Risk Assessments · Mandatory · Pre-Construction
RAMS — Structural Steel Erection
This RAMS covers the erection of structural steelwork including lifting, bolting, welding, and temporary bracing. It addresses crane operations, exclusion zones, wind speed limitations, and fall protection for steel erectors. All steelwork erection must follow the approved erection sequence and temporary stability scheme designed by a competent engineer.
Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. MHSWR 1999 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.
| Legal basis | CDM 2015 Part 4 + LOLER 1998 (crane and lifting operations) + PUWER 1998 (work equipment) + MHSWR 1999 Regulation 3 |
| Key guidance | BCSA Code of Practice for Erection of Multi-Storey Buildings; BCSA Guide to Steel Erection in Windy Conditions; SG4:15 (metal decking edge protection) |
| Who | Structural steelwork erection contractor |
| EMS requirement | Erection Method Statement is a mandatory document under BCSA CoP — must be produced before erection begins |
| Temporary works | All temporary bracing, propping, and stability connections require a TWC/TWS design check before loading |
| Enforcing authority | Health and Safety Executive (HSE) |
1. What It Covers
Structural steel erection is one of the highest-risk activities on any construction project. A RAMS for this work scope must address every phase of the erection sequence — from offloading and sorting steelwork on site through to completion of the permanent connections and removal of temporary bracing. The hazards are severe and include structural collapse, falls from height during connection work, crane operations, and loads falling from height.
The legal framework combines CDM 2015 Part 4 (site-specific duties), LOLER 1998 for all lifting operations involving cranes, MEWPs, and material hoists, PUWER 1998 for all work equipment used during erection, and the BCSA Code of Practice for Erection of Multi-Storey Buildings which sets out the industry-standard approach to safe erection sequences. The RAMS must demonstrate compliance with all four frameworks and must be read alongside the Erection Method Statement (EMS), which is a separate mandatory document under the BCSA CoP.
Structural stability is the overriding concern at every stage
A partially erected steel frame has no inherent stability until permanent connections and bracing are complete. Every column, beam, and bracing member must be temporarily stabilised as it is erected, and the sequence of erection must be designed to ensure that stability is maintained throughout the process. Loss of stability during erection is a catastrophic event with no recovery margin.
2. Erection Method Statement (EMS)
The Erection Method Statement is a mandatory document under the BCSA Code of Practice. It is distinct from the RAMS and sets out the planned sequence of erection, the temporary stability measures, and the resources required for each phase. The RAMS references the EMS but does not replace it. The following table sets out the seven mandatory elements that the EMS must contain.
| Element | Content requirement |
|---|---|
| 1. Erection sequence | The planned order in which steelwork will be erected, bay by bay and level by level, showing how structural stability is maintained at every intermediate stage |
| 2. Temporary bracing and stability | Details of all temporary bracing, propping, and guy ropes required to stabilise the frame during erection, including the point at which each temporary measure can be removed |
| 3. Crane and lifting plan | Crane type, capacity, radius, and position for each lift; rigging details; lift sequence; load weights; LOLER-compliant lift plans for all critical and complex lifts |
| 4. Connection sequence | The method and sequence for making permanent connections (bolted, welded, or both), including the number of bolts required at each stage to maintain stability before final torque |
| 5. Access and edge protection | How operatives will access connection points and working positions at height; MEWP provision; safety netting; edge protection to metal decking; SG4:15 compliance |
| 6. Column base grouting and packing | Method for levelling and packing column bases, temporary base stability (holding-down bolt condition), and the point at which grouting will be completed |
| 7. Resources and competence | Number and roles of the erection team; specific competence requirements for each role (steelwork erector, crane operator, slinger/signaller, welder); supervision arrangements |
“The erection method statement shall be prepared by the steelwork contractor and shall define the sequence of erection and the temporary stability measures to be adopted at each stage of the erection process.”— BCSA Code of Practice for Erection of Multi-Storey Buildings
3. Key Hazards
The following table sets out the principal hazards associated with structural steel erection, who is at risk, the key risk factors, and the control measures that should be addressed in the RAMS.
| Hazard | Who at risk | Risk factors | Control measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural collapse during erection | Erection team, adjacent trades, public | Incorrect erection sequence, inadequate temporary bracing, premature removal of temporary stability measures, design error | Erection Method Statement; temporary bracing designed by TWD; sequence strictly followed; no deviation without re-assessment; TWC/TWS sign-off at each stage |
| Falls from connection work at height | Steelwork connectors, erectors | Working at unprotected edges, accessing connection points on beams and columns, climbing between levels | MEWPs as primary access for connection work; safety netting below working level; personal fall arrest where MEWP not practicable; pre-planned access routes |
| Falls from metal decking edges | Decking operatives, erectors working on completed bays | Open perimeter edges, openings in decking, fragile decking before concrete pour | Edge protection to SG4:15; safety netting at leading edge; openings covered and secured; exclusion zones below; decking not used as access until secured |
| Struck by falling loads or materials | All operatives at ground level and on lower floors | Loads swinging during crane lifts, loose fittings dropped from height, wind causing load drift, rigging failure | Exclusion zones below all lifting operations; tag lines on all loads; tool lanyards; netting or fans to catch falling objects; site segregation during erection |
| Crane collapse or overload | Crane operator, erection team, adjacent personnel | Crane overloading, incorrect outrigger setup, ground bearing failure, wind speed exceedance, proximity to other cranes | LOLER-compliant lift plan for every lift; rated capacity indicator (RCI); competent appointed person; wind speed monitoring; ground bearing assessment; crane exclusion zones |
| Column base collapse | Erection team, operatives on lower floors | Insufficient holding-down bolts, inadequate packing, premature loading before grout has cured, damaged bolt assemblies | Column base design check; minimum bolt engagement verified before release of crane; packing and levelling by competent person; no loading beyond design stage until grout cure confirmed |
| Manual handling of steelwork components | Erectors, banksmen, ground crew | Heavy sections, awkward shapes, limited grip points, cold steel in winter, repetitive handling during sorting | Mechanical handling (crane, telehandler) wherever practicable; two-person manual handling where required; gloves appropriate for steel; task rotation to reduce fatigue |
| Adverse weather — wind, ice, lightning | All erection personnel, crane operator | Wind speed affecting crane operations and load control; ice on steelwork making surfaces slippery; lightning risk with steel frame | Wind speed triggers defined in EMS (typically cease crane lifts at sustained 20 mph, cease all erection at 30 mph); ice protocol — no erection on iced steelwork; lightning protocol — cease work and descend immediately |
| Welding hazards (site welding) | Welders, adjacent operatives | UV radiation, hot metal splatter, fire risk from sparks, fume inhalation, confined or elevated welding positions | Hot work permit; welding screens; fire watch; LEV or RPE for fume control; flash protection for adjacent operatives; fire extinguisher at point of work |
4. Competence Requirements
Steel erection demands specific competence for every role on the erection team. The RAMS must confirm that all operatives hold the required qualifications and that evidence has been verified before work begins. The industry is transitioning from ProQual NVQs to ECITB-delivered NVQs for steelwork erection roles.
| Role | Required competence |
|---|---|
| Steelwork erector | ECITB NVQ Level 2 in Constructional Steelwork Erection (replacing ProQual route); CSCS Skilled Worker (blue) card with steelwork erection occupation; site-specific induction |
| Crane operator (mobile crane) | CPCS Competent Operator card for the relevant crane category (A02 crawler crane, A60 mobile crane); medical fitness certificate; specific familiarisation on the crane being used |
| MEWP operator | CPCS or IPAF Operator card for the relevant MEWP category (3a scissor, 3b boom, or static/mobile as applicable); familiarisation on the specific machine |
| Slinger/signaller | CPCS Slinger/Signaller card (A40); understanding of lift plans, sling angles, and rated capacities; appointed in writing for each shift |
| Appointed person (lifting operations) | CPCS Appointed Person card (A61); responsible for planning all lifting operations; must prepare or approve lift plans in accordance with LOLER 1998 |
| Temporary Works Designer (TWD) | Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng/IEng) with specific experience in temporary works design for steel erection; responsible for designing temporary bracing and stability systems |
| Welder (site welding) | BS EN ISO 9606-1 welder approval certificate valid for the relevant welding process, material type, and position; welder qualification range must cover the joints specified in the EMS |
| Erection supervisor | SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) or SSSTS; ECITB supervisory qualification; direct experience of structural steelwork erection; named in the EMS as the responsible person on site |
ECITB NVQ is replacing ProQual for steelwork erection qualifications
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) now delivers the NVQ route for steelwork erection, replacing the previous ProQual-certificated pathway. Existing ProQual NVQ certificates remain valid, but new candidates should be registered through the ECITB route. The CSCS card application process accepts both routes, but the RAMS should confirm which NVQ the operative holds and verify that it is current.
5. Common Mistakes
No Erection Method Statement produced before erection begins
The EMS is a mandatory document under the BCSA Code of Practice and must be produced, reviewed, and approved before any steelwork is erected on site. A RAMS alone is not sufficient. The EMS defines the erection sequence, temporary stability measures, and crane positions for each phase. Beginning erection without an approved EMS is a fundamental compliance failure and removes the primary control against structural collapse during erection.
Temporary bracing removed before permanent connections are complete
Temporary bracing maintains the stability of the partially erected frame. It must not be removed until all permanent connections in the braced zone are fully tightened or welded and the Temporary Works Coordinator has confirmed that stability is assured without the temporary measures. Premature removal of bracing has caused frame collapses resulting in fatalities. The EMS must specify the exact point at which each temporary measure can be removed.
Crane lifts continuing in wind speeds above the trigger threshold
The BCSA guidance and the EMS should define specific wind speed triggers for cessation of crane operations and erection work. Typical thresholds are: cease crane lifts at sustained wind speeds of 20 mph; cease all erection work at 30 mph. Wind speed must be monitored continuously using an anemometer at working height, not estimated from ground level. Continuing to lift in wind above the trigger threshold places the entire erection team at risk from uncontrolled loads.
Inadequate exclusion zones below erection activities
All areas below active erection and lifting operations must be established as exclusion zones. This includes areas below crane lifts, below connection work at height, and below metal decking installation. Exclusion zones must be physically demarcated with barriers and signage, not simply communicated verbally. Adjacent trades must be prevented from entering the zone while erection is in progress.
Column bases loaded before grout has achieved design strength
Column bases are typically packed and levelled on temporary steel packs, with the gap between the base plate and the foundation later filled with non-shrink grout. The frame must not be loaded beyond the design stage load (typically self-weight plus one level of steelwork) until the grout has achieved its specified design strength. Loading bases prematurely can cause settlement, rotation, and loss of column plumbness, leading to progressive collapse.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Erection Method Statement a separate document to the RAMS?▾
Yes. The EMS is a standalone document required under the BCSA Code of Practice. It defines the erection sequence, temporary stability measures, crane positions, and connection methodology for each phase of the steel erection. The RAMS addresses the hazards and control measures for the work activity. Both documents are required and should cross-reference each other, but the EMS is not a substitute for the RAMS and vice versa.
What wind speed should trigger cessation of steel erection?▾
The BCSA Guide to Steel Erection in Windy Conditions recommends that crane operations cease when sustained wind speed at working height reaches 20 mph (approximately 9 m/s) and that all erection work ceases at 30 mph (approximately 13 m/s). These are guidance thresholds, not absolute legal limits. The EMS should define site-specific triggers taking into account the exposure of the site, the type of members being erected, and the crane configuration. Wind speed must be measured at working height using an anemometer, not estimated from ground level conditions.
Who is responsible for temporary works design during steel erection?▾
The Temporary Works Designer (TWD) is responsible for designing all temporary stability measures, including temporary bracing, propping, and guy ropes. The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is responsible for managing the temporary works process on site, including ensuring that temporary measures are installed in accordance with the design and are not removed until authorised. Both roles must be formally appointed in writing. The steelwork contractor typically provides the TWD; the principal contractor typically appoints the TWC.
Can steelwork erectors work without fall protection during connection work?▾
No. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that all work at height is planned and that collective protection (such as MEWPs, safety nets, or scaffolding) is used in preference to personal protection (such as harnesses). Steelwork connectors must use MEWPs as the primary means of access to connection points wherever practicable. Where MEWP access is not practicable, personal fall arrest systems must be used with suitable anchor points. The practice of free-climbing steel without protection is not lawful and must not be permitted.
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