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The Project of the Year Award is for SEAA members that topped out a steel erection project I from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023. Applications can be submitted using a simple online form and supporting documents. Structural steel projects will compete in one of four classes, determined by the dollar value of the erection contract. Miscellaneous metals projects will compete in one of two classes, based on contract value amount. Submissions are evaluated by an independent panel of judges based solely on information presented with each submission.
The Safety Excellence Award acknowledges SEAA members in good standing that go above and beyond in the effort to provide ironworkers a safe place to work, while the Craft Training Excellence Award is for companies that are playing a critical role in the development of skilled ironworkers. Winners are selected in blind presentation by SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. Winners are recognized during the Awards Ceremony at SEAA’s 2024 National Convention & Trade Show and will be invited to participate in panel discussions. The Project of the Year panelists discuss issues and challenges and how they work to overcome them. The Safety and Craft Training panelists share best practices for recruiting and vetting workers, how to implement training programs, and how to solve the safety challenges all companies face. Project of the Year Safety & Craft Training Excellence  Whether you're a steel erector or a metal decking company, a butterfly roof anchor is a common choice for decking activities and accessing work areas, but there can be a catch. It’s critical to choose the right roof anchor because some are specifically designed for residential wood structures installed on the peak of the roof and NOT for steel erection or metal decking. After ANSI Z359.18-2017 was approved in August 2017, manufacturers’ product development teams started looking at the new rigorous anchor requirements. Even though the butterfly is an OSHA rated anchor, it is still a single user anchor, which is now deemed necessary for fastening through decking and purlin to ensure proper strength. Manufacturers updated their user manuals to reflect the changes but there was no memo to reflect the change from some manufacturers. Steel erectors and decking companies still had the old user manual stating screws did not have to penetrate a structural member underneath deck sheet. Before you get stuck with the wrong anchor, let's dive into the details. Know the Regulations OSHA's Subpart 1926.758(g) states that purlins and girts can't be used as anchorage points for fall arrest systems without written approval from a qualified person. So, before putting any system into use, make sure to submit a letter of override to ensure you're complying with safety standards and not compromising the structural integrity of the steel purlins.  Review Product Materials and Manuals The hinged roof anchors from major fall protection equipment manufacturers like Fall Tech, Safewaze, and 3M are often referred to as butterfly roof anchors and can be used on metal deck sheets in pre-engineered buildings with z-purlins. Falltech's Engineering Manager, Zack Winters, emphasizes that their model #7410 anchor can withstand a 5000 lb. load when fastened properly to a minimum 20-gauge steel deck. Just make sure to use the recommended fasteners and follow the installation instructions. Safewaze and 3M user manuals state a minimum 22-gauge metal roofing/decking over minimum 16-gauge Z-purlin. Fall Tech is the same with the exception of minimum 14-gauge Z-purlin instead of 16-gauge.  But what about different types of deck sheets? For floor deck sheets, which are usually 18-gauge, you’ll need to fill in the screw holes to prevent concrete leakage. And when it comes to commercial or industrial roof deck sheets, typically 22-gauge, the butterfly roof anchors won’t work on top of them alone. However, research shows that all three manufacturers allow screwing the butterfly anchor into a structural member underneath the deck sheet, such as a purlin. Other Considerations Installation manuals don’t provide information on anchoring butterflies to metal decking over steel bar joists or I-beams. You’ll need to assess the structure’s components, sheet gauge, purlin size, and availability to find the best anchor solution. And remember, an anchor system installed using columns or overhead can eliminate holes in deck sheets and purlins, providing greater fall distance clearances and less paperwork hassle with OSHA. So, next time you're choosing a roof anchor, keep these insights in mind. Safety first! References: DBI Sala, User Instruction Manual Hinged Roof Anchor Model Number: 2103676 Fall Tech, Metal Frame Structure Anchor 7410M User Instruction Manual Supplement Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (1970). Occupational safety and health standards: Occupational health and environmental control (Standard No. 1926 Subpart R) Safewaze, FS870 / FS870N / FS870S Reusable Roof Anchor Winters, Frost, July 31, 2019, #7410 Anchorage Connector in Metal Deck Applications, Fall Tech This Safety Flash was contributed by, Jeremy McAllister, Safety Director for Gardner-Watson, in cooperation with SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. It’s designed to keep members informed about ongoing safety issues and to provide suggestions for reducing risk. Best practices are gathered from a variety of sources. They may be more or less stringent than individual corporate policies and are not intended to be an official recommendation from SEAA. Always get approval and direction from your company officers on any new practice or procedure as these best practices may not work for all situations.
Everyone benefits when a worker avoids injury. Submit your ideas for Safety Flash to admin@seaa.net. SEAA has partnered with member company Flawless Steel Welding to form a new peer group in Denver, Colorado. This Denver Peer Group aims to bring together individuals that are passionate about the steel industry to foster collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing. Whether you have years of experience or are just starting out in the field, this group provides a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest industry trends.
If you're interested in kick-starting this peer group, we encourage you to join us on August 23rd at the Raices Brewing Company from 5-8 PM. We welcome Union or Non-Union Erectors, Fabricators, Project Managers, Safety Coordinators, Engineers, Architects, Vendors, and all steel professionals to join us on this exciting journey. To get involved or learn more about the SEAA Peer Group in Denver, please reach out to Victor Garcia at Victor@fsw-denver.com. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with industry peers, expand your professional network, and contribute to the growth of the steel erection community in Denver.
 Back at the Lonnie Poole Golf Club, the annual Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament Fundraiser will be held on October 13, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The fundraiser supports the association's Craft Training Grants and other Safety and Education Projects. More than $40,000 has been awarded in grants and put towards the development of training videos. In addition, World Class winners of the Craft Training Excellence Award each receive $1500 for future craft training programs.
In 2021, the annual tournament was renamed in memory of Dave Schulz, SEAA President (2019-2020), who was instrumental in organizing the event for many years. As Vice President of Schulz Iron Works, Dave was passionate about safety and was a big supporter of the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Craft Training Program. The tournament is open to members and non-members. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place teams, longest drive, closest to the pin, and more. Fees include green fee, cart, range balls, lunch, and beverages. The Lonnie Poole Golf Club at NC State University was designed by Arnold Palmer and the design team at Arnold Palmer Design Company. With views of the Raleigh skyline and the Centennial Campus, the course is consistently ranked as one of the best places to play, including making the Top 25 Best Collegiate Golf Courses in the US by Golf Advisor in 2023. Interested in sponsoring the golf tournament? There are more than a dozen sponsorships for the fundraiser including an on-course promotional tent, company logo on the golf balls, beverage carts, team sponsors, unlimited tee/hole sponsors, and SO much more. Prior to the Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament, the association will host a Meet & Greet Reception at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Crabtree on October 12 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The reception provides members and non-members an opportunity to get to know other steel professionals in the area. SEAA is seeking three vendors or service providers who will partner with us. Meet & Greet Sponsorships have the opportunity to present a short non-promotional presentation to an exclusive group of erectors, fabricators, and contractors. If you are interested in securing a sponsorship please contact the SEAA office at admin@seaa.net.  Tom McAleese, Account Manager for Mazzella Companies, and formerly of Indusco Wire Rope & Supplies, recently retired from a lifelong career in the rigging supply business. “Tom’s extensive experience in crane ropes, block applications, rigging and fall protection enabled him to offer valuable information to erector members over the years,” said David Deem, President of SEAA. “He has been my go-to guy when it comes to rigging inspection and safety.” He first got involved in SEAA in the late 1980s. During that time, he served as a SEAA Director for more than 20 years. SEAA launched the Trade Show as part of Convention in 1993. “Tom was instrumental in the development and ultimate success of the event, including recruiting other vendors to participate,” said Deem. “Tom skillfully handled coordination of exhibitors and promoted networking among the attendees. In later years, his coordination of the fishing tournament made it a favorite excursion. His contributions to the Events Committee will be immensely missed. On a personal note, Tom offered me guidance and support when I was initially elected to the Board. I appreciate all he has done,” said Carrie Gulajan, SEAA Vice President and Chairperson of the Events Committee.  During its annual convention in April 2023 in St. Augustine, Florida, Geoff Kress, President of Gardner-Watson Decking, Oldsmar, Florida, and Bryan McClure, Partner in Trivent Safety Consulting, Westminster, Colorado, received two of the association’s most prestigious recognitions.
Kress received the William Davis Service award, and McClure was named Person of the Year. The William Davis Service Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a life-long commitment to service in the steel construction industry. The award is the association’s highest honor, and is not issued annually. Recipients of the Person of the Year award have dedicated many hours supporting the association and providing their expertise. |
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