United States
Hong KongSteel erection safety
Fall protection in steel erection triggers at 15 feet rather than 6. Written notification of site readiness is required before erection begins, and connectors have specific provisions of their own.
Subpart R, written for an activity where the usual rules do not fit, because the structure you would tie off to does not exist yet.
The fifteen-foot trigger
Fall protection is generally required at 15 feet in steel erection, at 29 CFR 1926.760, against 6 feet in construction generally.
The higher trigger recognizes that ironworkers move along steel where conventional systems are often impracticable, and it is paired with other controls.
A question describes work at twelve feet. In general construction fall protection is required; in steel erection it is not. The activity decides, not the height.
Site readiness
The controlling contractor must provide written notification that concrete in footings, piers and walls has attained sufficient strength, and that anchor bolts have been repaired or replaced as needed.
Steel erection may not begin without it. That written notification requirement appears in questions.
Connectors
The workers receiving and placing steel members. They have their own provisions, including specific training and a controlled decking zone arrangement where applicable.
Multiple lift rigging
Christmas treeing, where several members are rigged and hoisted together, is permitted only under specific conditions with a rigging assembly designed for it.
Column anchorage
Columns are anchored by a minimum number of anchor rods, and a column may not be released from a crane until it is adequately secured.
The theme throughout is that a partially erected frame is not a structure yet, and everything is written around that.
Common questions
What is the fall protection trigger in steel erection?
15 feet, against 6 feet in construction generally.
Why is it higher?
Ironworkers move along steel where conventional systems are often impracticable, and the higher trigger is paired with other controls.
What is required before erection begins?
Written notification from the controlling contractor that concrete has attained sufficient strength and anchor bolts are sound.
Who are connectors?
The workers receiving and placing steel members, with their own training and provisions.
What is multiple lift rigging?
Hoisting several members together, permitted only under specific conditions with a rigging assembly designed for it.