriate fall protection system shall be installed in accordance with Fall Protection Procedure #045.
5.9.3 Shear connectors, reinforcing bars, deformed anchors, or threaded studs shall not be attached to the top flanges of beams, joists, beam attachments, or any other structural component creating a tripping hazard until after the walking/working surface or decking has been installed.
5.9.4 Floor perimeter – guard railing of one half (1/2) inch wire rope or equivalent shall be installed approximately 42 inches high around the perimeter of temporary planked or temporary metal decked floors during structural steel assembly. Wire rope shall be secured and taut at all times. It may be necessary to use a positive tensioning device to reduce sag or overhang to a minimum. The maximum deflection of the top rail when a load of 200 lbs. is applied in any direction at any point on the top rail shall not exceed 3 inches in one direction that includes the free-hanging sag in the rope. The top rail must be identified with high visibility flagging every six feet.
5.9.5 Where skeleton steel erection is being performed, a tightly planked and substantial floor shall be maintained within two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less, below and directly under that portion of each tier of beams on which any work is being performed, except when gathering and stacking temporary floor planks for use on an upper floor.
5.9.6 When gathering and stacking temporary floor planks, the planks shall be removed successively, working toward the last panel of the temporary floor so that the work is always done from the planked floor.
5.9.7 When gathering and stacking temporary floor planks from the last panel, the employees assigned to such work shall be protected by a body harness and lanyard attached to a static line or other substantial anchorages.
5.9.8 Permanent floors shall be installed as the erection of structural members progresses, and there shall be no more than eight (8) stories or 120 feet, whichever is less, between the erection floor and the uppermost permanent floor, except where the structural integrity is maintained as a result of the design.
5.9.9 At no time shall there be more than four floors or 48 feet, whichever is less, of unfinished bolting or welding above the foundation or uppermost permanently secured floor.
5.10 Structural Steel Assembly
5.10.1 When connectors are working together, only one competent, a qualified person shall give the signals. The signal person shall make sure all employees working in the area are clear.
5.10.2 When connectors are working in pairs, one end of the piece shall be bolted before going out to connect the other end, and then only one of the connectors shall go out to fasten the other end.
5.10.3 Each beam shall be connected with a minimum of two bolts at each end.
5.10.4 Diagonal bracing shall be secured by at least one bolt per connection drawn up wrench tight or it’s equivalent as specified by the project structural engineer of record.
5.10.5 Double connections, sharing common connection bolts, shall maintain at least one bolt wrench-tight to secure the first member to the column to prevent displacement unless the first member is attached by a shop-attached or field–attached seat or equivalent connection device.
5.10.6 If connecting plugs are bent, the piece shall be sent back to the ground to be dressed properly.
5.10.7 When setting columns, before lifting falls are unhitched, four (4) anchor bolts shall be drawn down tight or temporary guys shall be affixed.
5.10.7.1 Column anchor bolts and splices shall be designed to resist a minimum eccentric load of 300 lb. located 18 inches from the extreme outer face of the column in each direction at the top of the column shaft.
5.10.7.2 Perimeter columns shall extend 48 inches above the finished floor to permit installation of perimeter safety cables prior to the erection of the next tier.
5.10.8 The perimeter columns shall have holes or other devices in or attached to the perimeter column at 42-45 inches above the finished floor and the midpoint between the finished floor and the top cable to permit installation of perimeter safety cables.
5.10.9 All columns shall be evaluated by a competent person to determine whether guying or bracing is needed.
5.10.10 A piece shall never be cut loose until the required two bolts or guying have been installed; a wrench or drift pin in the hole shall not be relied on.
5.10.11 Tags lines shall be used for controlling loads.
5.10.12 At no time shall connectors or other employees be allowed to ride the headache ball, hook or load. Other means of safe access shall be provided.
5.10.13 The area below the structural steel erection shall be barricaded, and “overhead work” warning signs shall be posted.
5.10.14 Only qualified riggers shall perform rigging work.
5.11 Assembly of Open Web Steel Joists and Girders
5.11.1 Open web steel joints shall not be placed on any structural steel framework unless such a framework is safety bolted or welded.
5.11.2 In steel framing where bar joists are utilized, and columns are not framed in at least two directions with structural steel members, a bar joint shall be field bolted at columns to provide lateral stability during construction as set forth in 1926.757(a).
5.11.3 Steel joist must be attached to the support structure at least at one end on both sides of the seat before additional joists are placed.
5.11.4 Where long-span joists or trusses 40 feet or longer are used, a center row of bolted bridging shall be installed to provide lateral stability during construction prior to the releasing of hoisting lines. The bridging shall be installed using Table A and Table B in 1926.757 (c).
5.11.5 No loads shall be placed on open web steel joists until properly secured.
5.11.6 Joist bridging bundles shall be landed and placed in accordance with CFR 1926.757(e).
5.11.7 Steel joist and steel joist girders shall not be used for fall protection anchorage unless written approval is obtained by a qualified person.
5.11.8 “K” series steel joists and girders shall be attached at each end to support structures with a minimum of two (2) 1/8th inch fillet welds or two (2) ½ inch bolts or the equivalent.
5.11.9 “LH” and “DLH” series steel joist and girders shall be attached at each end to support structures with a minimum of two 1/4th inch fillet welds or two (2) ¾ inch bolts or the equivalent.
5.11.10 No strength-effecting modifications of steel joist or steel joist girders shall be made without the approval of the project structural engineer of record.
5.11.11 Additional requirements for erecting, field bolting and attaching open web steel joist and steel joist girders and their components shall comply with CFR 1926.757
5.12 Bolting, Riveting, Drilling and Reaming, Fitting-up, and Plumbing-up
5.12.1 Pneumatic hand tools shall be disconnected from the power sources, and pressure in the hose lines shall be released before any adjustment or repairs to the tool is made.
5.12.2 Airline hose sections shall be tied together except when quick disconnect couplers are used to join sections. If “Chicago” type connections on couplers are used, they shall be wired or safety pins shall be used.
5.12.3 When bolts or drift pins are being knocked out, means shall be provided to keep the bolts or drift pins from falling.
5.12.4 Bolts, nuts, washers, and pins shall not be thrown. They shall be placed in bolt baskets or other approved containers and raised or lowered by using a line.
5.12.5 Impact wrenches shall be provided with a locking device for retaining the socket.
5.12.6 Drilling and reaming machines should be operated by two employees unless the handle is firmly secured to resist the torque reaction of the machine if the reaming or drilling bit should foul.
5.12.7 When deemed necessary by a competent person, plumbing-up equipment shall be installed to ensure the stability of the structure.
5.12.8 Connections of the equipment in plumbing-up shall be properly secured.
5.12.9 When the turnbuckle is under stress during plumbing, a device shall be used to keep the turnbuckle from unwinding while under the load.
5.12.10 Plumbing-up guys related equipment shall be placed so that employees can get at the connection points.
5.12.11 Plumbing-up equipment shall only be removed with the approval of a competent person.
5.12.12 Provisions shall be made to secure temporary flooring against displacement.
5.12.13 All unused openings in floors, temporary or permanent, shall be completely planked over or guarded in accordance with Subpart M of 29 CFR 1926.
5.13 Training
5.13.1 Training shall be conducted by a qualified person.
5.13.2 All employees exposed to fall hazards shall receive fall hazards training including:
5.13.2.1 Recognition and identification of fall hazards associated with the work area,
5.13.2.2 Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining and disassembling and inspecting fall protection equipment,
5.13.2.3 Procedures to prevent falls to lower levels and through or into holes and openings,
5.13.2.4 Fall protection requirements of 1926.760.
5.13.3 All employees who perform multiple lift rigging shall receive training in the nature of the hazards associated with the multiple lifts and the proper procedures and equipment necessary to perform multiple lifts.
5.13.4 Connector personnel shall receive training in the nature of the hazards associated with connecting and establishment of access, proper connecting techniques, and work practices.
5.13.5 Controlled decking zones (CDZ) shall not be used without the prior, written consent of the Corporate Safety Department.