The following is an abridged version of the proposed regulatory text for the new post-tensioning OSHA Regulations as reported by Ironworkers.org (Sections #1, 6 and 9 relate to the post-tensioning activities).
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Site Access and layout.
The controlling contractor shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained:
(1) Adequate access roads into and through the site for the safe delivery and movement of derricks, cranes, trucks, other necessary equipment, and the material to be erected and means and methods for pedestrian and vehicular control. Exception: this requirement does not apply to roads outside of the construction site.
(2) A firm, properly graded, drained area, readily accessible to the work with adequate space for the safe storage of “reinforcing and post-tensioning” materials and the safe operation of the “reinforcing contractors” equipment.
(3) Adequate exterior platform for landing materials on the floors of multi-tiered buildings.
(4) Adequate benching and/or shoring prior to the commencement of reinforcing operations in excavations and/or trenches.
- Written Notifications Prior to Commencement of Reinforcing Steel Activities
- Stability Requirements for Vertical and Horizontal Columns, Walls, and Other Reinforcing Assemblies
- Requirements for Impalement Protection and Custody of Impalement Covers
- Requirements for Hoisting and Rigging Reinforcement Assemblies
- Requirements for Post Tensioning Activities
(1) No stressing operations shall commence prior to the controlling contractor providing written documentation to the company performing the stressing operation that the minimum specified initial concrete compressive strength has been achieved.
(2) No one shall be permitted to stand behind, in line with or directly above the stressing equipment or the full length of the tendon(s), including the fixed end anchorage.
(3) Signs and barriers shall be erected to limit access into the stressing area only to personnel engaged in stressing or de-tensioning operations.
(4) The controlling contractor shall bar other construction processes from working in barricaded areas during stressing operations.
(5) The controlling contractor shall ensure that an adequate safe work platform of a minimum of (3) feet (this can include an extension of formwork) including handrails, or equivalent, is provided for stressing tendons, cutting tendon tails, and grouting. All work platforms shall be clear of any materials not related to the work process.
(6) Stressing equipment shall be secured during operation to prevent accidental displacement.
(7) Prior to stressing, stressing equipment must have current stressing equipment calibrations per contract specifications available on-site. A competent person shall verify adequacy of stressing equipment calibrations and inspect the stressing equipment for visible signs of defects immediately before stressing and periodically during the stressing operations. The use of stressing equipment shall conform to the manufactures recommendations.
(8) During stressing operations methods shall be employed to insure that supporting shoring does not fall due to cambering of concrete during stressing operations. Dead loads and construction loads (including those due to stressing) shall be considered in the design of the forms and shoring.
- Fall Protection Requirements
- Requirements for Formwork and Falsework Stability
- Training Requirements
1) The employer shall ensure that each employee who performs reinforcing steel and post-tensioning activities has been provided training in the following areas:
a) The nature of the hazards associated with reinforcing steel and post-tensioning activities; and
b) The proper procedures and equipment to perform reinforcing steel and post-tensioning activities and;
c) Employees involved in reinforcing bar and post-tensioning operations shall be certified by a qualified evaluator (third-party). “Qualified evaluator (third party) means an entity that, due to its independence and expertise, has demonstrated that it is competent in accurately assessing whether individuals meet the training requirements in this subpart.
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