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Circular No.: C&P/071/08/tl
Subject: Advisory on Measures to Enhance Safety of Structural Steelwork
Date: 25 July 2008
Officer-in-Charge: Lim Tian Lee
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has issued an advisory on measures to enhance safety of structural steelwork. The engaging of accredited steel fabricators, qualified site supervisors who have a sufficient level of competence in structural steelwork, and Independent Testing Agencies (ITAS) are some of these measures that would enhance the safety of structural steelworks. Details as follow:
1. Accredited Steel Fabricators
The Structural Steel Fabricators Accreditation Scheme, managed by the Singapore Structural Steel Society (SSSS) is one of the sources for selection of a reliable fabricator. QPs are advised to specify in the contract specifications that the steel fabricator to be employed should be accredited under the Structural Steel Fabricators Accreditation Scheme in the category appropriate for the project. Details of the Structural Steel Fabricators Accreditation Scheme and the list of accredited steel fabricators could be obtained at SSSS website at http://www.ssss.org.sg
2. Qualified Site Supervisors trained in supervising structural steelwork
The SSSS is conducting training for qualified site supervisors in the supervision of structural steelwork which comprises a 30-hour course and they have to pass a written examination before they are put on its Registered Steelwork Supervisors register. These SSSS registered steelwork supervisors also have to meet continuous professional development requirements to ensure continued and updated competence in this specialized field. QPs could look up the SSSS website for the list of Registered Steelwork Supervisors.
3. Independent Testing Agency (ITA)
A comprehensive and thorough testing and inspection regime is vital for the safe fabrication and erection of structural steelwork. For major projects with steel structures, it is advisable that an Independent Testing Agency (ITA) accredited under the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) Accreditation Scheme for Inspection Bodies (Structural Steelwork) is appointed to:-
a) Review the welding procedure specifications;
b) Check on the joints fit-up, size, dimensions and material quality of the steel members;
c) Conduct inspections prior to welding, during welding and after welding;
d) Conduct post welding tests on the welds; and
e) Check on bolted connections.
(The list of accredited inspection bodies can be obtained from SAC’s web-page at www.sac-accreditation.gov.sg)
You may contact Senior Executive Engineer, Mr Patrick Choy from BCA at Tel: 6325-5019 or email: Patrick_choy@bca.gov.sg if you need further clarification.
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