What it covers
The sequence for checking the ground and foundations, setting up the crane, slinging and lifting each member, bolting up from MEWPs, bracing the frame, then final bolting and handover. It records the erection sequence, the lift plan, how the erectors reach each connection, and how people below are kept clear.
Steel erection method statement steps
A single-storey portal frame usually follows these steps.
- Check the ground and foundations. Confirm the ground can carry the crane and MEWPs, and that the foundations and holding-down bolts are ready.
- Agree the erection sequence. Follow the sequence developed with the frame designer or a structural engineer, including where the temporary bracing goes.
- Plan the lifts. Have a competent person plan the lifts, with the crane, the slinging method and the signals agreed.
- Set an exclusion zone. Keep people out of the area under the lifts, and keep other trades from working underneath the erectors.
- Lift and land each member. Sling each column and rafter, lift it into position and hold it on the crane until the member is bolted.
- Bolt up from a platform. Reach each connection from a MEWP or scaffold platform, never by walking along the top flange of a beam.
- Brace and check. Fit the bracing as the sequence sets out, and check it regularly so the frame stays stable at every stage.
- Final bolting and handover. Line and level the frame, tighten the bolts to the specification, and hand over to the next trade.
Stability during erection
HSE says a steel frame needs a sequential method of erection, developed with the frame designer or a structural engineer. HSE says bracing, guys or stays added to the design should keep the frame stable through each stage of erection. These arrangements need to be checked regularly. CDM 2015 regulation 19 requires all practicable steps, where necessary to prevent danger, to stop a structure collapsing while it is in a temporary state of weakness or instability. Any temporary support must be designed, installed and maintained to withstand the foreseeable loads on it.
Sources: HSE, Steel erection; CDM 2015, regulation 19
Lifting and falls from the frame
LOLER regulation 8 requires every lifting operation to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner. HSE says routine lifts may be planned by the people who carry them out. A complex lift, such as a tandem lift with two or more cranes, should have a written plan from a person with significant and specific competence. For falls, HSE says to eliminate or reduce the need to work at height. MEWPs or scaffolding are used for bolting up. Nets, or twin lanyards and harnesses, can reduce the effects of a fall. HSE says they must be combined with a safe method of rescue. Walking on the top flange of a steel beam must never be done.
Sources: LOLER 1998, regulation 8; HSE, Planning and organising lifting operations; HSE, Steel erection
Hazards and controls
Collapse of the frame during erection, controlled by the agreed erection sequence and temporary bracing that is checked regularly. Falls from height, controlled by MEWPs or scaffold platforms first, then nets or harnesses with a rescue plan. Being struck by a swinging or falling member, controlled by competent slinging and signalling, exclusion zones and not lifting over people. Then a crane or MEWP overturning on weak ground, overhead power lines, dropped bolts and tools, and manual handling of steel plates. Controls follow the hierarchy, so working from a platform comes before harnesses and PPE.
Competence and inspection
Steel erection needs trained and competent erectors, slingers and signallers, a competent person to plan the lifts, and a crane supervisor to direct each lift to the plan. Unless an examination scheme sets other intervals, HSE says lifting accessories and equipment that lifts people need a thorough examination every 6 months. Other lifting equipment needs one every 12 months. The method statement names the lift plan, the competence and the inspection records, so a principal contractor can check it at a glance.
Sources: HSE, Lifting operations; HSE, Thorough examination of lifting equipment
FAQ
- Does it cover the lift plan?
- Yes. Planning the lifts, slinging and the exclusion zone are steps in the method, and being struck by a load is in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
- Does it cover temporary bracing?
- Yes. The erection sequence and the temporary bracing are steps in the method, and collapse during erection is in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
- Does it cover bolting up from MEWPs?
- Yes. Bolting up from a MEWP is a step in the method, and falls and overturning are in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
- Is this a steel erection RAMS template?
- It is more than a template. You describe the job and the site, and the method statement and risk assessment are written for that work. You can edit the Word file before a competent person signs it off.
- Will it be accepted on site?
- It follows the HSE five steps and the CDM 2015 framing site managers expect. A competent person still has to review and sign it off before use.
- What does it cost?
- Your first document is free. After that, £15 each, three for £35, or ten for £89. No subscription. You can read a full sample before you decide.