The crane or derrick hoists steel into place in the framework where several workers, using spud wrenches, position the steel with connecting bars and jacks. Reinforcing metal workers set the bars in the forms that hold concrete, following blueprints showing the location, size, and number of reinforcing bars. They then fasten the bars together by tying wire around them with pliers. When reinforcing floors, workers place blocks under the reinforcing bars to hold the bars off the deck. Although these materials usually arrive ready to use, metal workers occasionally must cut bars with metal shears or acetylene torches, bend them by hand or machine, or weld them with arc-welding equipment.
Some concrete is reinforced with welded wire fabric.
Using hooked rods, workers cut and fit the fabric and, while a concrete crew places the concrete, metal workers properly position the fabric in the concrete. Workers install ornamental ironwork and related pieces after the exterior of the building has been completed. As they hoist pieces into position, metal workers bring them into position, make sure they fit correctly and bolt, braze, or weld them for a secure fit. Metal fabricators fabricate and assemble structural metal products, such as metal tanks used to store petroleum, water, or other fluids and assemble metal parts for bridges and prefabricated metal buildings, according to plans or specifications. However, those who work at great heights do not work when it is wet, icy, or extremely windy.