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How to Handle and Manage Steel Coils in Offsite CFS Production Facilities

As cold-formed steel (CFS) framing becomes more widely adopted, offsite steel framing operations must prioritize worker safety and learn the tricks of the trade for managing steel coils to improve their production processes.

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All photos courtesy of FRAMECAD.

As cold-formed steel (CFS) framing becomes more widely adopted, it’s essential for offsite steel framing prefabrication facilities and panelization shops to consider several important factors related to steel coil management and handling. These factors encompass health and safety concerns and provide opportunities for streamlining production processes. 

“By addressing these considerations, users can enhance both the safety and efficiency of their operations,” says the article “Best Practices for Handling & Managing Steel Coils in CFS Construction” posted by SFIA member FRAMECAD. 

FRAMECAD Handling steel cold-formed

It is essential for offsite steel framing prefabrication facilities and panelization shops to consider several factors related to steel coil management and handling.

Safety Considerations

Well-trained factory personnel will follow safety protocols and emergency procedures. They understand the importance of regularly reviewing and updating their steel coil storage safety procedures. 

Key considerations include: 

Worker Safety 

  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and protective clothing to avoid injuries
  • Learn correct lifting techniques and use mechanical aids like gantry cranes, forklifts and coil lifters to prevent injuries
  • Implement noise control measures to protect against hearing damage from heavy machinery

Steel Coil Storage and Safety 

  • Use equipment such as gantries, cranes, forklifts, coil lifters to move coils
  • Regularly inspect and maintain lifting equipment to minimize accident risks and ensure efficiency
  • Employ appropriate lifting attachments specific to the coil’s dimensions and weight
  • Establish clear procedures for loading and unloading steel coils
  • Secure steel coils properly during transport

To avoid injuries, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots and protective clothing should be worn when handling cold-formed steel.

 

Construction Safety Statistics

Despite advances in safety technologies, construction remains a hazardous profession. Consider these construction safety statistics:

  • $170 billion: Cost of injuries at construction sites each year
  • 56%: Percentage of retired construction workers with hearing impairments 
  • 24.2 million: Hours full-time construction workers are absent each year due to injury or illness 
  • $2,697: Average OSHA penalty per inspection
  • 3.6%: Percentage of total revenue construction companies spend on injuries
  • 2.6%: Percentage of total revenue construction companies invest in safety training

 

How to Streamline Your Business

Five strategies can help streamline business processes related to steel coil handling and storage. These strategies include:

  1. Reduce Inventory: Implement a system to track steel coil quantities, locations and specifications, reducing waste and preventing overstocking
  2. Design Better Workflows: Optimize storage and work area layouts to minimize unnecessary handling and streamline material transfer
  3. Inspect Coils: Apply strict quality control measures to ensure incoming steel coils meet standards and avoid delays and rework
  4. Partner with Reliable Suppliers: Develop strong connections with reliable suppliers for timely, consistent delivery and better negotiation terms
  5. Maintain Your Equipment: Conduct regular maintenance on handling equipment to prevent breakdowns, reduce downtime and extend equipment lifespan
FRAMECAD streamline business cold-formed steel coils

By adopting and implementing effective strategies, businesses can streamline processes for handling and storing steel coils.

By prioritizing the management of steel coils and adopting strategies for business improvement, users can enhance the safety and efficiency of CFS framing systems.

Read the full FRAMECAD article.

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