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BCSA guidance sets the standard for safer handling of metal decking
The British Constructional Steel Association (BCSA) formed a construction industry working party to develop new guidance on reducing the risks associated with the manual handling of shallow structural metal decking. The guidance has now been published and is available on the BCSA website.
The working party, supported by HSE, examined the design of buildings and decking and the use of mechanical aids for decking installation.
In addition, an industry wide fact-finding survey was carried out to gain the views of decking operatives and the results were analysed by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL).
The working party concluded there is “currently no practical mechanical method for the laying of shallow metal decking”.
However, the work also revealed that the degree of manual handling and associated risks can be greatly reduced by:
- designers taking account of manual handling issues in their designs;
- good planning by contractors;
- off site cutting; and
- good on site manual handling practice.
The working party has prepared the following guidance for designers, contractors and decking workers.
- SIG.00 Guidance on Manual Handling – Introduction
- SIG.01 Manual Handling Survey – A summary of the results and conclusions
- SIG.02 Off site cutting procedures – A case study of the benefits
- SIG.03 Material loading out and positioning guidelines for Principal/Sub-Contractors
- SIG.04 Manual handling – Advice to structural engineers. – Guidance on designing out the risks
- SIG.05 Manual handling of decking sheets – Reducing the handling risk – Guidance for decking operatives on manual handling good practice when laying decking.