Background: Why Metal Deck Lubricant Gained Attention
In accordance with The Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990, OSHA revised the Subpart R regulations in relation to steel erection, particularly as they related to construction safety and fall prevention. After reviewing accident statistics in the construction industry, OSHA considered it crucial to reduce injuries resulting from slips and falls in the erection of metal roofs and decks. Due to these efforts, The Steel Coalition was formed to obtain input from the rulemaking body, labor, contractors, and manufacturers to establish guidelines that would improve workers’ safety.
In 1997, Dr. George Sotter, a recognized expert in slip and human traction, was commissioned by The Steel Coalition to perform extensive research into the possible causes of slipping accidents in the construction industry. In 1998, Dr. Sotter published a report called “Research Toward the Rapid Minimization of Slipping Incidents on Construction Site Steel Products.” His investigation and the subsequent report concluded that there are many factors causing slip-related injuries in the construction industry, and one of those factors was the presence of lubricants on decking products.
This research led to the establishment of the Steel Coalition Lubricant Task Group to investigate further this issue — to reduce or completely eliminate the presence of lubricants that are delivered on-site for decking products.
Metal Deck in Construction
Metal deck roofing is usually seen in exterior applications and is a temporary walking or working surface. Metal deck supports roofs or floors and is typically placed in a nearly horizontal plane. Floor deck can be easily defined as a “stay in place” form of concrete and some of it interlocks with said concrete to produce a composite deck that offers greater strength than the deck alone.
The common roof deck system is insulated and covered by a weather-resistant membrane. The majority of decking is rolled from milled-supplied coils of either hot-dipped galvanized or cold-rolled steel. At CSM Products & Solutions, we produce metal roof and floor deck in a variety of widths, depths, and gauges, using G60 and G90 galvanized steel.
Galvanized deck is often supplied unpainted, however, at CSM, you have the option to receive your decking solutions with pre-primed or pre-painted galvanized deck in white or gray finishes.
Our Responsibility to Manufacture Safe Metal Decking
Based on the research conducted by the Lubricant Task Group, it was recommended that every metal deck manufacturer follow certain safety guidelines, including establishing their own sets of parameters that best address the safety and environmental impact of highly evaporative lubricants.
In addition to complying with local and state regulations, it was also recommended that metal deck manufacturers use highly evaporative forming lubricants, which leave little residual on the formed metal decking sheet to prevent galling.
At CSM Products & Solutions, safety and quality are our top priorities, this is why we use the Saf-T-Vanish for coil lubrication during our manufacturing process rather than a solvent-based fluid.
About Saf-T-Vanish, CSM’s Evaporative Lubricant of Choice
Saf-T-Vanish uses ingredients that are derived from renewable sources and is formulated to replace vanishing oils made with petroleum solvents. Saf-T-Vanish has a light pleasant odor, does not contain hazardous air pollutants (zero VOC), and is non-flammable. Drying time with Saf-T-Vanish is typically half that of solvent-based fluids. It does not contain typical extreme pressure additives, has a high lubricity factor, and offers excellent corrosion protection.
Learn more about Saf-T-Vanish in this video from the manufacturer, Tower Oil & Technology Co.
Using Saf-T-Vanish ensures that our metal deck manufacturing team members are protected from exposure to toxic chemicals during the manufacturing process, while also ensuring that your workers are better protected from slips on the job site related to manufacturing lubricants.
In addition to using Saf-T-Vanish in our manufacturing process, we also attach warning labels on all deck bundles.
CSM Metal Deck’s Difference
Experience the difference of an anti-slippery, environmentally friendly metal deck from a knowledgable manufacturer. Contact us today to get started on your metal deck order. Our staff will be happy to help you find the best product for your specific needs.
