I-Joist Site Safety

To avoid jobsite accidents with I-joists, follow these safety guidelines:

1. Brace and nail each I-joist as it is installed, using hangers, blocking panels, rim board, and/or cross-bridging at joist ends. When I-joists are applied continuously over interior supports and a load-bearing wall is planned at that location, blocking will be required at the interior support.
2. When the building is completed, the floor sheathing will provide lateral support for the top flanges of the I-joists. Until this sheathing is applied, temporary bracing, known as struts, or temporary sheathing must be applied to prevent I-joist rollover or buckling.
3. For cantilevered I-joists, brace top and bottom flanges, and brace ends with closure panels, rim board, or cross-bridging.
4. Install and nail permanent sheathing to each I-joist before placing loads on the floor system. Then, stack building materials over beams or walls only.
5. Never install a damaged I-joist.

Source: APA