|
News
|
|
 Torque wrenches deliver the power and accuracy required to tighten nuts and bolts while preventing structural damage. These tools ensure that connections are tightened according to engineering specifications and prevent loosening while a structure or piece of equipment is in use. Torque wrenches also prevent over-tightening, which can damage threads, shorten the lifespan of a connection or cause sudden structural failure.
When choosing industrial torque wrenches and multipliers, you’ll need to consider project specifications, maneuverability and available or preferred power source. It’s important to remember that your initial purchase or rental is not only about procuring the product — it’s about the subsequent service. Every torque tool requires yearly calibration, so make sure the supplier you’re considering can provide annual calibration services, certificates and necessary repairs. Read on for what to consider when selecting a torque wrench for your application and some important safety reminders. Types of Industrial Torque Wrenches High-capacity torque wrenches can either be hydraulic, manual, electric, battery-powered, or pneumatic. Torque wrenches can be categorized further depending on their design and intended application. Manual (Click-Type) Torque Wrench These hand-operated tools can be set to deliver a specific amount of torque and will “click” once the desired torque has been reached. Click-type torque wrenches are best for jobs in tight spaces or with low visibility, since the wrench will give an audible cue once it achieves the preset torque. These tools have long lifespans, few parts or accessories and are fairly simple to use. Torque Multiplier For bolts that require a high amount of torque (or have been over-tightened), torque multipliers can deliver additional torque without requiring extra force on the part of the operator. Torque multipliers are essential for maintaining worker safety while tightening or loosening bolts by hand. Multipliers can also increase torque at small intervals at a very slow pace, reducing the risk of over-torquing or worker injury. Electric Torque Wrench With the ability to deliver more precise accuracy than an analogue tool, corded or battery-powered electric torque wrenches can be preset to a desired torque within ±3% to ±5% repeatable accuracy. If you choose to go untethered with a battery-powered torque wrench, have extra batteries or a charger on hand. If corded electric torque wrenches are your preference, be sure there is adequate clean power that allows you to safely reach your work area. This includes the proper generators (no welding generators or boom lifts) and/or properly installed spider boxes that output the correct power for the tools. If extension cords are necessary, anything longer than 150 ft. is not recommended. Hydraulic Torque Wrench When it comes to larger jobs, hydraulic torque wrenches are able to deliver over 25,000 ft.-lbs. of torque. They come in square-drive or low-profile designs called cassettes, which consist of the cassette and drive unit. Hydraulic wrenches themselves are quite light, but are accompanied by heavy systems that can carry a high price tag. Hydraulic systems include pumps and a stiff hose that can be difficult to move. Hydraulic torque wrenches also carry safety concerns related to pinch hazards and hydraulic fluid leaks, and should only be used by trained operators. Pneumatic Torque Wrench Like hydraulic tools, pneumatic torque wrenches can deliver much higher torque than a manual or electric wrench, but require additional equipment like an air hose and compressor. Torque Wrench Considerations The type and model of torque wrench you choose depends on your specific use case. Some considerations are fairly straightforward — torque range, size, power source — while some are often overlooked during the buying or rental process. Here is a list of questions to consider while making your torque tool selection:
Torque Wrench Safety Tips Be sure that all operators are briefed on safe handling and precautions before using any high-capacity torque tools. Here are some general safety guidelines to keep in mind:
Read the full article from GWY here. This Safety Flash was contributed by Don Laro, Sales and Marketing Manager for GWY, 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.
Project of the Year Entries for Project of the Year could be submitted in four classes for Structural Construction based on contract value for that portion of the job. In addition, the association opened a new category last year for Miscellaneous Metals in two classes. This category includes bridges, decking, ornamental steel, reinforcing steel, and steel fabrication projects. In all, five companies were recognized for effectively solving unique jobsite challenges while safely completing projects. Project submissions are reviewed and selected by an independent panel of judges. Connector, the associations official publication, will feature each project in-depth in issues throughout the year. The Summer issue will highlight Structural Steel: Class I winner Hodges Erectors and Miscellaneous Metals: Class I and II winners Basden Steel Corporation and Shelby Erectors. Structural Steel: Class III and IV winners Derr Gruenewald Construction and Williams Steel Erection will be featured in the Fall issue.  Safety Excellence & Craft Training Excellence Awards 2023 Safety Excellence Awards goes to seven member companies in three categories with excellent 2022 safety records. Recipients were selected based on evaluations of their EMR ratings, OSHA 300A statistics, and safety program processes over the last three years. Scoring was based on points assigned to a multi-criteria analysis, conducted in blind review by members of SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence winners will be featured in the Winter issue of Connector.  Two companies were recognized for the 2023 Craft Training Award. Applicants were evaluated on the portability of credentials, availability of apprenticeship programs, training, and recruitment efforts. Evaluations for the Craft Training Excellence award are made in comparison to other companies of similar size, based on the number of ironworkers employed from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022. Note that there were not submissions by employers in all size categories for 2023. The World Class honorees each receive $1,500 to further their training program initiatives.   Photo: Representatives of Crane Risk Logic join panel discussion at the 2023 SEAA Convention discussing crane risk management principles. June 7, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces it has entered into an agreement to collaborate with Crane Risk Logic, a technology and data service provider dedicated to global crane risk improvement.
As such, SEAA supports member company participation in the Crane Risk Logic Federation, which is a joint venture administered by Crane Risk Logic with the Crane Safety Research Lab at Texas A&M University on behalf of crane users, OEMs, trade groups, and related industry stakeholders. “Crane safety is one of the two most important aspects of steel construction—the other being fall protection,” said David Deem, President of SEAA. “The goal of our collaboration is to reduce and mitigate crane risks for our members, through access to research, training materials, and insights from subject matter experts,” he said. Crane Risk Logic and the Crane Safety Research Lab uses an innovative information exchange between crane designers, manufacturers, and owners, and organizations that transport, erect, and dismantle cranes, as well as site supervisors and safety managers of crane operations. “Findings are generated from anonymous accident data, real-time telematics, and equipment and device testing using engineering-based research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Predictive Analytics models and other tools,” explained Kevin Cunningham, President and CEO of Crane Risk Logic. “As the knowledge base grows, the more accurate and powerful the information becomes for everyone participating in the Federation. When we know better, we do better,” said Jim Wiethorn, P.E., and founder of Crane Risk Logic and ICC Forensics. The impetus for the Crane Safety Research Lab was a catalog of crane accident causes gathered by Wiethorn over a span of 35 years. “SEAA is committed to continual investment in our industry by connecting industry leaders, creating a strong network of support, and increasing member value through collaborations such as this,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. This agreement is the latest in a series of investments SEAA has made in hiring, training, insurance, and risk mitigation tools for its members. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at SEAA.net. May 15, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces it has partnered with BBSI to provide a special insurance program in which SEAA members receive discounts. As the preferred vendor, BBSI provides SEAA members an automatic 10 percent discount on their workers’ compensation premium, an opportunity to earn back 5 percent based on claims performance, and reimbursement of certification fees for achieving and maintaining AISC certification.
“BBSI is a leading provider of organizational infrastructure solutions that are customed to the unique needs of business owners in all 50 states. Member companies will be assigned to a dedicated team to assist them,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. In addition to workers’ comp programs, BBSI also offers access to group health insurance and 401k programs, and other services, including payroll administration, staffing and recruiting, and timekeeping. “The majority of our members are small businesses. Offering services such as this helps to stretch their investment in SEAA and provides solutions for workforce challenges,” said Gum. Members can contact Tucker Smith at tucker.smith@bbsi.com or memberservices@seaa.net for more information. Not a member and want to learn more about other benefits of joining? Contact Pete Gum at executivedirector@seaa.net. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at SEAA.net. Media Contact Tracy Bennett 816-536-7903 tbennett@mightymomedia.com The 10th Annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction will take place May 1-5, 2023. This initiative from OSHA helps to raise awareness on fall hazards in an effort to reduce fall fatalities and injuries. In 2021, there were 17 fatalities in the structural steel and precast concrete contractors’ sector and 11 of them were due to a fall, slip or trip, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“In the first three quarters of FY 2022, OSHA conducted over 9,700 inspections in the construction industry, of which 47% identified fall hazards with over $34 million in penalties issued for serious and willful violations in fall protection,” said Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs said in an interview about OSHA’s 2022 Top 10 Citations list. The list shows that OSHA cited 5,260 violations for Fall Protection-General Requirements in 2022, making it the number one most frequently cited workplace safety standard for the 12th year in a row. Fall Protection- Training Requirements also made the list as number eight. Four of the top ten citations are related to working as height which is why OSHA encourages employers to participate in the initiative by hold Safety Stand Down meetings the first week of May. Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity like conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about falls and other job hazards they see. In support of the National Safety Stand-Down, SEAA has created a Safety Stand Down page with lots of resources. Our downloadable posters are available for free to the public. The new poster for the 2023 Safety Stand Down, How to Make JSA’s Intentional, provides suggestions on how to complete a job safety analysis and getting the whole team involved in order to keep safety at the forefront of the job. Additional resources provide insight into related topics, such as fall prevention for loading and unloading trailers, wind hazards on elevated work platforms, protecting retractable lifelines from arcing damage, and more. Visit the Safety Stand Down Resources page for best practices. Resources: Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries Summary, 2021 OSHA’s Top 10 Citations of 2022 Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities, 2021. NAISC code 23812 This Safety Flash was contributed in cooperation with SEAA’s Safety Committee. It is 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. April 4, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has selected the winning hard hat sticker design in a contest it hosted on social media in January and February. The hard hat sticker will be offered as part of the association’s recognition of OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, May 1-5, 2023.
|
RSS Feed
