Jobsite · Off the trailer, onto blocking
Unloading and handling
Forks wide, slings padded, trusses vertical, panels on edge. The erector furnishes the equipment — and owns the damage from fork blades.
In winter, power-wash steel that has been exposed to road salt or chemicals during transit. Leave an access lane through one end of the building for erection equipment. Use equipment that will not damage the parts.
Forklifts
Extreme care with fork blades. The erector is responsible for having proper equipment on site. Space forks wide enough for a stable lift of parts, bundles, and crates. On long crates or bundles over 20 ft, bolt a spreader beam to the forks so slings can widen the pick points.
Truss / bundle — vertical only
When unloading long-span secondary trusses or bar joists, always lift purlins/joists and bundles in the vertical position.
- DO lift trusses/joists with forks between panel points, forks spread as wide as possible.
- DO NOT lift with forks at the panel points.
- DO NOT lift truss purlins in the horizontal (weak-axis) position.
Slings (crane or forklift)
Lift individual bundles with spreader bars and nylon slings at a minimum of two points along the bundle. Suitably stiff inserts at the top and bottom of the bundle at the sling positions protect panel and crate edges. Balance the load so nothing slides. Avoid bumping and snagging while the load is in the air.
Hand carrying panels
Always lift from the bundle — never drag. Wear gloves. Carry panels on edge, vertical, for stiffness. Picking up a panel at the ends and rotating it into a propeller shape will oil-can and ruin it. Do not carry a panel flat.