LFT/General/TBT-LFT-041
Lifting Structural Steel Members
Lifting Operations › General › Lifting Structural Steel Members
Toolbox Talk
Lifting Structural Steel Members
Structural steel members including beams, columns, and trusses are heavy, long, and often have uneven weight distribution. Lifting them requires precise rigging, correct sling angles, and careful coordination between the crane operator and the erection team. This talk covers the controls for lifting structural steelwork safely from delivery to final placement on the structure.
Key Hazards
Dropped steelwork from incorrect rigging or sling failure during the lift
Steel members rotating or swinging uncontrolled during crane placement
Workers crushed between steel members and the receiving structure at height
Crane overloaded by underestimated steel member weight or incorrect radius
Control Measures
- Verify the weight of every steel member from the fabricator's delivery documentation before lifting.
- Select lifting points based on the member's centre of gravity and the rigging arrangement required.
- Use slings and shackles rated for the member weight at the actual sling angle being used.
- Attach tag lines to control rotation and guide the member during lifting and placement.
- Establish exclusion zones beneath the lift path and at the landing position for every lift.
- Brief the erection team on the lift sequence, connection type, and temporary bracing requirements.
- Ensure the slinger and crane operator maintain clear communication throughout every lift.
- Do not release the crane hook until the member is bolted, clamped, or braced in its final position.
- Check crane load charts for the actual radius and confirm the lift is within the crane's capacity.
Remember
- Verify every steel member weight from fabricator documentation before preparing the lift
- Select lifting points based on the centre of gravity and required rigging arrangement
- Tag lines must be attached to control rotation and guide the member during every lift
- Exclusion zones must be maintained beneath the lift path and at the landing position
- Do not release the crane hook until the member is bolted, clamped, or braced in position
- Check crane load charts at the actual radius to confirm capacity before every lift
Applicable Legislation: LOLER 1998 · BS 7121 (Safe Use of Cranes) · BS EN 1090-2 (Execution of Steel Structures) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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