WAH/Specific Tasks/TBT-WAH-021

Steel Decking at Height

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Steel Decking at Height

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-WAH-021  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • 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.

Why?

Fall hazardWorking on open steel frames at height with unfixed decking is one of the highest-risk activities in steel construction.
Wind exposureLightweight decking sheets act as sails in wind, pulling workers off balance or off the structure entirely.
Leading edge riskThe leading edge of decking work is an unprotected fall hazard that moves as each new sheet is laid.
Do 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
  • DON'T walk on unfixed decking sheets — they can slide off the steelwork
  • DON'T work at the leading edge without a harness connected to an anchor point
  • DON'T lay decking in high winds where sheets cannot be safely controlled
  • DON'T stack decking bundles on steelwork beyond the beam's load capacity
  • DON'T cut decking without gloves — edges are razor sharp and cause deep cuts
  • DON'T stand below decking lifts — falling bundles or sheets can be fatal
  • DON'T remove safety nets before the concrete pour is complete and cured
  • DON'T leave gaps between decking sheets where a person could fall through
  • DON'T use decking as a working platform until it is properly fixed and secured
  • DON'T carry sheets by hand in windy conditions — they will catch and pull you

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