Steel structure erection is one of the high-risk aspects of the construction industry, particularly due to the nature of the work, which primarily takes place outdoors and at high altitudes. Under the influence of unpredictable weather conditions such as storms, lightning, or extreme heat, without proper preventative measures, the risk of workplace accidents and structural collapse is very high. This article will analyze in detail the risks and standardized regulations to ensure safe steel structure construction under all weather conditions.
1. Risks of erecting outdoor steel structures in bad weather.
During the construction of prefabricated steel structures, the massive metal components are constantly subjected to the challenges of nature:
Storms and tornadoes: When steel frame systems are in the erection phase and not yet securely connected by permanent bracing, they are highly susceptible to wind pressure. Strong gusts of wind can cause displacement, instability, or even the complete collapse of the unfinished frame.
Thunder: Steel is a highly conductive material. Construction should absolutely not be carried out during thunderstorms, as tall steel frames rising into open spaces become natural lightning rods, posing a direct threat to the lives of workers working at height.
Rainy and humid: Rain wets the surfaces of beams, floors, steel decks, and scaffolding, reducing friction and increasing the risk of slips and falls. A damp environment is especially detrimental to welding work.
Extreme heat: High temperatures cause steel components to absorb heat intensely, potentially causing burns upon contact. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, dizziness, and heatstroke among workers.
2. Safety regulations for lifting equipment
The "muscle" of a steel structure construction site lies in its crane and lifting equipment systems. The management of this equipment in adverse weather conditions is strictly regulated by law:
- Technical inspection: All types of cranes (crawler, wheeled, tower cranes), hoists, and electric winches must undergo technical safety inspections according to QCVN 7:2012/BLDTBXH and TCVN 4244:2005 before operation. Cables and suspension wires must be inspected daily, padded at sharp contact points, and any frayed or broken wires must be removed immediately.
- Wind speed limit: According to QCVN 18:2021/BXD regulations, all lifting, working at height, or operating tower cranes must stop when wind speeds reach level 5 or higher (or according to the equipment manufacturer's specific safety regulations). If there is a storm, the tower crane must be lowered and moved to a stationary position (rotating freely with the wind).
- Safe distance: When lifting and lowering large-span steel structures, workers must stand at least 5 meters away from the landing point. To adjust the direction of the structure, guy ropes (ropes) attached to both ends of the steel frame must be used; under no circumstances should heavy objects be pushed directly by hand while suspended in mid-air.
- Electrical safety and welding equipment: Welding outdoors is not permitted during rain or storms. The welding machine casing must be grounded for protection, and the machine must be placed under a non-flammable cover and kept away from puddles of water.
3. Human Resources Management
People are at the heart of all safety measures. Effective labor management will help mitigate most weather-related risks.
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Working conditions at height: Workers working at heights of 2 meters or more must be 18 years old or older and have a health certificate (issued every 6 months) confirming they do not suffer from cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, or acrophobia. All must receive Group 3 occupational safety and health training.
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Personal protective equipment (PPE): It is strictly prohibited to wear flip-flops or shoes with hard soles that could easily slip on the steel frame. When there is no stable working platform with a railing, workers are required to wear a full-body safety harness and secure it to a fixed anchor point before starting work.
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Adjusting working hours during hot weather: To combat the harshness of summer, the construction site management needs to be flexible in changing shifts. (For example: the morning shift starts at 5:30 AM and ends early at 10:00 AM; the afternoon shift runs from 15:00 PM to 19:00 PM; tasks such as concrete pouring can be moved to the night.) Cool rest areas must be provided at the construction site, with sufficient filtered water and electrolyte drinks. Workers are required to take short breaks every 30-45 minutes to prevent heatstroke.
4. Incident response plan at the construction site.
Natural disasters often strike unexpectedly; therefore, every steel structure construction site must have a well-established "Emergency Response Procedure" in place, applicable to situations such as storms, floods, structural collapses, or fires and explosions.
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Organization of the command force: There must be an Emergency Command Center (comprising a Chief Commander, Deputy Chief Commander, and Safety Supervisor) with full authority to decide on halting construction and issuing evacuation orders.
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Evacuation and alert procedures: When weather conditions worsen (such as an approaching tornado or thunderstorm), an audible alarm system will be activated. All workers must immediately lower materials to safety, switch off the power, and move through the emergency exits to the designated "Assembly Point".
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Counting and medical care: At the assembly point, team leaders must take a headcount to ensure no one is left trapped on the steel frame. The on-site first aid team must be on standby with sufficient medical supplies to quickly treat injuries from falls or provide emergency cooling for those suffering from heatstroke before an ambulance arrives.
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Structural protection: Before the storm hits, the unfinished steel frames must be temporarily braced with a system of steel cables, and the bolted connections must be securely reinforced to prevent the structure from shifting or collapsing in a domino effect.
Strict adherence to safety measures not only protects human lives but also measures the professional competence of a steel structure contractor. A rigorous weather risk control process will help the project be completed on schedule and to the highest quality standards.
HAI LONG STEEL STRUCTURES IS A REPUTABLE MANUFACTURER OF STEEL BUILDING STRUCTURES.
Choosing the right steel structure processing partner is the decisive factor for the success of each construction project. In the context of the market increasingly demanding high quality, progress and safety, Hai Long Steel Structure Proud to be the leading brand trusted by many large domestic and foreign investors:
- Team experienced engineers, architects and experts, knowledgeable about the design and construction of warehouse factories according to international standards.
- Diverse construction capacity, meeting all project sizes and requirements, from simple to complex factories.
- We own a steel structure factory with a modern system of machinery and equipment., ensuring fast, accurate and safe construction.
- Professional construction process, is strictly managed.
You are looking for one Prestigious and professional steel structure manufacturing and erection unit? Please contact Hai Long Construction for free consultation and quote:
- HAI LONG CONSTRUCTION JOINT STOCK COMPANY
- Address: Taiyo Building, 97 Bach Dang, Hong Bang Ward, Hai Phong City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 084 6625 888
- Email: info@hailongjsc.vn
