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817 Steel Erection Safety
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Qualified Persons

A qualified person is one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Qualified person training steel worker.
A qualified person must provide steel erection employee training.

Qualified Person and Steel Erection Training

A qualified person must provide training for employees involved in steel erection. This requirement is in place to make sure workers are trained by someone who truly understands the dangers and procedures related to steel erection activities. Because of the high-risk nature of this work, it is necessary that training is not just given by anyone, but by a person who is officially qualified.

It should not be surprising that steel erection training must come from a qualified person. This helps make sure that employees receive accurate, reliable information that can help protect them from hazards on the job. Proper training reduces the chance of accidents and ensures that workers know how to perform their tasks safely and correctly.

Real-Life Scenario

A general contractor requested help from a carpentry crew to erect a 50-foot steel beam and columns. Neither the contractor nor any of the carpentry crew was trained in steel erection. The steel beam was raised into position using two forklifts, and guy wires were set at one end, but the column footing bolts were not secured, and only one guy wire was attached at the other end. When the forklift sling was released, the column leaned over and the weight and force of the beam pulled the turnbuckle apart. The beam then fell onto the lift, knocking one employee to the concrete floor. He landed on his back and head, sustaining severe head injuries, and was transported by helicopter to a local hospital for treatment.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-2. Who is defined as successfully demonstrating the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the steel erection, the work, or the project?