Erecting Structures

Introduction

The safety implications in erecting a structure relate to the materials used and the particular construction process adopted. The safety implications must be considered in the initial design and should be analysed under the following broad headings:

• Stability - Any special or unusual features of the structural design which may affect stability during erection should be emphasised in the Health and Safety Plan so that the Contractor can take the appropriate steps to ensure stability.
• Sequence of erection - Consideration should be given to the installation of floors , walkways and staircases as erection progresses to improve safe access.
• Loading during construction - i.e. men , materials, equipment, weather and components. Means of component connection should be carefully considered including the possibility of minimising the need for such connections at height.
• Access and working space - Every opportunity should be taken to design in safe access and safe places of work.
• Handling of materials and components has many hazardous features and Designers can mitigate these by, for example, specifying lighter and smaller components which are to be manually handled (i.e. consider the roof worker installing large roofing panels at height in a strong wind).
• Transportation of materials

Method of Construction

A method of construction should be devised to ensure that there is at least one possible safe method of erecting the structure.

The Designer's method of construction does not dictate a particular method but it does allow safety hazards to be identified. It is for the Contractor to choose a particular method of construction and produce a Method Statement.

Other Considerations

• Ladders and scaffolding.
• Relevant structural calculations and assumptions affecting the stability of the structure during all stages of construction.
• Relevant loading conditions encountered during construction. These may include:
  • self weight,
  • wind, snow, ice,
  • ponding water,
  • temporary imposed loads, (plant, materials, fixings, work-force)
  • dynamic effects,
  • access equipment,
  • imposed loads from other activities.
• Temporary Support. These may include:
  • bracing,
  • temporary restraints,
  • anchorages,
  • holding down bolts,
  • false work.
• Unusual or special stability arrangements.
• Fabrication method including use of components.
• Access methods.