Construction

Coordination between the designer and contractor will ensure that construction work proceeds safely and with maximum efficiency. The CDM 2007 regulations are of particular importance during the construction phase of a project.

The designer should clearly state all relevant design assumptions including the span, the direction of span, the overall slab thickness, the design loading, the  fire rating required and any constraints on deck erection which are perceived. The designer should also identify the location and type of any temporary props to the decking or the Asymmetric Slimflor Beams (ASBs).

The decking contractor should normally prepare detailed decking drawings and an erection method statement which should identify methods of and restrictions to adjacent working. These should be discussed and agreed with the principal contractor.

Safe working will be promoted by eliminating difficult details which need to be assembled at height and also by reducing, as far as is reasonably practicable, the amount of work to be carried out at height. Safety netting is the preferred method of fall protection for the installation of deep decks as it provides passive and collective protection for operatives working above.

Work should be planned so that no other trades or stored materials are permitted onto the deck and no other works are carried out immediately above or below the working area until it has been completed and handed over.