WAH/Specific Tasks/TBT-WAH-021

Steel Decking at Height

Working at Height › Specific Tasks › Steel Decking at Height

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Steel decking sheets are laid on structural steelwork to form permanent formwork for composite concrete floors.
Decking installation is carried out at height on open steel frames before any concrete is poured.
Decking sheets are lightweight individually but flexible and awkward, catching the wind easily.
Workers walk on newly placed decking that may not yet be fixed — sheets can slide and tip.
Leading edges and open perimeters of the decking area create unprotected fall hazards.
Decking bundles are lifted by crane and landed on the steelwork — exclusion zones are needed below.
Safety netting below the decking level is the primary collective fall protection measure.
Individual fall arrest harnesses are used at leading edges where nets do not provide coverage.
Sharp edges on cut decking sheets cause lacerations — cut-resistant gloves are essential.
Decking should be fixed to the steelwork with self-drilling screws promptly after placement.

Fall hazard	Working on open steel frames at height with unfixed decking is one of the highest-risk activities in steel construction.
Wind exposure	Lightweight decking sheets act as sails in wind, pulling workers off balance or off the structure entirely.
Leading edge risk	The leading edge of decking work is an unprotected fall hazard that moves as each new sheet is laid.

Don't

Install safety nets below the decking level before decking work commences
Wear a fall arrest harness connected to a suitable anchor at leading edges
Fix decking sheets to steelwork with self-drilling screws as soon as they are placed
Use cut-resistant gloves when handling and cutting steel decking sheets
Maintain exclusion zones below crane lifts of decking bundles at all times
Check wind conditions before starting — cease work if sheets become uncontrollable
Use edge protection at the perimeter of the completed decking area
Brief the decking team on the planned sequence, net positions, and anchor points
Inspect safety nets daily for damage, gaps, and debris accumulation
Secure unfixed decking bundles on the steelwork to prevent wind displacement

See also: Metal Decking Installation | Safety Nets and Soft Landing Systems

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