Subpart R - Steel Erection

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for a site layout, site-specific erection plan and construction sequence.

Special Requirements: Controlling contractor, test method, written notification, pre-planning, approval, qualified person, guidelines, site-specific erection plan, references other standards

1926.752(a) - Approval to begin steel erection. Before authorizing the commencement of steel erection, the controlling contractor shall ensure that the steel erector is provided with the following written notifications:

• 1926.752(a)(1) - The concrete in the footings, piers and walls and the mortar in the masonry piers and walls has attained, on the basis of an appropriate ASTM standard test method of field-cured samples, either 75 percent of the intended minimum compressive design strength or sufficient strength to support the loads imposed during steel erection.
• 1926.752(a)(2) - Any repairs, replacements and modifications to the anchor bolts were conducted in accordance with 1926.755(b) - column anchorage.

1926.752(b) - Commencement of steel erection. A steel erection contractor shall not erect steel unless it has received written notification that the concrete in the footings, piers and walls or the mortar in the masonry piers and walls has attained, on the basis of an appropriate ASTM standard test method of field-cured samples, either 75 percent of the intended minimum compressive design strength or sufficient strength to support the loads imposed during steel erection.

1926.752(c) - Site layout. The controlling contractor shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained: [Reference paragraph (c)(1) - (2)].

1926.752(d) - Pre-planning of overhead hoisting operations. All hoisting operations in steel erection shall be pre-planned to ensure that the requirements of 1926.753(d) - hoisting and rigging, are met.

1926.752(e) - Site-specific erection plan. Where employers elect, due to conditions specific to the site, to develop alternate means and methods that provide employee protection in accordance with 1926.753(c)(5) - hosting and rigging, 1926.757(a)(4) - open web steel joists, or 1926.757(e)(4), a site-specific erection plan shall be developed by a qualified person and be available at the work site. Guidelines for establishing a site-specific erection plan are contained in appendix A - Guidelines for establishing the components of a site-specific erection plan: Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.752(e) to this subpart.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for hoisting and rigging.

Special Requirements: Inspections, competent person, pre-planned, trained, procedures, manufacturer's specifications and limitations,  rigging rating chart, load chart, site-specific erection plan, qualified rigger, qualified person, certified, references other standards

1926.753(a) - All the provisions of subpart CC - cranes and derricks in construction, apply to hoisting and rigging with the exception of 1926.1431(a) - hoisting personnel.

1926.753(c)(1) - Pre-shift visual inspection of cranes.

• 1926.753(c)(1)(i) - Cranes being used in steel erection activities shall be visually inspected prior to each shift by a competent person; the inspection shall include observation for deficiencies during operation. At a minimum this inspection shall include the following: [Reference paragraph (c)(1)(i) - (iv)].

1926.753(c)(2) - A qualified rigger (a rigger who is also a qualified person) shall inspect the rigging prior to each shift in accordance with 1926.251 - rigging equipment for material handling.

1926.753(c)(4) - Cranes or derricks may be used to hoist employees on a personnel platform when work under this subpart is being conducted, provided that all provisions of 1926.1431 - hoisting personnel [except for 1926.1431(a)] are met.

1926.753(c)(5)(i) - When a qualified rigger has determined that the hoisting and placing of purlins and single joists can be performed more safely by doing so; or

1926.753(c)(5)(ii) - When equivalent protection is provided in a site-specific erection plan.

1926.753(d)(1) - Routes for suspended loads shall be pre-planned to ensure that no employee is required to work directly below a suspended load except for: [Reference paragraph (d)(1)(i) - (ii)].

1926.753(d)(2)(iii) - All loads shall be rigged by a qualified rigger.

1926.753(e)(1)(iv) - All employees engaged in the multiple lift have been trained in these procedures in accordance with 1926.761(c)(1) - training.

1926.753(e)(1)(v) - No crane is permitted to be used for a multiple lift where such use is contrary to the manufacturer's specifications and limitations.

1926.753(e)(2) - Components of the multiple lift rigging assembly shall be specifically designed and assembled with a maximum capacity for total assembly and for each individual attachment point. This capacity, certified by the manufacturer or a qualified rigger, shall be based on the manufacturer's specifications with a 5 to 1 safety factor for all components.

1926.753(e)(3) - The total load shall not exceed:

• 1926.753(e)(3)(i) - The rated capacity of the hoisting equipment specified in the hoisting equipment load charts;
• 1926.753(e)(3)(ii) - The rigging capacity specified in the rigging rating chart.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for structural steel assembly.

Special Requirements: Registered engineer, competent person, drawings, painted, fall protection, marked, warning, approval, references other standards

1926.754(a) - Structural stability shall be maintained at all times during the erection process.

Note to paragraph (a): Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations incorporate by reference a number of standards, policies, and standard specifications published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and other organizations. (See 23 CFR 625.4). Many of these incorporated provisions may be relevant to maintaining structural stability during the erection process. For instance, as of May 17, 2010, in many cases FHWA requires a Registered Engineer to prepare and seal working drawings for falsework used in highway bridge construction. (See AASHTO Specifications for Highway Bridges, Div. II, § 3.2.1, 15th edition, 1992, which FHWA incorporates by reference in 23 CFR 625.4). FHWA also encourages compliance with AASHTO Specifications that the FHWA regulations do not currently incorporate by reference. (See http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/lrfd/index.htm.)

1926.754(d)(1) - When deemed necessary by a competent person, plumbing-up equipment shall be installed in conjunction with the steel erection process to ensure the stability of the structure.

1926.754(d)(3) - Plumbing-up equipment shall be removed only with the approval of a competent person.

1926.754(e)(1)(iii) - Bundles of metal decking on joists shall be landed in accordance with 1926.757(e)(4) - open web steel joists.

1926.754(e)(2)(ii) - Roof and floor holes and openings shall be decked over. Where large size, configuration or other structural design does not allow openings to be decked over (such as elevator shafts, stair wells, etc.) employees shall be protected in accordance with 1926.760(a)(1) - fall protection.

1926.754(e)(3)(iii) - All covers shall be painted with high-visibility paint or shall be marked with the word "HOLE" or "COVER" to provide warning of the hazard.

1926.754(e)(4) - Decking gaps around columns. Wire mesh, exterior plywood, or equivalent, shall be installed around columns where planks or metal decking do not fit tightly. The materials used must be of sufficient strength to provide fall protection for personnel and prevent objects from falling through.

1926.754(e)(5)(i) - Except as provided in 1926.760(c) - fall protection, metal decking shall be laid tightly and immediately secured upon placement to prevent accidental movement or displacement.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for column anchorage.

Special Requirements: Competent person, structural engineer (of record), controlling contractor, approval, written notification

1926.755(a)(4) - All columns shall be evaluated by a competent person to determine whether guying or bracing is needed; if guying or bracing is needed, it shall be installed.

1926.755(b)(1) - Anchor rods (anchor bolts) shall not be repaired, replaced or field-modified without the approval of the project structural engineer of record.

1926.755(b)(2) - Prior to the erection of a column, the controlling contractor shall provide written notification to the steel erector if there has been any repair, replacement or modification of the anchor rods (anchor bolts) of that column.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for beams and columns.

Special Requirements: Project structural engineer (on record), erection drawings, competent person

1926.756(a)(1) - During the final placing of solid web structural members, the load shall not be released from the hoisting line until the members are secured with at least two 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, except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section.

1926.756(a)(2) - A competent person shall determine if more than two bolts are necessary to ensure the stability of cantilevered members; if additional bolts are needed, they shall be installed.

1926.756(b) - Diagonal bracing. Solid web structural members used as diagonal bracing shall be secured by at least one bolt per connection drawn up wrench-tight or the equivalent as specified by the project structural engineer of record.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for open web steel joists.

Special Requirements: Qualified person, erection drawings, alternative method, site-specific erection plan (documentation), project structural engineer (record), approval (written), fall arrest system, erection drawings, references other standards

1926.757(a)(2) - Where constructability does not allow a steel joist to be installed at the column: [Reference paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) - (D)].

• 1926.757(a)(2)(i)(B) - be designed by a qualified person.
• 1926.757(a)(2)(i)(D) - be included in the erection drawings.

1926.757(a)(4) - Where steel joists at or near columns span more than 60 feet (18.3 m), the joists shall be set in tandem with all bridging installed unless an alternative method of erection, which provides equivalent stability to the steel joist, is designed by a qualified person and is included in the site-specific erection plan.

1926.757(a)(7) - No modification that affects the strength of a steel joist or steel joist girder shall be made without the approval of the project structural engineer of record.

1926.757(a)(9) - Steel joists and steel joist girders shall not be used as anchorage points for a fall arrest system unless written approval to do so is obtained from a qualified person.

1926.757(d)(4) - For steel members spanning over 144 feet (43.9 m), the erection methods used shall be in accordance with 1926.756 - beams and columns.

1926.757(d)(6)(i) - The bridging shall be indicated on the erection drawing.

1926.757(d)(6)(ii) - The erection drawing shall be the exclusive indicator of the proper placement of this bridging.

1926.757(e)(4) - No bundle of decking may be placed on steel joists until all bridging has been installed and anchored and all joist bearing ends attached, unless all of the following conditions are met: [Reference paragraph (e)(4)(i) - (vi)].

• 1926.757(e)(4)(i) - The employer has first determined from a qualified person and documented in a site-specific erection plan that the structure or portion of the structure is capable of supporting the load.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for systems-engineered metal buildings.

Special Requirements: Qualified person, written approval, fall arrest system, fall protection (safety systems), references other standards

1926.758(a) - All of the requirements of this subpart apply to the erection of systems-engineered metal buildings except 1926.755 (column anchorage) and 1926.757 (open web steel joists).

1926.758(g) - Purlins and girts shall not be used as an anchorage point for a fall arrest system unless written approval is obtained from a qualified person.

1926.758(h) - Purlins may only be used as a walking/working surface when installing safety systems, after all permanent bridging has been installed and fall protection is provided.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for falling object protection.

Special Requirements: Controlling contractor

1926.759(b) - Protection from falling objects other than materials being hoisted. The controlling contractor shall bar other construction processes below steel erection unless overhead protection for the employees below is provided.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for fall protection.

Special Requirements: Fall protection systems, controlled decking zones, steel erector, training, authorizing persons, custody, inspections, connectors, references other standards 

1926.760(a)(1) - Except as provided by paragraph (a)(3) of this section, each employee engaged in a steel erection activity who is on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge more than 15 feet (4.6 m) above a lower level shall be protected from fall hazards by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems or fall restraint systems.

1926.760(a)(3) - Connectors and employees working in controlled decking zones shall be protected from fall hazards as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, respectively.

1926.760(b) - Connectors. Each connector shall:

• 1926.760(b)(2) - Have completed connector training in accordance with 1926.761 - training; and
• 1926.760(b)(3) - Be provided, at heights over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level, with a personal fall arrest system, positioning device system or fall restraint system and wear the equipment necessary to be able to be tied off; or be provided with other means of protection from fall hazards in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

1926.760(c) - Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ). A controlled decking zone may be established in that area of the structure over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level where metal decking is initially being installed and forms the leading edge of a work area. In each CDZ, the following shall apply: [Reference paragraph (c)(1) - (7)].

1926.760(d) - Criteria for fall protection equipment.

• 1926.760(d)(1) - Guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems and their components shall conform to the criteria in 1926.502 - Fall protection systems criteria and practices (see appendix G - 1926.502 (b)-(e) Fall Protection Systems Criteria and Practices) to this subpart).
• 1926.760(d)(2) - Fall arrest system components shall be used in fall restraint systems and shall conform to the criteria in 1926.502 - Fall protection systems criteria and practices (see appendix G - 1926.502 (b)-(e) Fall Protection Systems Criteria and Practices). Either body belts or body harnesses shall be used in fall restraint systems.
• 1926.760(d)(3) - Perimeter safety cables shall meet the criteria for guardrail systems in 1926.502 - Fall protection systems criteria and practices (see appendix G - 1926.502 (b)-(e) Fall Protection Systems Criteria and Practices).

1926.760(e) - Custody of fall protection. Fall protection provided by the steel erector shall remain in the area where steel erection activity has been completed, to be used by other trades, only if the controlling contractor or its authorized representative:

• 1926.760(e)(1) - Has directed the steel erector to leave the fall protection in place; and
• 1926.760(e)(2) - Has inspected and accepted control and responsibility of the fall protection prior to authorizing persons other than steel erectors to work in the area.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for training.

Special Requirements: Training, qualified person, training program(s), instruction, employee participation, procedures, work practices, connecting techniques, CDZ, references other standards

The following provisions supplement the requirements of 1926.21 - Safety training and education, regarding the hazards addressed in this subpart.

1926.761(a) - Training personnel. Training required by this section shall be provided by a qualified person(s).

1926.761(b) - Fall hazard training. The employer shall train each employee exposed to a fall hazard in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. The program shall include training and instruction in the following areas: [Reference paragraph (b)(1) - (5)].

1926.761(c) - Special training programs. In addition to the training required in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the employer shall provide special training to employees engaged in the following activities.

• 1926.761(c)(1) - Multiple lift rigging procedure. The employer shall ensure that each employee who performs multiple lift rigging has been provided training in the following areas:
  • 1926.761(c)(1)(ii) - The proper procedures and equipment to perform multiple lifts required by 1926.753(e) - hoisting and rigging, multiple lift rigging procedure.
• 1926.761(c)(2) - Connector procedures. The employer shall ensure that each connector has been provided training in the following areas:
  • 1926.761(c)(2)(ii) - The establishment, access, proper connecting techniques and work practices required by 1926.756(c) - beams and columns, and 1926.760(b) - fall protection, connectors.
• 1926.761(c)(3) - Controlled Decking Zone Procedures. Where CDZs are being used, the employer shall assure that each employee has been provided training in the following areas:

  • 1926.761(c)(3)(ii) - The establishment, access, proper installation techniques and work practices required by 1926.760(c) - fall protection, CDZ, and 1926.754(e) - structural steel assembly, metal decking.