What the Proposed 2025 RCSC Specification Means for Bolting Personnel Qualifications

Rather than treating bolting personnel as one group, the proposed Section 1.8 establishes different expectations based on an individual’s role and responsibilities. Sections 1.8.1 through section 1.8.5 as follows.

Installation personnel must have the knowledge and skills required to properly install bolting assemblies.

This includes the ability to:

• Snug-tighten joints in accordance with Section 8.1.
• When required, pretension joints using the installation method specified for the project in accordance with Section 8.2.

In other words, installers need to understand not only how to achieve the required tension, but also how to properly apply the specific installation method being used on the project.

Personnel responsible for supervision and inspection have additional responsibilities. Under the proposed requirements, they must have the knowledge and skills necessary to supervise and inspect:

• Pre-installation verification (PIV) testing for the installation method being used.
• Rotational Capacity (RoCap) testing in accordance with ASTM F3125 or F3148, when required.
• Installation of bolting assemblies, including the applicable installation method, when required.

This places an emphasis on understanding the processes being performed in the field, not simply observing whether installation has been completed.

The proposed specification also establishes a baseline level of knowledge for all bolting personnel.

This includes knowledge of:

• Bolt, nut, and washer types and markings, including any special bolting components being used.
• Proper storage and lubrication of bolting components.
• Bolt hole types, dimensions, and quality.
• Washer requirements.
• Bolt dimensions and bolt orientation when bolt threads are required to be excluded from the shear plane.
• Proper use of installation tools.

These requirements address many of the fundamentals that can directly affect the installation and performance of a bolted connection. Understanding the fasteners, connection components, jobsite conditions, and installation equipment is an important part of achieving consistent results.

One of the most significant additions in the proposed Section 1.8 is the emphasis on documented qualifications.

The proposed specification states that qualification assessments are to be conducted annually, or when the applicable installation method has not been used by an installer for more than six months.

Contractors would also be responsible for maintaining documented evidence of the training, knowledge, and skills of all bolting personnel.

This creates an important distinction between simply having trained personnel and being able to demonstrate that personnel have been trained and possess the knowledge and skills required for their responsibilities.

For contractors, this may mean reviewing how training records, qualification assessments, and other documentation are currently maintained.

The proposed Section 1.8 also addresses whether individual installers must be identified on installed bolting assemblies.

Under Section 1.8.5, markings or other methods used to identify the person responsible for installing a bolting assembly are not required.

While documentation of personnel qualifications would be required, the proposed specification does not require individual installer traceability for each installed bolt.

If adopted as proposed, Section 1.8 would establish a more structured approach to bolting personnel qualifications.

The requirements can be viewed across three levels:

• Installation personnel must demonstrate the skills needed to properly install and, when applicable, pretension bolted connections using the required installation method.
• Supervision and inspection personnel must understand how to oversee and inspect pre-installation verification, rotational capacity testing when required, and the applicable installation procedures.
• All bolting personnel must have a baseline understanding of fastener identification, storage and lubrication, bolt holes, washers, bolt orientation, and installation tools.

On top of those role-specific expectations, contractors would be responsible for maintaining documented evidence of qualifications and conducting recurring assessments.

Although these requirements have not yet been adopted, they provide contractors and bolting teams with an opportunity to evaluate their current training and documentation practices before any new requirements take effect.

Preparation doesn’t necessarily mean changing your entire process today. It can start with understanding where your current practices stand.

Consider reviewing:

• How new and existing bolting personnel are trained.
• Whether personnel understand the specific installation methods used.
• How qualification or training records are documented and maintained.
• Whether supervisors and inspectors have the knowledge needed to oversee installation and verification procedures.
• How often personnel receive training or demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Taking these steps now can help establish a stronger foundation if the proposed requirements are incorporated into the next edition of the RCSC Specification.

At GWY, our structural bolting training covers the practical knowledge and skills involved in structural bolting, including installation methods, tool operation, pre-installation verification, Rotational Capacity testing, inspection, and quality control.

Our hands-on training is designed to help installers, supervisors, and inspectors better understand the requirements and practices involved in successful bolting. Training documentation is also provided upon completion.

Whether you’re preparing for potential specification changes or looking to improve consistency across your crews, training can be a valuable part of maintaining qualified and knowledgeable bolting personnel.

As the proposed 2025 RCSC Specification continues through the review and approval process, we’ll continue sharing updates and practical guidance to help you understand what potential changes could mean for your team.