In a significant shift, the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has announced the removal of safety requirements from their Erector Certification program, effective January 1, 2025. This landmark decision, detailed in Certification Bulletin 2024-08, represents an unprecedented change in industry standards – it’s rare to see a certification requirement being eliminated rather than added.
Why This Change Matters
Nearly three decades ago, AISC pioneered the development of safety standards in structural steel erection by implementing auditable safety requirements. Today, the landscape has changed significantly. Multiple stakeholders in the construction industry have established comprehensive safety standards, creating a robust framework of legal, commercial, and project-specific requirements governing steel erection safety.
Key Changes to AISC Certification Requirements
The revision removes several critical sections from Chapter 5 of the Standard for Certification Programs (AISC 207-23), including:
- Section 5.3.4 – Safety
- Section 5.5.8 – Safety Manual
- Section 5.5.9 – Policy for Safety
- Section 5.5.10 – Responsible Safety Personnel
- Section 5.21 – Safety Plan
- Related management review processes
- Safety-specific training documentation
What Stays the Same
While safety requirements are being removed from the certification process, AISC maintains its commitment to safety culture in steel construction. The organization will continue to:
- Provide safety-related resources on their website
- Offer educational programming
- Host the Safety Track programs at NASCC: The Steel Conference
Additionally, requirements related to erection planning and documentation under the AISC Code of Standard Practice remain firmly in place.
Immediate Actions for Erectors
To navigate this transition successfully, steel erectors should:
- Review internal processes to ensure compliance with OSHA and other regulatory safety standards
- Communicate these changes to project stakeholders to clarify how AISC certification audits will evolve
- Continue participating in industry events like NASCC to stay current with best practices and safety education
Impact on Your Operations
This change streamlines the certification process by eliminating redundant documentation, potentially leading to significant time and resource savings. However, erectors must still comply with various other safety requirements from:
- OSHA regulations
- State and local building codes
- Project-specific safety mandates
- Insurance requirements
- General contractor safety programs
Looking Ahead: Certification Support
Navigating certification requirements can be complex, especially during periods of significant change. At Freer Consulting, we specialize in helping steel erectors achieve and maintain AISC certification efficiently and effectively. Our experienced team stays current with all AISC requirement updates and can help you optimize your certification process while maintaining excellence in all operational areas.
Ready to ensure your AISC certification process aligns with these new changes? Contact Freer Consulting today to learn how we can support your certification journey. Our experts will help you navigate the updated requirements while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency in your operations.