Masonry Magazine January 1971 Page. 37
PHASE IV: Setting operation.
The setting operation encompasses all functions which are actually accomplished on the jobsite. This entails the actual installation of the rigging, hoisting of the material, placement of the material, and dismantling of the rigging.
As closely as possible, follow to the letter the game plan already established with as few variations as possible. This tends to eliminate confusion which normally causes accidents.
When installing the rigging to handle the hoisting of the material, figure the vertical path that the stone will take in advance of actual lifting.
Be sure that all personnel and spectators are clear of that area directly under the vertical path of the stone.
Rig the lifting devices in a manner which will keep the material as well as the hoisting device, such as a stiff-leg derrick or a crane, clear of the building structure as well as any other obstructions around the area of installation.
After the setting operation has actually started, observe the agility and skill with which the hoist operator works and the condition of the equipment with which he has to work. Then plan your safety procedures accordingly.
When lifting precast concrete panels which are laying face down on a truck, always lift with a 2 or more part line so that the material can be turned in the air after it is well away from any obstruction which it might damage or might cause damage to the panel.
See that all workmen are outfitted with the proper safety equipment, such as protective shoes, hard hats, safety belts, and the like.
Be sure that the job in question is provided with the proper size of hand tools in comparison to the size of the stone which is being installed. By doing this you will insure that your workmen are using tools and equipment sufficient to move the material being handled rather than depending on their backs. This will eliminate the risk of costly injuries.
Make sure all equipment is in topnotch condition prior to beginning installation of precast concrete panels.
All cutting torch rigs which consists of acetylene and oxygen should be checked each day for leakage.
Proper fire-fighting equipment should be available in those areas where welding and/or cutting torch operations are in process, or where the raw materials for this operation are stored.
PHASE V: Completion of job.
After the completion of the precast concrete panel installation, all permanent connecting points should be checked to make sure that they are properly welded in place.
All rigging should be dismantled and lowered to the ground, exercising the same safety precautions as were utilized in the erection of the panels.
In summary, the erection of precast concrete panels can be quite hazardous when the work is performed by amateurs or semi-professionals. However, the erection of precast concrete panels when installed by professionals is a very low-risk type of construction, much more so than other more traditional means of constructing multi-story buildings.
Catches The Big Ones
Rugged dependability you can count on
Hilton Swensen formerly of Chicago and now long time resident of California sends us this photo of his recent catch. Hilton and his wife now reside in San Anselmo just north of the San Francisco Bay area.
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