5 Essential Safety Tips for Tilt-Up Construction

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Key Safety Considerations in Tilt Panel Picks

The practice of lifting and positioning large concrete panels, often weighing 150 tons or more, can be fraught with hazards. Any failure in handling these panels can lead to catastrophic consequences, including serious injuries or fatalities, as well as substantial damage to property, delays to the schedule and more.

To optimize safety, the following strategies must be utilized in conjunction with an experienced team:

1. Planning and Designing

Proper planning and engineering are foundational to safe tilt-up construction. This includes:

• Structural Analysis: Panels should be designed with proper reinforcement, considering all forces they will be exposed to during lifting and positioning. A qualified structural engineer must be involved in panel design.
• Lifting Inserts and Hardware: The right materials, inserts, and hardware must be chosen, ensuring they can handle the forces exerted during the tilt process.
• Crane Roads & Terrain Analysis: Proper haul roads must be designed and engineered to ensure the load of the crane will be supported by the surface on which it will sit. The crane might be positioned outside the building area, within it, or a combination of both, during the pick process. Each surface must be extensively analyzed by licensed and qualified engineers.

2. Training and Qualification of Personnel

Handling tilt panels requires specialized skills. Key considerations include:

• Training: Workers should be trained on specific procedures, safety regulations, and potential hazards.
• Certification: Using certified crane operators and riggers who understand the dynamics of lifting heavy panels is vital.
• Site Specific Safety: Every individual site must be evaluated prior to picking panels to determine the plan for safety, including who will be involved, what tools they need, and what the exit routes are in the event of catastrophic failure during panel placement.

3. Equipment Selection and Maintenance

The right equipment ensures safe and efficient lifting. Key aspects include:

• Crane Selection: Cranes with proper capacity and reach must be selected. Other factors, including but not limited to crane transport routes and placement, must be considered.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance of cranes, rigging, and other equipment are essential to prevent mechanical failure. This kind of failure is both costly and can also be dangerous to onsite crews and operators.
• Slab Protection: If the crane is placed on the floor slab, analysis must be completed to ensure the slab can withstand the crane load. Measures such as temporary matting, outrigger locations and increased structural capacity of the slab will all be considered prior to the pick.

4. On-site Safety Measures

Safety practices during the tilt process should include:

• Safety Barriers: Establishing clear safety barriers around the lifting zone to keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Communication: Ensuring clear and constant communication between the crane operator, ground crew, and supervisors.
• Weather Considerations: Monitoring weather conditions and postponing lifts during high winds or other unfavorable conditions.

5. Emergency Preparedness

Having a clear emergency response plan is crucial. This includes:

• Emergency Training: Regular drills and training on what to do if something goes wrong.
• First-Aid Availability: Having first-aid facilities and trained personnel on-site.

Utilizing Case Studies to Increase Safety

Analyzing previous accidents in tilt-up construction can provide valuable insights. One common theme in many incidents is a failure in communication or oversight. Such failures might be addressed by implementing comprehensive safety protocols and ensuring all team members are aware of their individual responsibilities.

As usual, prevention is the best medicine. A good plan prior to beginning this work is the key to maintaining a safe jobsite.

Final Thoughts

Safety during tilt panel picks in construction is not just a matter of compliance with regulations; it’s a vital aspect that protects lives and investments. By embracing a safety culture that includes proper planning, training, equipment selection, on-site safety measures, and emergency preparedness, construction companies can greatly reduce the risks associated with tilt-up construction.

The rewards for prioritizing safety in tilt panel picks go beyond just preventing accidents. It fosters a more efficient and harmonious working environment and ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget. In a competitive industry where reputation matters, a strong commitment to safety can also become a valuable asset, setting companies apart and cultivating trust with clients.

Perlo has completed hundreds of tilt buildings in our 65+ year history. We have even been labeled the ‘Tilt Kings’ because of our strength in this market. If you’re interested in a new building, get in touch with us today.

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