METAL BUILDING ERECTION: WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED?
Every construction project has its own buy c purlin roll forming machine individual needs. Each is different and may have special requirements. That being said, below are suggestions for the type of equipment you will need to erect a metal building.
Many of these are basic tools, found in almost every tool box. Equipment can be purchased or rented depending on how often you will use it.
It’s always good to take inventory, and replace outdated or worn out tools and equipment. Now is the time for Spring Cleaning, so let’s go through the company closets and see what you have and what you need.
Just getting started? This provides a good basic list that will help you with most metal building erection projects.
FOR UNLOADING AND STORAGE
The truck arrives with the building, which is all in pieces and bundles. Getting it off the truck in good shape and arranging it neatly will go much faster and smoother with some basic tools.
Forklift, crane, or other power loader
These bundles are not lightweight. A forklift and some nylon band slings will be needed to offload and transport each bundle to its place.
When using a crane, make sure you are using roofing sheet making machine a spreader bar of the correct length for the load Do not use wire rope slings, this can damage the metal and/or the finish Lift each bundle as close to the center of gravity as possible If using a forklift, position the load all the way back on the forks. Do not drive the forklift with the forks up.
You may need two forklifts if you are handling panels or other pieces that are over 25 feet long
Blocking
Blocking materials protect the splice plates and the slab from damage while you are unloading. They provide a lift for the materials so you can slip slings or cables around members for lifting. You can also use blocks when bolting together subassemblies while they are on the ground.
Coverings
It’s best to put everything under a roof but it that isn’t possible, place the panels and members on a plastic ground cover and cover them with a waterproof tarp.
FOR ERECTION AND ASSEMBLY
Variable grip wrenches and a cordless drill with a screwdriver bit are two of the most basic tools. Here is a relatively comprehensive list of tools. You won’t need all of them for every job; check the erection manual from the prefabricator for specific tools. For larger buildings you may need a scissor lift or crane lift.
Wrenches to tighten bolts
Cordless drill for self-tapping screws as well as drill bits
Long level to ensure everything is straight
Spud wrench or large screwdriver to line up bolt holes on main beams
Hammer
Punch
Pry bar
Pipe wrench
Pliers
Vise-grips
Screw gun
Impact or power wrench
Nibbler – electric metal cutter to cut across wall and roof panels
Hacksaw
Push broom and wire brush
Caulking gun
Chalk line
Channel locks
Extension cord (#10-3, 2/4 way box, 250 feet long)
Load binders
Plumb bob
Snips (large bulldogs)
Tape measure (10-25 feet, and 100 feet)
Ladder
Chain
Rope
Come-along (power pull)
Saw horses
Tarps
Utility knife
Crescent wrench
Socket wrench
Bull pin
Tin snips
Rivet gun
Roto-hammer
FOR SAFETY
Maybe this should be on top because, as always, SAFETY FIRST.
Keeping safe on the jobsite benefits everyone. No insurance claims, no lawsuits, no pain. To make sure nothing happens, keep the following in mind.
OSHA
Follow OSHA guidelines.
Follow OSHA guidelines.
OSHA can levy fines if you are found out of compliance and that gets expensive in a hurry.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Every worker should have the appropriate personal protective equipment for the job he is doing at the time. Whether the worker is at height or is using certain equipment, make sure you and your crew understand how important the right PPE is.
Hard hat: Protects against head injury due to falling objects. There are three industrial classes. Class A provides impact and penetration resistance as well as limited voltage resistance. Class B provides the highest level of electrical protection. Class C is a lightweight hat that can protect well enough against impact but has no voltage protection.
Ear protection (if necessary).
Safety goggles: There are several types, use the type most appropriate to the activity. Includes welding and chipping, cutting spectacles with side shields, tinted lenses, and face shields. NOTE: OSHA specifies that eye and face protection should guard against specific workplace hazards.
Gloves: Match to the nature of the work. Gloves can come in an array of materials: leather, canvas, mesh, fabric, and rubber.
Safety Harness: Everyone who works at height should be wearing a safety harness. Fall protection on construction sitescan include safety belts, lifelines, lanyards, and safety netting. Use the appropriate type for the activity. Check the harnesses regularly for wear and tear.
OSHA states, “Lifelines shall be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage of the structural member capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 5,400 pounds.”
Work boots
Additional safety equipment includes, of course, one or more fire extinguishers. These should be checked regularly for a charge. Near the extinguisher is a good place to keep a first aid kit. The kit should contain, at a minimum:
Bandages
Gauze pads
Antibiotic packs
Antiseptic wipes
Flashlight
Train everyone on the use of the personal protective equipment. A basic first aid course wouldn’t hurt. You may need more supplies that this depending on the types of injuries that occur most often on your jobsites. Anytime the first aid kit is used, make sure it is restocked as soon as possible. If everyone is careful, you won’t have to do that too often.
If at all possible, develop and perform a hazard assessment for each jobsite. Identify potential dangers as early as possible and work to mitigate or eliminate them. Put someone in charge of safety who can make sure everyone maintains and uses their protective equipment properly and who maintains the hazard communication policy and practice.
Erecting a metal building, no matter the size, requires attention to safety and the right tools. This post is, by no means, a comprehensive list of what you will need for every job but it does mention many of the tools that will be put to use each day. Consult your erection manual for specifics for your metal building.