Steel erection for construction activities

Scope

The steel erection rule has requirements to protect employees from the hazards associated with steel erection activities involved in the construction, alteration, and/or repair of single and multi-story buildings, bridges, and other structures where steel erection occurs. It does not cover electrical transmission towers, communication and broadcast towers, or tanks.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R — Steel erection

Key definitions

• Column: A load-carrying vertical member that is part of the primary skeletal framing system. Columns do not include posts.
• 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 authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
• 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—its planning, quality and completion.
• 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.
• Decking hole: A gap or void more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) in its least dimension and less than 12 inches (30.5 cm) in its greatest dimension in a floor, roof or other walking/working surface. Pre-engineered holes in cellular decking (for wires, cables, etc.) are not included in this definition.
• Metal decking: A commercially manufactured, structural grade, cold rolled metal panel formed into a series of parallel ribs; this includes metal floor and roof decks, standing seam metal roofs, other metal roof systems and other products such as bar gratings, checker plate, expanded metal panels, and similar products. After installation and proper fastening, these decking materials serve a combination of functions including, but not limited to:
  • A structural element designed in combination with the structure to resist, distribute and transfer loads, stiffen the structure and provide a diaphragm action;
  • A walking/working surface;
  • A form for concrete slabs;
  • A support for roofing systems; and
  • A finished floor or roof.
• 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.
• Opening: A gap or void 12 inches (30.5 cm) or more in its least dimension in a floor, roof or other walking/working surface. For the purposes of this subpart, skylights and smoke domes that do not meet the strength requirements of 1926.754(e)(3) shall be regarded as openings.
• 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.
• Qualified person: One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Summary of requirements

In general, the standard requires covered employers to:

• Receive from the controlling contractor:
  • Written notification that the concrete has field-cured as required and anchor-bolt repairs were done properly.
  • Verification that adequate access roads have been constructed on the jobsite.
  • Verification that there is enough storage space for materials and safe operation of equipment.
• Pre-plan all overhead hoisting operations.
• If needed, have a qualified person develop a site-specific erection plan.
• Perform a pre-shift visual inspection of cranes to be used.
• Plan routes for suspended loads to ensure no employee is required to work below the load, except in very specific instances.
• Plan for multiple-lift rigging.
• Maintain structural steel stability at all times during the erection process.
• Cover roof and floor openings.
• Anchor all columns with a minimum of four anchor rods.
• Evaluate (by a competent person) all columns to determine if they need guying or bracing.
• Secure solid web structural members with at least two bolts per connection before releasing the load from the hoisting line.
• Provide needed fall protection and require employees to use it.
• Provide training as required.