Key Terms

Competent Person: Someone who can identify existing and predictable hazards in the worksite and surrounding areas, and who is granted authorization to take prompt corrective action to eliminate hazardous, dangerous, or unsanitary conditions.

Constructability: The ability to build structural steel members in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations without having to alter the overall structural design.

Controlled Decking Zone: An area in which certain work may take place without guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, fall restraint systems, or safety net systems; and where access to the zone is controlled.

Fall Restraint System: A fall protection system consisting of a body belt or harness along with an anchorage or lifeline, or other devices to prevent the user from falling any distance.

Leading Edge: The unprotected side or edge of a building, floor, or roof, which changes location as additional sections of the building, floor, or roof are placed or constructed.

Personal Fall Arrest System: A system used to slow and stop the fall of a user, consisting of a body harness, anchorage, connectors, and some combination of lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device.

Qualified Person: Someone who has extensive knowledge, training, and experience in the subject matter or project; and who has demonstrated the ability to solve problems relating to the subject matter or project, usually possessing a degree or certificate in the particular subject area.

Steel Erection: The construction, alteration, or repair of steel buildings, bridges, and other structures, including the installation of metal decking and planking during the process of erection.

Structural Steel: A steel member (or member made of a substitute material such as fiberglass or aluminum). These members include, but are not limited to, joists, joist girders, purlins, columns, beams, trusses, splices, seats, metal decking, girts, bridging, and cold-formed metal framing integrated with the structural steel framing of a building.

To learn more about Construction Steel Erection visit our Construction Steel Erection Safety Online Training web page.