Slings
Lifting, loading and transportation of steel frames shall be accomplished with sufficient care to prevent damage. Frames must be fully supported in either horizontal or vertical planes when being transported. Care must be taken when tying down and lifting wall frames not to put an excessive pressure on joints.

Most wall frames for single storey work may be lifted by hand, however where cranage is required, sling frames at plate and stud connections. When a crane is used to unload, suitable lifting methods are required to minimise racking loads or local distortion of members.

Slings should be located at equal distances from frame centrelines and be approximately one-third to one-half the frame length apart.
Note: When maneuvering any materials by hand, take care not to damage components. Components should be inspected on arrival to site. Damaged components may affect structural integrity.

2.1 Wall Frame Exposure & Storage

2.1.1 On-site storage

Where frames are stored on site, they should be blocked above the firm ground to protect them from ground water as follows:

• If the frames are stored horizontally, the blocking should be at 1.0m to 1.5m centres or as required at joints, to prevent bending of the frames. (Figure 2.2.2)
  
• If the frames are stored vertically, they should be supported at the designed support locations and in a manner that will prevent them from tipping or toppling. (Figure 2.2.1) 
  

 

Figure 2.2.1 Frames stacked vertically

Figure 2.2.2 Frames stacked horizontally