Precast Concrete Erectors

Precast concrete members are cast in a plant, trucked to the site and lifted into place by crane. Panels, beams, columns and planks weigh many tons, and workers handle connections high above the ground.

• Concrete
• Erectors
• Crane Crews

Planning

• Use the erection drawings and plan, showing sequence, weights, rigging, bracing and fall protection.
• Check ground conditions for the crane and the delivery trucks. See Crane Setup.
• A lift plan covers the weight, radius, rigging and path of each piece. See Lift Planning.
• Keep power line clearances. See Cranes & Power Lines.

Rigging and lifting

• Use the lifting inserts or hardware the producer designed, and the right rigging for the angle and weight. See Sling Hitches.
• Have a qualified rigger attach the load and a qualified signal person direct the lift. See Qualified Riggers.
• Do a test lift of a few inches to check balance and hardware.
• Use tag lines so no one must reach under or push the load by hand.
• Keep crew out from under suspended panels and out of the drop zone.
• Do not release the crane's load until the panel is braced or secured as the plan states.

Bracing and connections

• Temporary braces are rated and anchored in the floor or ground as designed
• Braces stay until the structure or permanent connections can hold
• Connections are made in the order on the drawings, with the right bearing and welds
• Pins, shims and bolts are installed and checked before the load is released
• An engineer approves any change to the sequence or bracing

Fall protection

Workers connecting members at height are often exposed to leading edges and need controlled access zones, travel restraint, personal fall arrest systems or other approved methods. See Leading Edge Work and Personal Fall Arrest Systems.

Last updated: October 8, 2026