Work Smarter With Steel Gear

For erecting steel buildings, bridges and other structures, especially while working at height, many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), including boom lifts, scissor lifts and telehandlers to support steel erection.

But did you know that equipment accessories and add-ons also bolster steel erection, helping to keep workers productive on the jobsite?

Here are the top suggestions for additional tools to optimize work-at-height operations in this type of specialized work:

Solutions for Work Above or Outside the Platform

When the jobsite requires access to tight spaces at height, an extra step up can provide access to get the job done in a safe manner. A mid-rail deck is an additional platform that sits on the platform’s mid-rail and allows an ironworker to gain 15 inches to 18 inches off the floor of a lift platform and thread a machine between joists.

When projects require a worker to exit the platform, bolt-on external fall arrest systems utilize a cable that allows an operator to leave the platform and move freely without detaching the safety harness, so they are constantly tethered to the platform. This is especially helpful for iron workers, who are often first on a jobsite and have few options to tie off.

Promoting Protection With Visibility

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration identifies the “focus four” hazards as electrical hazards, fall hazards, struck-by hazards and caught-between hazards. Caught-in, or caught-between, injuries occur when an operator gets pinned between two or more objects.

Several factors must be in place to combat these hazards, including robust protection measures. Designed to lessen the risk of being caught between hazards on the job without losing visibility, enhanced protection sensors are available to help prevent an operator from being forced into the control panel.

For example, when one of these sensors is activated by 50 pounds of force or more, the system will stop all boom lift functions and then momentarily reverse most functions used when the system was activated. By stopping the platform and moving the operator away from the obstruction automatically, this type of system helps prevent caught-between injuries while working at height.

These systems can be activated from various angles and provide additional protection without impeding or reducing the boom lift’s work envelope. They also don’t increase the platform profile or limit the platform’s use in any way, meaning operators can be just as productive while enjoying extra protection. These systems can usually be reset by cycling the foot switch or e-stop.

An enhanced control panel protection system is an evolution of this type of technology. It features a slim wire rope design bolted to the left side of the platform with an opposing magnetic connection. With this type of system, it will stop all boom lift functions when the operator contacts the cable and the magnet detaches. The system will then momentarily reverse or undo most functions used when the system is activated.

One of the biggest challenges for boom lift and scissor lift operators is minimizing risks while navigating their surroundings. The solution is to increase awareness of potential obstacles. Consider adding an enhanced object detection system to provide operators with an added level of awareness of their immediate surroundings as they elevate and/or drive. When a machine is in use, strategically placed sensors establish warning zones and stop distances in the machine’s direction of motion. As the machine approaches the zone limits, audible alerts notify the operator.

 Fabric mesh platform kits can also provide extra support, keeping tools inside the boom platform. The easy-to-attach, lightweight mesh gives operators a clear view of the work area and permits airflow through the basket.

Helpers at Height

Another concern in steel erection projects is having enough power to do the job without the risk of dangerous leads hanging over machine rails, potentially entangling with anything below.

Many OEMs, including JLG, have designed their boom lifts and scissor lifts with power in the platform to eliminate the danger of draped hoses and oxygen/acetylene tanks. For example, self-contained, onboard generators (7500 watts are recommended) with a power cable to the machine platform to run hand tools offers flexibility to meet those needs at height. These systems are cost-efficient and remove the need to access power via an extension cord from the ground to operate, move and reposition the machine to access a generator.

Onboard welders with platform-mounted amperage adjustment eliminate the need for a stand-alone welder and power supply to accommodate stick and tungsten inert gas welding applications. Flux core wire feed capability is also available. Look for a control box console cover and fire-retardant hose sleeves to protect the controls and hosting from welding slag.

Onboard plasma cutters allow operators to cut more efficiently and cleaner without leads hanging over the rails, damaging wires or causing tangles, pulls, snags and trip hazards.

To reduce operator fatigue and support productivity, try a platform floor mat. This mat provides padded flooring on the metal platform. Installation does not require modification to the existing platform floor. Mats are weather-resistant, holding up to tough environmental conditions. However, they should not be used for hot work like welding or burning.

Keep Workers Comfortable and Prepared

Steel erection projects must go on, including work during night hours or inclement weather. Dark and frigid conditions can be a serious safety hazard.

Workers can better handle Mother Nature’s challenges with lighting and cold-weather packages. For instance, additional lighting options should be well-suited for environments with low lighting conditions, including mines, tunnels and night-time applications. These include multiple light bulbs (four, 40 watt bulbs are recommended) to illuminate the worksite and lights for the area around the chassis.

Cold-weather kits should include a battery blanket, hydraulic tank heater, block heater and glow plugs (diesel only). A choice of minus 30 degrees or  minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit hydraulic oil is often available and sold separately.

Accessorized to Get the Job Done

For those working in the steel industry, focusing on safety initiatives is about a lot more than checking a box. It’s an active pursuit to ensure everyone remains vigilant and mindful of potential risks.

For steel and iron workers, choosing the right access equipment for steel erection work is just the start. Add-ons and accessories can help increase worker productivity, provide specialized support, enhance access, reduce fatigue and keep people and equipment where needed.