R 408.42531 Tensioning operations.

Rule 2531. (1) Expendable and reusable tendon deflection devices must not be loaded in excess of their maximum intended load. The use of deflection devices must conform to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. (2) A competent person shall inspect the stressing equipment for damage or defects before stressing operations begin, and periodically during the stressing operations. The use of stressing equipment must conform to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. (3) Tensioning tendons that have kinks, bends, nicks, and other defects must not be used. (4) Welding or cutting is prohibited near tendon that has been unrolled, strung, or tensioned or at any other location where tendon is stored. (5) During jacking operations of any tensioning element or group of tensioning elements, the anchor must be kept turned up close to the anchor plate. (6) An employee shall not stand in the line of, in back of, over the jacking equipment, or above or alongside the full length of the tendons during tensioning operations. (7) Only an employee who is operating tensioning equipment shall be allowed in the immediate vicinity when tensioning is in progress. (8) Stress members must be lifted with the lifting devices at points specifically designed. An employee shall not be under stressed members during lifting and erection. (9) Audible or visual signaling devices must be operated to warn employees when tensioning operations are under way. (10) All employees who are not directly involved in the tensioning operations shall be cleared from the area and shall remain clear until tensioning operations are completed and the signaling devices are turned off. (11) An employer shall ensure signs and barricades are erected to limit access into the stressing area only to personnel engaged in stressing or de-tensioning operations. (12) An employer shall ensure there is an adequate safe work platform of a minimum of 3 feet measured from the end of the floor slab to the platform toeboard, such as an extension of the formwork, for stressing tendons, cutting tendon tails, and grouting where tensioning operations are above grade. (13) An employer shall ensure stressing equipment is secured to prevent accidental displacement during operation. (14) An employer shall ensure stressing equipment calibration specifications are available on site. Before stressing, a competent person shall verify the adequacy of the stressing equipment calibrations. (15) An employer shall ensure methods must be employed to ensure that supporting forms, falsework, or shoring does not fall due to cambering of the concrete during the stressing operations. Dead loads and construction loads, including those due to stressing, must be considered in the design of the forms, falsework, and shoring.