Steel erection and decking

Fall prevention is far more effective than fall protection -the former removes the hazard by eliminating or reducing the need to work at height. Decisions about the work methods and the erection sequence to be used have to be taken during the planning phase, as liaison will normally be required with designers and manufacturers. 

Falls through fragile roofing material, rooflights and 

Falls while walking on covered or open purlins and on ridges. It is never safe to walk on purlins or lines of bolts. 

All possible bolting up and connecting should be done at low, preferably ground, level. Work that has to be done at height is best carried out by using other means such as mobile towers or MEWPs for access, provided that the ground conditions are suitable. 

The hazards to be considered and controlled during the steel erection process include falls of people and material, the potential for structural collapse through temporary instability, the manual handling and slinging of the steelwork, and the means of lifting it into place. 

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