Bolts, nuts, and washers should be installed in accordance with the project specifications and manufacturer requirements. Components from different manufacturers or lots should not be mixed unless specifically permitted. Proper bolt storage and testing (as required) are critical steps in maintaining quality and safety. Workers involved in bolting activities should inspect all bolts, nuts, and washers before installation. Damaged, corroded, or incorrect hardware should never be used. Prior to accessing the structure ensure all personnel are trained in fall protection and have the proper equipment needed to protect them from falls while working at elevation. During initial steel erection, often partial connections are made to secure beams and braces to columns, until final alignment can be completed. Partial connections help stabilize the structure and allow crews to safely proceed with additional erection activities. However, you must ensure that structural stability is maintained at all times during the erection process. No structural member should be released from a hoist until the minimum number of bolts have been installed. Failure to properly secure structural members can result in movement, collapse, or serious injury. OSHA requires a minimum of 2 bolts per connection, of the same size and strength as shown in the erection drawings, drawn up wrench-tight or the equivalent as specified by the project structural engineer of record. A competent person shall determine if more than two bolts are necessary to ensure structural stability. If additional bolts are needed, they must be installed. Final connections represent the last stage of structural steel fastening. This is the stage at which all bolts will be properly tensioned. These connections often require inspection, verification of bolt tension, and confirmation that all components have been installed according to engineering requirements. Do not place decking bundles or other concentrated construction loads on framing that has only erection bolts installed unless the erection plan or engineer has specifically authorized it. Workers should never remove temporary supports or erection aids until authorized by the competent person and all required final connections have been completed. Successful bolting and final connection activities depend on proper planning, training, and attention to detail. By following established procedures, using the correct equipment, and maintaining a strong safety culture, steel erection crews can help ensure structural stability while protecting themselves and their coworkers from injury. Every connection matters, and every worker has a responsibility to make safety the first connection on every job. OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R – Steel Erection Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC), Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges This Safety Flash was contributed Jason Farris, Executive Vice President, Safety, Cooper Steel, 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 a Safety Flash to [email protected]. Comments are closed.
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