First, describe the work and worksite
A bolting crew will complete specified bolted connections on a stabilized building frame using powered tightening tools from protected access platforms. Initial erection connections remain under the erector’s control. This fictional learning example records planned controls; it supplies no actual inspections or work authorization.
- Current connection drawings and the specified installation and inspection method are available.
- The erection supervisor releases the work area and confirms temporary stability and protected access.
- This excludes initial connecting under a suspended load, field welding and alteration of existing loaded connections.
Questions before work
- Which connection and installation method is specified?
- Who confirms stability and controls any bolt removal?
- What tool setup and inspection evidence does this connection require?
Build the analysis one step at a time
What will the worker do? How could someone be harmed? What prevents or reduces that exposure? Who checks the control, and when?
1. Accept the connection work area
Hazard: Removing a temporary bolt or loading an incomplete frame can cause instability.
Control: Erection supervisor identifies connections released for final bolting and support that must remain. Crew holds any proposed bolt removal or alignment change for the designated authority.
Verification: Compare released connection marks and temporary support with the erection plan.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Final bolting is not authority to change erection stability.
2. Establish protected access
Hazard: Workers or tools can fall from the platform or through openings.
Control: Use the approved access and fall protection for the actual steel erection activity. Separate people below and arrange tools and materials against falling.
Verification: Supervisor checks access, opening protection and the applicable fall-system inspection before entry.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Access protection must suit the erection phase and role.
3. Check bolts and tightening equipment
Hazard: Wrong assemblies or uncontrolled tool reaction can cause connection defects or hand injuries.
Control: Identify the specified bolt assemblies and tool setup. Inspect sockets, drives and reaction arrangements; establish a hand position outside the reaction path.
Verification: Bolting lead matches assemblies and tool settings to the connection procedure.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A familiar wrench does not establish the correct installation method.
4. Install and tighten the released connection
Hazard: Torque reaction, pinch points and awkward reach can injure the operator.
Control: Follow the specified installation sequence from stable access. Keep fingers out of aligned holes and reaction zones; use appropriate alignment tools without unapproved connection changes.
Verification: Lead checks the first connection against the installation procedure and monitors tool reaction.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The connection procedure supplies acceptance criteria; the JHA controls exposure.
5. Resolve a misfit or defective assembly
Hazard: Forcing a fit or substituting a bolt can damage the connection and expose workers to sudden movement.
Control: Stop the affected connection, identify it and seek the required erection or design disposition. Stop and secure the tool before changing accessories.
Verification: Lead records the affected connection and confirms disposition before rework.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Misfit is a changed condition rather than permission to improvise.
6. Inspect and hand over
Hazard: An unrecorded incomplete connection can mislead the next crew.
Control: Keep required installation and inspection records, identify open connections and retain access restrictions until the designated release. Secure tools and loose materials.
Verification: Supervisor reconciles completed and open connection marks with the receiving crew.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Handover communicates actual status, not assumed completion.
What does a useful control look like?
| Needs improvement | More useful for this scenario |
|---|---|
| Be careful around the equipment. | Identify the specified bolt assemblies and tool setup. Inspect sockets, drives and reaction arrangements; establish a hand position outside the reaction path. |
| Check the area before starting. | Erection supervisor identifies connections released for final bolting and support that must remain. Crew holds any proposed bolt removal or alignment change for the designated authority. |
Decisions that change the analysis
Does this example specify a universal bolt torque?
No. Use the project’s specified connection and installation method with its inspection criteria. A generic torque value could be wrong for the assembly and method.
What must be recorded before this example is used on a job?
Replace the scenario with the actual work, identify additional hazards with the crew, and record the applicable instructions, responsible people, inspection findings, unresolved actions and required authorization. A planned verification is not an inspection result.
Agree when the crew will pause
- Support or connection release is uncertain.
- Assemblies, installation method or access changes.
- Misfit, damaged threads or uncontrolled tool reaction occurs.
After a pause, correct the condition, reassess the work, and obtain required authorization before restarting. Keep unresolved actions visible.
Download the worked example and free template
No account or paid membership required. The worked example contains planned controls. The blank template is for your own work; neither includes fabricated inspection results, signatures or approval.
Your editable working copy
Build and download your draft
Start blank or load the learning example. Replace its assumptions with your actual conditions and involve the people doing the work. Your entries stay in this browser tab; download a copy before leaving or refreshing.
1. Describe your work and site
2. Work through each task
Describe an observable step, how someone could be harmed, and the control that acts on that hazard. Identify who checks it and what evidence is needed.
3. Record changes, checks, and open actions
Walk the work area, review with the crew, and resolve missing controls. Follow the required approval process. This tool does not judge completeness, verify signatures or authorize work.
Open the downloaded file in a browser, then use Print → Save as PDF for a printable copy.
Training needs to confirm
- Actual bolting method and safe handling of tool reaction.
- Steel erection fall training for the assigned role under 1926.761.
Confirm applicable qualifications, task instruction and actual training evidence for the people assigned. Related toolbox talks support crew discussion; they do not establish competence.
Common questions
Can this be used as a JSA?
Use the Task | Hazard | Control structure if it meets the employer’s format. Adapt the boundaries, controls, verification and records to the actual job.
Does this provide a completed USACE AHA?
No. Use the project’s required AHA process, risk method, supporting fields and acceptance requirements. The existing formwork AHA explains the additional structure.
Are these resources part of a paid course?
This walkthrough, browser draft builder and downloads are free public resources, separate from Academy course enrollment.
References and source note
- OSHA 1926.754 Structural steel assembly and metal decking
- OSHA 1926.760 Steel erection fall protection
- OSHA 1926.761 Steel erection training
- OSHA 1926.300 Hand and power tools
Original worked example developed for the stated scenario. Primary references support the planning framework; the actual equipment manual, product instructions and project design must supply applicable operating and acceptance criteria. Use actual equipment instructions and site requirements alongside these references. Reference review: October 9, 2026.