CONSTRUCTION SAFETY STANDARD FOCUSES ON STEEL ERECTION

     DES PLAINES, IL (October 28, 2004) – Assisting employers, employees and contractors in preventing fatalities in the construction industry, the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) A10.13-2001 standard Safety Requirements for Steel Erection provides safety guidelines for the handling and dismantling of structural steel during construction operations. Serving as secretariat, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is making available this revised standard, along with a special standards interpretation from the A10 Accredited Standards Committee.

A10.13 Subcommittee Chair William Treharne of Midwest Steel, Inc., Detroit, MI, and ASSE professional member, said today, “The A10.13 standard is integral in providing safety requirements for the protection of individuals working on or around structural steel. In addition, the A10 Committee's 2002 interpretation of the standard is now available for the first time, providing clarification on the use of this steel erection standard in regards to fall protection, the hoisting of equipment, and work around cranes.”

The A10.13-2001 standard covers safety requirements for material handling, training and personal protection relating to steel erecting, reinforcing, fitting and dismantling of structural steel, metal decks and steel beams during construction operations. It also provides guidelines for the storage and use of bolts, air tools, connectors and rivets. The standard covers more than what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates, as it also applies to steel erection for mill or plant operations, including safely working around electrical wires and gas lines to restricting employees from areas under construction. Cited in OSHA rulemaking and state safety directives, the A10.13 standard was first developed in 1972, and it was last revised by the A10 Committee in 2001.

To order the standard contact ASSE Customer Service at 847-699-2929 or visit ASSE's website at www.asse.org.

Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its 30,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor and education.