BLD/Masonry/TBT-BLD-026
Masonry Support Lintel and Angle Installation
Building & Structural Works › Masonry › Masonry Support Lintel and Angle Installation
Toolbox Talk
Masonry Support Lintel and Angle Installation
Masonry support lintels and steel angles transfer the weight of brickwork above openings and at floor levels back to the structural frame. These components are heavy, awkward to position, and must be installed with precision to maintain the structural integrity of the building. Incorrect installation can lead to cracking, movement, and structural failure. This talk covers the safety requirements for lintel and masonry support installation.
Key Hazards
Manual handling injuries from lifting heavy steel lintels and angles
Crush injuries when positioning lintels above openings at height
Falls from scaffolding during lintel installation at upper floor levels
Structural failure from lintels installed with incorrect bearing length
Control Measures
- Use mechanical aids such as telehandlers or gin wheels to lift heavy lintels to the work level.
- Verify the correct lintel type, size, and orientation against the structural drawings before installing.
- Ensure minimum bearing lengths are achieved at both ends as specified in the design.
- Temporarily prop lintels until the masonry above has gained adequate strength to be self-supporting.
- Wear gloves with good grip and steel-toed boots when handling heavy steel sections.
- Ensure scaffolding provides a safe working platform at the correct level for the installation.
- Brief the installation team on the lintel schedule, lifting plan, and sequence before starting.
- Do not build masonry above a lintel until it is confirmed correctly positioned and bearing.
- Record all lintel installations in the quality inspection log with reference to the design drawing.
Remember
- Use mechanical aids to lift heavy lintels to the work level wherever possible
- Verify lintel type, size, and orientation against the structural drawings before installing
- Ensure the minimum bearing length is achieved at both ends as the design specifies
- Temporarily prop lintels until the masonry above is self-supporting
- Do not build above a lintel until it is confirmed correctly positioned and bearing
Applicable Legislation: CDM 2015 · Building Regulations 2010 (Approved Document A) · Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 · BS 5977 (Lintels)
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