Safety is the prime concern of steel erectors. Erectors tie-off above regulated heights, install perimeter cable around elevated work sites, and where necessary, install static lines. Lines for tying off have different requirements than perimeter cable, so perimeter cable cannot be used as a horizontal lifeline. Erectors are concerned with welding safety, protection around openings, and working over other trades. Stability of the structure during construction and of each piece as it is lifted are considered by the erector. Pieces that are laterally supported and under a positive moment in service, will frequently be unsupported and under a negative moment when they are raised, so precautions must be taken.
Small changes in member proportions can lead to significant changes in the way an erector has to work. Long slender members may have to be raised with a spreader beam. Others may have to be braced before the load line is released. Erection aids such as column lifting hitches must be designed and provided such that they will afford temporary support and allow easy access for assembly. Full-penetration column splices are seldom necessary except
on seismic moment frames, but require special erection aids when encountered. Construction safety is by the federal Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Steel erector safety regulations are listed in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1926, Subpart R. As well, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) issues standard A10 related to construction safety.
