The Hazards Associated with Placing Joists
Joist manufacturers require that the ends of joists be tack welded or bolted immediately after placement.
The ends of joists must be tack welded or bolted immediately after placement.
This welding or bolting holds the joist in place until the bridging is installed, and as a result the joist has very little lateral stability.
Placing any weight on the joist other than the weight of the employee actually erecting the joists can cause the joist to roll over or slip.
If the joist slips, it can:
- throw employees off the joist or supporting girder/wall
- throw materials and equipment to the ground below
- cause a joist to fall over and collapse
- trigger a domino effect and cause other joists to slip
If the joist falls over, it can collapse or buckle. This can:
- throw employees off the joist or supporting girder/wall
- drag employees to the ground if they anchor their fall protection to the joist
- throw materials and equipment to the ground
- trigger a domino effect and cause other joists to fall over, collapse and fall to the ground
Employees on the elevated work areas could:
- fall or be dragged from elevated work areas to the ground below
- be injured if materials and equipment placed on the joists strike them
Employees working under or near the elevated work could:
- be injured if falling materials and equipment strike them
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-4. When placing joists, what must be done prior to the installation of bridging to provide lateral stability?
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