Steel Erection Practice Questions

Explanation: OSHA requires a minimum of four anchor bolts per column to ensure structural stability during steel erection. All anchor bolts must be set in accordance with approved erection drawings and the bolts must be tight enough to support the column loads during erection.

Explanation: In steel erection, fall protection is generally required for workers at heights of 15 feet or more above a lower level, rather than the standard 6-foot trigger height used in general construction. This is a specific exception under Subpart R.

Explanation: A controlled decking zone (CDZ) is a defined area of the structure where initial installation and placement of metal deck occurs without conventional fall protection. The CDZ has strict size limitations and operational requirements to protect workers.

Explanation: A connector is an employee who, working with hoisting equipment, is placing and connecting structural members and/or components. Connectors have special fall protection provisions due to the nature of their work, which requires mobility and the ability to reach connection points.

Explanation: Connectors must be protected from fall hazards at heights greater than two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less. However, at heights between 15 and 30 feet, connectors must have a personal fall arrest system or be able to be tied off, or wear the equipment necessary to be tied off, and be able to demonstrate that tying off is infeasible.

Explanation: Perimeter safety cables are installed around the perimeter of the structure being erected to serve as a fall protection barrier for workers. They must be installed at the final interior and exterior perimeters of multi-story structures as soon as the decking has been installed.

Explanation: A double connection is where the weights of two structural members are supported on a single connection point. Double connections are not permitted for structural steel members unless the first member is stabilized through adequate connection of additional structural members before the second piece is placed.

Explanation: Steel erection workers must receive training in fall hazard awareness, multiple-lift rigging (if applicable), connector procedures, controlled decking zone procedures, and other hazards associated with steel erection. Project cost estimation is not a safety training requirement.

Explanation: The controlling contractor must provide written notification to the steel erector certifying that concrete in footings, piers, and walls, as well as other support systems, has attained sufficient strength to support the loads imposed during steel erection.

Explanation: At least two bolts per connection must be installed and drawn up wrench-tight before the hoisting equipment can be released from the member. This is a minimum requirement to ensure the structural integrity of the connection before the load is transferred.

Explanation: Plumbing-up is the process of adjusting the structural steel framework to ensure it is vertically plumb (straight up and down) and the connections are properly aligned. Guy cables, turnbuckles, and temporary bracing are used during this process, and no loading is placed on the structure until plumbing-up is complete.

Explanation: Shear connectors (headed studs, etc.) must not be attached to the top flanges of beams, joists, or beam attachments until the metal decking or other walking/working surface has been installed. This is to prevent creating a tripping hazard on walking surfaces.

Explanation: A controlled decking zone (CDZ) must not exceed 90 feet wide and must not exceed the width of the building. The CDZ is the defined area where initial placement of metal deck occurs without conventional fall protection, subject to strict operational controls.

Explanation: Falling object protection during steel erection includes securing tools and materials against displacement, not placing items on steel being erected unless secured, barricading areas below, and wearing hard hats. Steel-toed sandals are not acceptable protective footwear on any construction site.

Explanation: Each column splice must be designed to resist a minimum eccentric gravity load of 300 pounds located 18 inches from the extreme outer face of the column in each direction at the top of the column shaft. This ensures stability during the erection process before final connections are completed.

Explanation: Metal decking bundles must be landed on the structure only in designated areas and must be secured to prevent displacement or sliding. Unsecured decking bundles can become unstable and fall from the structure, creating serious hazards to workers below.

Explanation: In a multiple-lift rigging procedure, no more than five members may be hoisted per lift. The rigging must be designed by a qualified rigger, the members must be rigged from top down with the heaviest member on the bottom, and tag lines must be used to control the load.

Explanation: A site-specific erection plan is required when the erection involves multiple-lift rigging procedures or other conditions that the standard identifies as requiring specific planning. The plan must be developed by a qualified person and made available at the site.

Explanation: Hoisting employees on a personnel platform is allowed only when there is no other safe means of access. The crane must meet specific OSHA requirements including a trial lift, anti-two-block device, and the load must not exceed 50% of the rated capacity for the crane's configuration.

Explanation: Before placing open web steel joists, the bearing seat or support structure must be verified to support the cumulative weight of the joists placed within the span, plus any bundle of joists being placed, without exceeding its design capacity. Overloading during erection can cause structural failure and collapse.