This message relates to the stability of the supporting steel member prior to the installation of precast concrete components.

Poorly prepared receiving bearings, particularly masonry, can pose a hazard. The bearing surface should be clean, level and free from mortar.  Prior to installation of the precast component, the supporting structure must be checked to ensure that it is adequately supported and propped, for example steel section lintels should be securely fixed to padstones set onto the blockwork.

Isolated steel members must be fixed and temporary propping should also be incorporated where the ‘fixed’ steel beams are likely to torsionally deflect during erection of the precast floor units.

Further information:

Precast Flooring Federation (www.precastfloors.info)

Code of Practice: For the Safe Erection of Precast Concrete Flooring and Associated Components, 2007.

It is recommended that this message be applied to precast concrete units prior to delivery to site.

Given that precast units are reasonably large, one message should be attached to each precast unit.

Messages should be printed on A5 size laminated synthetic labels with a permanent adhesive backing to ensure adequate adhesion to the concrete element.