Timber frame erection involves lifting and fixing prefabricated wall panels, floor cassettes, and roof trusses to form the structural frame of a building. The panels are large, lightweight relative to their size, and highly susceptible to wind loading during erection. An unsecured panel can topple or be blown over, causing crushing injuries or structural collapse. This talk covers the hazards and controls for safe timber frame erection.
Key Hazards
Wall panels toppling before temporary bracing is secured due to wind loading
Workers crushed between panels during lifting and positioning operations
Falls from height during upper floor and roof level erection work
Fire risk from exposed timber framing before fire protection is installed
Control Measures
Check the weather forecast and cease erection when wind speeds exceed the limit in the method statement.
Install temporary bracing to each panel immediately after it is positioned and before releasing the crane.
Use a crane or telehandler with a designated banksman for lifting all wall panels and floor cassettes.
Ensure exclusion zones are maintained beneath all lifting and erection operations at all times.
Provide edge protection at each floor level before erection of the next storey begins.
Brief the erection team on the panel sequence, bracing requirements, and wind speed limits each morning.
Secure all panels to the sole plate and to each other using the fixings specified in the design.
Implement the timber frame fire safety plan including no hot works and temporary fire detection.
Ensure all operatives working at upper levels have safe access via scaffold stair towers or ladders.
Remember
Check weather forecasts and cease erection when wind speeds exceed the method statement limit
Install temporary bracing to each panel immediately after positioning and before releasing the crane
Exclusion zones must be maintained beneath all lifting and erection operations throughout
Edge protection must be installed at each floor level before the next storey erection begins
Secure all panels to the sole plate and to each other using the design-specified fixings
Implement the timber frame fire safety plan from the start of erection throughout construction
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · Work at Height Regulations 2005 · LOLER 1998 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974