The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has special safety guidelines for systems-engineered
metal buildings, which are made with cold-formed steel in different configurations than those used for
traditional steel-framed buildings or light-gauge steel framing systems. This results in large, open interior
spaces suitable for airplane hangars, warehouses, and distribution centers. Why might such buildings need
special safety guidelines?
O They are at an increased risk of fire because they are usually used for industrial applications.
O They are less common than other steel structures, which means few contractors know how to build them correctly.
They use a heavier form of cold-formed steel, which makes the structural components less stable.
O They are at an increased risk of collapse because they have fewer interior structural supports.