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32 TheStructuralEngineer Professional guidance

July 2013 Health and Safety

Managing Health & Safety Risks

No. 18: Hazards in structural

steelwork - fabrication
and erection

Steelwork engineering includes the

tasks of design, fabrication and erection.
Designers have a role to play in eliminating
hazards and minimising risks associated
with fabrication and erection, even though
these activities may be undertaken by a
specialist company. Designers need to be
aware of what the risks are and play their
part in helping to reduce them, even if the
contractual responsibility lies with others. It
is critical that the allocation of responsibility
is clear at all times.

Fabrication
The hazards within fabrication relate to
the activities of handling, cutting, welding
and painting. Most responsible companies
will have proper procedures for receiving
heavy steel units and handling and stacking
them. Poor stacking (especially on site) can
lead to instability of the units, which in turn,
pose a serious risk of injury or even fatality,
should the units topple. Robust facilities
are required for everyday handling, such
that operatives are not placed at risk of
injury. Cut hands from coping with sharp
corners, damaged feet from the dropping
of heavy objects and back injuries from
incorrect/inappropriate lifting are all too
common occurrences. Many activities such
as cutting or welding generate sparks which
are hazardous to skin and eyes. Clearly,
proper protective clothing is required to
prevent burns, including gloves and eye
protectors. Protection from fumes may also
be required. Protective footwear is also
essential, as is protective head gear.
Loading and unloading vehicles for
transport is hazardous. Typical risks are
associated with poorly co-ordinated
stacking and from unsecured loads
falling (either en route or at the delivery
destination). Proper facilities must be
provided for loading and unloading, such
that unstable stacking is avoided. Storage
arrangements must be such, so as not to
overload any supporting structure.
Welding presents a number of specific
risks. Suitable eye protection, in addition
to protection from heat, is required.
Appropriate masks conforming to relevant
standards should be used (these also
prevent eye glare). The fumes from welding
are hazardous and proper ventilation
is required both locally and within the
fabrication shop or site area (especially in
confined spaces). A particular danger is
linked to the welding of galvanised steel.
The zinc vaporises and inhaling the fumes
can create an adverse reaction.
Sparks from welding are a hazard to
anyone in the vicinity (a significant issue
on site) and have been known to start fires.
Generally, a ‘hot works permit’ is required.
All welding requires the provision of safe
and convenient access platforms: again a
particular issue on site.
Erection
Hazards during erection may include all
the aforementioned, with the addition of
temporary instability.
Most steelwork companies are well
prepared to deal with any issues that arise
but designers still have an important role to
play. For example by:
• Ensuring the contractor is provided with
adequate information and taking steps to
avoid or minimise interim instability issues
• Considering the size of components
relative to normal industry capability
• Controlling unit size where manual
handling is required
• Where reasonable:
• Avoiding the need for welding on site
• Avoiding the need for welding in
confined spaces
Further information can be found via the
websites and publications of the British
Constructional Steelwork Association
(BCSA) at: www.steelconstruction.org and
the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) at:
www.steel-sci.com

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