Health and safety

Handling Hazards
Zinc coated steel decking should be handled with care; it may be delivered with soluble protective layer of oil, which can cause contamination to lacerated skin. Decking will have sharp edges and corners. Adequate gloves and protective clothing should be worn when handling decking.

Eye Hazards
Eye protectors conforming to the specification in BS 2092:1987 should always be worn, when breaking the strapping around bundles because the sudden release of tension creates a risk to eyes.
Particles of metal also create eye hazards when cutting steel, and eye protection should be worn, during this activity.

Noise Hazards
Noise may be hazardous whilst handling or cutting decking, shot firing, etc, adequate ear defenders should be worn.

Respiratory Hazards
Fumes containing oxides of iron and zinc are produced during welding or flame cutting and if inhaled these may cause metal fume fever; this is a short-lasting condition with symptoms similar to those of influenza. In conditions of exposure to such hazards, the use of respiratory equipment is recommended.

Explosives and Fumes
When using shot fired fixings explosives and fumes may create a hazard.

Occupational Exposure Limits
Limits for iron and zinc oxides are 5g/m (8 hours TWA) and 10mg/m (10 minutes TWA). (OE recommendation)

Summary of Protective Measures
Wear adequate gloves and protective clothing and safety goggles.
Ensure adequate ventilation and use personal protective equipment.
Follow instructions for safe handling, use, disposal and control of cartridges issued by equipment supplier.
Ensure adequate ventilation and / or use personal respiratory protective equipment. Use appropriate ear defenders or earplugs.

General Safety Points
Follow the good practice outlined here and in SCI publications.

• Always fix deck securely before using as a working platform.
• Steel end diaphragms, as manufactured by PMF, are essential for both deep deck systems to ensure the structural integrity of the deck.
• Rigorously employ all personal safety measures such as hard hats, protective clothing.
• Rigorously employ all site safety measures such as safety lines, edge protection, properly tied ladders.
• Don’t leave any unfixed decking sheets.
• Don’t heap concrete or drop from any height.
• Don’t put heavy loads on unprotected deck.
• Don’t place props on uncured concrete.
• Don’t cut holes/voids in the deck prior to concreting.