Who is primarily responsible for placing and installing structural beams and columns?

The primary responsibility for placing and installing structural beams and columns lies with the ironworker. Ironworkers are specifically trained to handle various metal components in construction, and their expertise is essential for ensuring that beams and columns are correctly installed to provide structural integrity to buildings and other structures. They use specialized tools and techniques to raise, position, and secure these heavy components, often working at significant heights and adhering to strict safety protocols.

Heavy equipment operators typically focus on operating machinery such as cranes or forklifts, which may assist in moving materials, but they do not directly engage in the installation of structural elements. A project manager oversees the entire construction process, coordinating between various trades and ensuring that the project remains on schedule and within budget, but they are not directly involved in the physical work of placing beams and columns. HVAC technicians specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and are not involved in structural steel work. Thus, the role of the ironworker is critical and specific to the task of installing structural beams and columns.