Formwork Committee – Guidance Material Rev 6 (DRAFT)_27/09/17
DRAFT….FORMWORK CODE OF PRACTICE
Contents
Scope and application.......................................................................................................................... 4
How to use this Code of Practice ...................................................................................................... 4
DEFINTIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Who should use this Code? ..................................................................................................................... 7
How can formwork and falsework risks be managed? .............................................................................. 8
Who is involved? ..................................................................................................................................... 9
BEFORE STARTING FORMWORK AND FALSEWORK.......................................................................... 9
Designing formwork and falsework ....................................................................................................... 9
Structure design................................................................................................................................. 10
Traditional / Modular systems ......................................................................................................... 10
Slip and Jump form......................................................................................................................... 10
Loading.............................................................................................................................................. 11
Plant design ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Formwork Modifications ..................................................................................................................... 12
THE SYSTEM OF WORK...................................................................................................................... 13
Competency and licensing ................................................................................................................. 13
Documentation................................................................................................................................... 13
Safety Report ................................................................................................................................. 13
Proprietary Systems ....................................................................................................................... 13
Safe work method statement (SWMS) ............................................................................................ 13
Emergency plan ............................................................................................................................. 14
Emergency procedures (jumpforms/slipforms) ................................................................................ 14
Inspection and maintenance .............................................................................................................. 15
TYPES OF FORMWORK ...................................................................................................................... 15
Traditional formwork systems ............................................................................................................. 15
Modular formwork systems ................................................................................................................ 15
Shoring / Falsework (scaffold) ............................................................................................................ 15
Slip and jump forms ........................................................................................................................... 17
Travelling forms ................................................................................................................................. 18
COMMON HAZARDS AND RISK CONTROLS ...................................................................................... 19
Ground conditions.............................................................................................................................. 19
Adjacent buildings or structures ......................................................................................................... 19
Collapse ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Electric lines ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Work zones in the vicinity of overhead electric line poles ................................................................ 20
Work zones in the vicinity of overhead electric line towers .............................................................. 21
Entry and exit..................................................................................................................................... 23
Falls................................................................................................................................................... 23
Fall protection from the formwork deck ............................................................................................... 24
Perimeter containment screens .......................................................................................................... 24
Falling objects.................................................................................................................................... 25
Penetrations ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Lifting plant and materials .................................................................................................................. 26
Lifting points ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Mixing components ............................................................................................................................ 27
Powered mobile plant and traffic ........................................................................................................ 27
Stripping Formwork ............................................................................................................................ 28
Drop stripping ................................................................................................................................. 28
Unauthorised access ......................................................................................................................... 28
ERECTING, ALTERING AND DISMANTLING FORMWORK AND FALSEWORK .................................. 29
Foundations and footings ............................................................................................................... 29
Conventional and Modular formwork systems .................................................................................... 29
Wall and column forms ................................................................................................................... 29
Access platforms ............................................................................................................................ 30
Trailing access system ................................................................................................................... 30
Lifting methods ............................................................................................................................... 30
Erecting formwork frames ............................................................................................................... 30
Formwork false decks ..................................................................................................................... 31
Intermediate platforms .................................................................................................................... 31
Installing bearers ............................................................................................................................ 32
Installing joists ................................................................................................................................ 32
Laying formply on the deck ............................................................................................................. 33
Cantilevers ..................................................................................................................................... 34
Changing floor levels ...................................................................................................................... 34
Pre-loading inspection and certification ........................................................................................... 34
Concrete placement of the formwork deck ...................................................................................... 35
Monitoring ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Pre-stripping certification ................................................................................................................ 35
Stripping formwork.......................................................................................................................... 35
Certifying and monitoring ................................................................................................................ 36
Altering formwork and falsework ..................................................................................................... 36
Sequential removal practices .......................................................................................................... 36
Slip and Jump Forms ......................................................................................................................... 36
Entry and exit ................................................................................................................................. 36
Trailing screens and platforms ........................................................................................................ 37
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Climbing the form ........................................................................................................................... 38
Inspection and maintenance ........................................................................................................... 38
Information, instruction and training ................................................................................................ 38
Health and workplace facilities ........................................................................................................ 39
Emergency procedures................................................................................................................... 39
APPENDIX A – FORMWORK STRUCTURAL CERTIFICATE................................................................ 40
APPENDIX B. SAMPLE SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT ............................................................. 41
APPENDIX C. SAMPLE OF FORMWORK INDUSTRY SKILLSET......................................................... 47
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FOREWORD
This Code of Practice on managing health and safety risks of plant in the workplace is an approved code
of practice under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act.
An approved code of practice is a practical guide to achieving the standards of health, safety and welfare
required under the WHS Act and the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations.
A code of practice applies to anyone who has a duty of care in the circumstances described in the code.
In most cases, following an approved code of practice would achieve compliance with the health and
safety duties in the WHS Act, in relation to the subject matter of the code. Like regulations, codes of
practice deal with particular issues and do not cover all hazards or risks that may arise. The health and
safety duties require duty holders to consider all risks associated with work, not only those for which
regulations and codes of practice exist.
Codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings under the WHS Act and Regulations. Courts may
regard a code of practice as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control and may rely on
the code in determining what is reasonably practicable in the circumstances to which the code relates.
Compliance with the WHS Act and Regulations may be achieved by following another method, such as a
technical or an industry standard, if it provides an equivalent or higher standard of work health and safety
than the code.
An inspector may refer to an approved code of practice when issuing an improvement or prohibition
notice.
This Code of Practice has been developed by Safe Work Australia as a model code of practice under the
Council of Australian Governments’ Inter-Governmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational
Reform in Occupational Health and Safety for adoption by the Commonwealth, state and territory
governments.
Scope and application
This Code provides practical guidance on how to manage health and safety risks of formwork in the
workplace, from design, erection, alteration and dismantling.
This Code provides practical guidance to persons who conduct a business or undertaking and have
management or control of formwork in the workplace. It includes information about specific control
measures required under the WHS Regulations for formwork generally. Other approved codes of practice
and manufacturers recommendations may also be referenced.
In providing guidance, the word ‘should’ is used in this Code to indicate a recommended course of action,
while ‘may’ is used to indicate an optional course of action.
This Code also includes various references to provisions of the WHS Act and Regulations which set out
the legal requirements. These references are not exhaustive. The words ‘must’, ‘requires’ or ‘mandatory’
indicate that a legal requirement exists and must be complied with.
DEFINTIONS
Competent person means: a person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience the
knowledge and skills to carry out the task.
Construction work - is defined as any work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration,
conversion, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, and refurbishment, demolition,
decommissioning or dismantling of a structure.
Design, in relation to plant, a substance or a structure includes:
(a) design of part of the plant, substance or structure, and
(b) redesign or modify a design
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Designer – A designer is a person conducting a business or undertaking that designs a structure that is
to be used or could reasonably be expected to be used, as or at, a workplace, including during
construction, maintenance, renovation or demolition of the structure. Designers can include for example;
draftspersons, building designers, architects and engineers. A builder could be a designer if they design a
structure themselves or are involved in altering the design for a building, even after construction work has
commenced.
Designer’s safety report - A report identifying the hazards that the designer is reasonably aware create
a risk to the health or safety of persons who are to carry out any construction work on the structure. The
designer’s safety report provides recommended ways to control the risks associated with the hazards
identified. This may be done in consultation with the PCBU carrying out the work.
Engineer – A competent person that has tertiary qualifications in an engineering discipline relevant to the
design activity they are undertaking, for example, civil engineer.
Falsework - means the temporary structure used to support a permanent structure, material, plant,
equipment and people until the construction of the permanent structure has advanced to the stage where
it is self-supporting. Falsework includes the foundations, footings and all structural members supporting
the permanent structural elements. Falsework can be used to support formwork for in-situ concrete,
prefabricated concrete elements, steel sections or stone arches, for example during bridge construction
Formwork – means the surface of the form and framing used to contain and shape wet concrete until it is
self-supporting. Formwork includes the forms on or within which the concrete is poured and the frames
and bracing which provide stability. Although commonly referred to as part of the formwork assembly, the
joists, bearers, bracing, foundations and footings are technically referred to as falsework.
Formwork Plan - drawings should include all details of formwork, formwork joints, sealing procedures,
ties, size and spacing of framing and details of any proprietary fittings or systems proposed to be used.
Details of the construction and erection sequence should be included on the drawings. Where special
requirements such as external vibration are involved, the formwork design should include any additional
structural loads to be applied.
Formwork and falsework design – means a design which should consider the work practices necessary
to carry out the erection and dismantling of the formwork/falsework as designed and identify health and
safety risks and controls at the design stage.
High risk construction work - Regulation 291 provides a list of construction work that is considered to
be high risk for the purposes of the WHS Regulations. It is construction work for which a safe work
method statement (SWMS) is required.
May – Indicates the existence of an option.
Plant, in Parts 5.2 and 5.3, includes a structure.
Examples of plant include the following;
• a ship or submarine
•
•
a pipe or pipeline
an underground tank
•
designed or used to provide support, access or containment during work in connection with
construction work, for example fall prevention devices, work position systems, formwork,
personnel or material hoists where these are used in connection with construction work.
Regulator - The Commonwealth, states and territories are responsible for regulating and enforcing the
laws in their jurisdictions.
Scaffold – means a temporary structure specifically erected to support access or working platforms.
Shall - Indicates a mandatory statement, which has to be strictly followed for compliance.
Should – Indicates a recommendation.
Slip forms and jump forms - terms given to self-climbing formwork systems specifically intended to
construct concrete walls and columns in high rise buildings and other concrete structures.
Structure means anything that is constructed, whether fixed or moveable, temporary or permanent, and
includes:
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(a) Buildings, masts, towers, framework, pipelines, transport infrastructure and underground works
(shafts or tunnels), and
(b) Any component of a structure, and
(c) Part of a structure.
Examples of a structure include the following:
1 A roadway or pathway.
2 A ship or submarine.
3 Foundations, earth retention works and other earthworks, including river works and sea
defence works.
4 Formwork, falsework or any other structure designed or used to provide support, access or
containment during construction work.
5 An airfield.
6 A dock, harbour, channel, bridge, viaduct, lagoon or dam.
7 A sewer or sewerage or drainage works.
Subcontractor - This is a PCBU that enters into a contract with a builder or principal contractor to
undertake specified construction work. They are also ‘workers’.
SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) – Is a written document that sets out the high risk construction
work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards and risks arising from these activities and the
measures to be put in place to control the risks. Its primary purpose is to help supervisors and workers
implement and monitor the control measures established at the workplace to ensure high risk
construction work is carried out safely.
Traditional formwork system – Means a formwork system typically constructed on-site from timber or
plywood and supporting elements such as supporting frames.
Travelling formwork - formwork which moves horizontally allowing the repeated construction of
structural elements such as in-situ concrete bridge spans. The formwork is generally supported by the
permanent structure as it is progressively completed and therefore has the advantage that no falsework is
required over the length of the bridge.
Worker – Is any person who carries out work in any capacity for a business or undertaking. Workers
include direct employees, subcontractors and employees of subcontractors, employees of labour hire
companies and apprentices.
Introduction
This Code of Practice (The Code) provides information on how to manage formwork and falsework risks
at a workplace. It is supported by specific information on formwork, falsework, slip, jump and travelling
forms.
What is formwork?
Formwork means the surface of the form and framing used to contain and shape wet concrete until it is
self-supporting.
Formwork includes the forms on or within which the concrete is poured and the frames and bracing which
provide stability. Although commonly referred to as part of the formwork assembly, the joists, bearers,
bracing, foundations and footings are technically referred to as falsework.
Falsework includes the foundations, footings and all structural members supporting the permanent
structural elements. Falsework can be used to support formwork for in-situ concrete, prefabricated
concrete elements, steel sections or stone arches, for example during bridge construction.
Slip and jump forms
Slip forms and jump forms are the terms given to self-climbing formwork systems designed to construct
lift and stair cores in high rise buildings and other concrete structures like silos, stacks and chimneys.
The term ‘climb form’ is sometimes used to describe both slip or jump forms. The power for the climbing
operation can be provided in a variety of ways, usually by hydraulic rams or electric motors connected
to climbing feet or screw feet or screw shafts.
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Slip forms and jump forms usually consist of a number of platforms or decks for workers and may also
be fitted with trailing screens suspended from the form.
Slip forms usually climb slowly and continuously during the concrete
Jump forms climb in steps following each concrete pour. This type of construction is more suited to high
rise building cores where there are regular levels (floors) and joints will not be seen.
Travelling formwork moves horizontally allowing the repeated construction of structural elements, for
example in-situ concrete bridge spans. The formwork is generally supported by the permanent structure
as it is progressively completed so has the advantage that no falsework is required over the length of the
bridge. Travelling forms are useful where there is limited capacity to construct supporting falsework,
for example over rivers and operating roads or railways.
Who should use this Code?
You should use this Code if you design, construct, erect, alter, maintain, dismantle or remove formwork
and falsework.
You should read this code in conjunction with the Code of Practice: Construction work.
Who has duties under the law?
Everyone in the workplace has a work health and safety duty. A range of people have specific
responsibilities for formwork and falsework including:
•
•
•
•
•
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU
Designers, manufacturers, suppliers and importers of formwork falsework, footing and
foundation
formwork and falsework contractors and workers who carry out formwork and falsework
activities,
other workers and persons at the workplace, and
principal contractors for a ‘construction project’
The main duties are set out in Table 1.
Table 1 Duty holders and their obligations
Who
Duties
A person conducting
a business or
undertaking
(incuding Formwork
and Falsework
contractors, and
Principal
Contractors)
A person conducting a business or undertaking has the primary duty to ensure,
so far as is reasonably practicable, workers and other people are not exposed
to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking.
This duty requires the person to manage risks by eliminating health and safety
risks, so far as is reasonably practicable and if it is not reasonably practicable
to eliminate the risks, by minimising those risks, so far as is reasonably
practicable.
It also includes ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable the:
design, provision and maintenance of safe formwork and falsework plant
and structures safe erection, alteration, dismantling and use of formwork and
falsework, and safe use, handling, storage and transport of formwork and
falsework plant.
The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations include specific duties for a
person conducting a business or undertaking with management or control of a
construction workplace, plant, powered mobile plant and plant that lifts or
suspends loads.
Designers, manufacturers, suppliers and importers of plant or structures must
ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the plant or structure is without
risks to health and safety. This duty includes providing information to
manufacturers so that plant can be manufactured and erected to the design
specifications. Designers must give the person who commissioned the design
of the temporary structure a written safety report.
Designers,
manufacturers,
suppliers and
importers
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People installing,
constructing or
commissioning plant
or structures
Officers
Workers and others
People installing, constructing or commissioning plant or structures must
ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, all workplace activity relating to the
plant or structure including its decommissioning or dismantling is without risks
to health or safety.
In this Code the ‘formwork and falsework contractor’ is the
person responsible for installing, constructing and commissioning formwork
and falsework.
Officers, such as company directors, have a duty to exercise due diligence
to ensure the business or undertaking complies with the WHS Act and
Regulations. This includes taking reasonable steps to ensure the business or
undertaking has and uses appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or
minimise risks from formwork and falsework activity.
Workers and other people at the workplace must take reasonable care for their
own health and safety, co-operate with reasonable policies, procedures and
instructions and not adversely affect other people’s health and safety.
For more information on the duties relating to formwork and falsework see the Code of Practice:
Construction work.
How can formwork and falsework risks be managed?
Use the following steps to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other people are
not exposed to health and safety risks:
1. Find out what could cause harm. The following can help you identify potential hazards:
Observe the workplace where the formwork and falsework will be constructed and where there is
interaction with other workers, vehicles, pedestrians and fixed structures like overhead electric lines.
Look at the environment in which the formwork and falsework is to be used—check the ground
conditions.
Identify the major functional requirements of the formwork and falsework like the height, maximum live
and dead loads and access and fall protection requirements.
Consult with workers about any problems they encounter or anticipate at the workplace when
constructing or interacting with formwork and falsework—consider operation, inspection, maintenance,
repair, transport and storage requirements.
Review your inspection, maintenance, incident and injury records including near misses.
2. Assess the risk. In many cases the risks and related control measures will be well known. In other
cases you may need to carry out a risk assessment to identify the likelihood of somebody being harmed
by the hazard and how serious the harm could be. A risk assessment can help you determine what action
you should take to control the risk and how urgently the action needs to be taken.
3. Take action to control the risk. WHS law requires a business or undertaking to do all that is reasonably
practicable to eliminate or minimise risks.
The way of controlling risks are ranked from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest.
This ranking is known as the hierarchy of risk control. You must work through this hierarchy to manage
risks.
The first thing to consider is whether hazards can be completely removed from the workplace.
For example, risks associated with formwork and falsework can be eliminated by using an alternative
construction method that does not require the use of formwork or falsework.
If it is not reasonably practicable to completely eliminate the risk then consider one or more of the
following options in the order they appear below to minimise risks, so far as is reasonably practicable:
•
•
•
substitute the hazard for something safer e.g. using precast columns and beams instead of
constructing formwork and pouring concrete on site
isolate the hazard from people e.g. by using barricades and signs to create an exclusion zone in
the area where formwork is to be erected and stripped to prevent other workers entering
use engineering controls e.g. handrails and edge protection to prevent falls from heights.
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•
•
•
If after implementing the above control measures a risk still remains, consider the following
controls in the order below to minimise the remaining risk, so far as is reasonably practicable:
use administrative controls e.g. schedule delivery times so loads are not lifted onto incomplete
or unsecured temporary structures or decks
use personal protective equipment (PPE)
A combination of the controls set out above may be used if a single control does not adequately minimise
the risks.
You need to consider all possible control measures and make a decision about which are reasonably
practicable for your workplace. Deciding what is reasonably practicable includes the availability and
suitability of control measures, with a preference for using substitution, isolation or engineering controls to
minimise risks before using administrative controls or PPE. Cost may also be relevant, but you can only
consider this after all other factors have been taken into account.
4. Check control measures regularly to ensure they are working as planned. Control measures need to be
regularly reviewed to make sure they remain effective, taking into consideration any changes, the nature
and duration of work, and that the control measure is working as planned.
Further information on the risk management process is in the Code of Practice: How to manage work
health and safety risks.
Who is involved?
You must consult your workers and their health and safety representatives (if any) when deciding how
to manage the risks of formwork and falsework activities.
If there is more than one business involved at your workplace you must work together to eliminate or
minimise risk so far as is reasonably practicable.
This may involve discussing site-specific requirements including entering and exiting the site, scheduling
suitable times for loading and unloading, and coordinating site specific training on procedures such as
working at height.
Further information on consultation requirements is in the Code of Practice: Work health and safety
consultation, co-operation and co-ordination.
BEFORE STARTING FORMWORK AND FALSEWORK
Formwork and falsework generally include temporary structures that are used during construction and
then removed when the structure is self-supporting. Some formwork and falsework systems are not
removed and are designed to remain with the permanent structure.
Designing formwork and falsework
The first step in controlling the identified risks is at the design stage where the focus is on eliminating
risks through good design of:
•
•
•
individual formwork and falsework components (the WHS Act classifies these as “plant”)
the formwork and falsework assembly (the WHS Act classifies this as a “structure”), and
work systems and process for the safe erection, alteration and dismantling of the formwork and
falsework.
Formwork and falsework design involves both the design of the items of plant—the formwork and
falsework components—and the structure formed from the components.
The design process may be simple or complex depending on the size and complexity of the structure
involved. However, it is important the designer is competent to undertake the design work. A competent
designer may include, for example a civil engineer experienced in temporary structure design to ensure
it is capable of carrying the loads that will be applied to it. Experienced Formworkers may be appropriate
to design standard formwork structures within manufacturers guidelines / instructions.
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Structure design
Anything constructed to support a load including formwork and falsework, can be referred to as a
structure. Structural designers may be responsible for the permanent structure design and/or the
design of formwork, formwork decks, falsework, supporting structures, integrated access and work
platforms and structural connections.
To minimise risk, designers of the permanent structure shall:
•
•
•
•
consider alternative designs e.g. prefabricated concrete elements–columns, beams and floor
panels
minimise the number of columns and cantilevered floor sections
reduce variations in the floor depth, and
allow sufficient clearance to adjacent structures and safe methods for moving large and heavy
components, materials and equipment i.e. making allowances for a crane and other mechanical
lifting devices to be used.
The formwork and falsework designer should identify the effect of loads on formwork and falsework:
•
•
•
•
Dead loads–including the mass of falsework, structural elements to be supported, formwork,
wet concrete, concrete reinforcement, and other embedded material.
Live loads–including the mass of workers, plant, equipment and runways, stacked material and
an impact allowance in addition to the imposed weight of mechanically operated plant acting on
the formwork and falsework and the weight of wet concrete including point loading. This is also
dependent on the delivery method for the concrete.
Environmental loads - e.g. wind acting on the exposed area of formwork and falsework including
any attached to or supported objects like signs.
Any other loads–including special conditions likely to occur during construction like the
redistribution of the load due to the effects of prestressing or early application of prestress,
construction stages and staged removal of falsework.
Lifting and placing loads is a common formwork and falsework activity. Designers should consider the
work systems that may be used so formwork and falsework structures are designed to be capable of
carrying temporary loads during construction and dismantling as well as the load of the permanent
structure.
Formwork and falsework designers should also:
•
•
•
•
determine the vertical pour rates for walls, columns and other vertical concrete elements before
completing the formwork and falsework installation design
take into account the method and sequence of erecting and dismantling the designed formwork
and falsework and the related risks e.g. manual tasks and working at height
allow for perimeter containment screens, guardrail systems including toe boards, scaffolding or
other risk engineering controls for working at height, and
provide the formwork contractor / formwork designer with all relevant information that may
impact the formwork design, for example, concrete design mix.
For standard formwork/falsework elements, i.e. flat slabs and band beam structures – standard formwork
details or manufacturer’s publications should be used in order to determine and give guidance to the
formwork & falsework layout.
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The design of slip, jump and travelling forms is more complex than the design of traditional formwork
systems. The work systems and layout of some crane-lifted forms may also be similar to those associated
with slip and jump forms. This may be the case for crane-lifted forms provided for the inside of lift shafts.
Greater technical input from a designer is required, this includes consideration of structure and form load
bearing capacities, concrete strength development, and environmental loads such as wind. For this
reason the formwork designer should be a competent person such as an engineer with experience in
structural design.
When designing these complex formwork systems the designer should:
•
•
•
•
•
•
consider known hazards
provide safe entry to all areas and work platforms including emergency entry and stair access
where possible
seek to minimise and control risks associated with working at height by design
provide sufficient working space and head room
consider manual handling requirements for shutters and other components, for example using
cranes to lift shutters and provide safe access and working areas for people slinging and
unslinging loads, and
provide emergency access for the retrieval of an injured or incapacitated person from a work
area located within the structure.
Due to building characteristics and weight limitations it may not always be practicable to provide an
access system and working environment on a jump form or slip form to the same standard as elsewhere.
A designer must minimise the risks, so far as is reasonably practicable.
The jump form or slip form designer should be involved both in the initial design of the form and in
addressing ongoing design issues that will occur during form erection and during the life of the building
project. Many of the design problems associated with jump forms and slip forms will not be apparent until
the job is progressing and it is likely alterations to the design of the form will be necessary. The designer
should therefore inspect the form at the workplace and work closely with people involved in its operation
including the principal contractor, to determine if difficulties are being encountered.
The designer should consider:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
minimum concrete strength required before climbing
allowance for loads including dynamic and wind loads that may be applied to the form e.g. loads
applied by workers and concrete placing activities and impact loading when materials are lifted
onto the deck of the form
allowance for the effects of eccentric loading on the form, both during climbing and at other
times
the maximum degree to which the form can be out-of-level during climbing and the procedure
required both to minimise the likelihood of this occurring and how to remedy the situation if the
form becomes out-of-level
providing fire protection throughout the system
providing temporary electric power connections
refuge points to protect workers from extreme heat
rescue procedure requirements that may affect the design of the form—the rescue procedure
may require entry to all levels of the form and cells, either through providing gates or removal of
panels on the form, and providing an operating manual that includes any procedures or
limitations required for safe use.
Loading
Formwork and falsework should be designed for the most adverse combination of dead and live loads
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that can reasonably be expected during the period it is in use.
Dead loads relate to the self-weight of the structure and components including working, catch or access
platforms, stairways, ladders, screens, sheeting, tie assemblies, scaffolding hoists or electrical cables.
Live loads include:
•
•
•
the weight of people, materials, debris, plant, tools and equipment
environmental loads e.g. wind, rain, and
impact forces.
Dead and live loads should be calculated during the design stage to ensure the supporting structure is
capable of supporting the loads that will be applied at the workplace. Loads should then be assessed
during formwork and falsework erection, use, alteration and dismantling to make sure the design loads
specified by the designer, manufacturer or supplier are not exceeded.
If the formwork and falsework is to be altered at the workplace, consider any new loads that may apply
and consult the designer. For example, wind and rain loads may increase if perimeter containment, shade
cloth or signs are attached to the formwork and falsework.
Scaffolds should not be used to support formwork and plant unless the scaffold is specifically designed
for this purpose.
Plant design
Formwork and falsework component designers are responsible for designing components that are safe to
manufacture, assemble and use for the purpose they were designed for
The formwork and falsework components are plant and may be purchased, hired in or supplied, for
example by a formwork and falsework contractor.
The formwork and falsework designer will be responsible for selecting the appropriate components and
preparing a design for the job. Different types of formwork and falsework should not be mixed unless they
are identified as compatible in the manufacturer’s instructions or by a competent person.
An importer of prefabricated formwork and falsework who is unable to source the necessary information
from the original designer assumes the designer responsibility to demonstrate the plant satisfies health
and safety requirements. This can be achieved by having a competent person develop the information for
the supplier.
Further information about the safe design of plant is in the WHS Regulation 2017 and Safe Work
Australia Code of Practice, Managing the risk of plant in the workplace.
Formwork Modifications
A formwork and falsework designer includes anyone who modifies the design. For example, if the
capacity of formwork and falsework is to be increased by adding more components, a designer should
complete additional calculations to ensure the modified structure is capable of supporting the extra load.
The person designing the addition has designer duties and if they are not the original designer, they
should consult the original designer to ensure the new configuration does not compromise the existing
design specifications or safety factors.
If changes are made beyond the manufacturers specifications to a construction design, the designer shall
be consulted and the relevant drawing or other documents shall be updated to clearly show the revisions.
Provisional updating by marking up or preparing hand drawn detail and signing and dating the mark-up or
new detail should be countersigned by the designer and where applicable.
For changes to formwork design within the manufacturers specifications, a competent person may make
the change without consulting the designer.
Designers should always consider the life-cycle of the designed item and seek to eliminate or minimise
health and safety risks through design. Further information on safe design is in the:
Code of Practice: Safe design of structures, and Guide for safe design of plant.
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THE SYSTEM OF WORK
Systems of work should be clear but flexible to meet changing circumstances as the work progresses.
The system of work should provide for the assessment and control of any new risks arising from
proposed changes to the work before they are implemented.
A documented safe system of work is an administrative control. For formwork and falsework this could
include consideration of:
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worker competency and licensing requirements
consultation and coordination of the work with others
access and egress
exclusion zones
permit-to-work systems
fall arrest / restraint systems
inspection and maintenance
emergency arrangements, and
changes to the work arrangements.
Competency and licensing
A person who erects, alters or dismantles formwork and falsework must be competent to do the work
safely. Example of formwork competencies, refer to APPENDIX C. SAMPLE OF FORMWORK
INDUSTRY SKILLSET
Where a person undertakes construction work they must have successfully completed general
construction induction training.
In some cases a person will need to hold the appropriate high risk work licence, for example when
undertaking scaffolding work or operating cranes, hoists, forklifts or elevating work platforms to construct
formwork and falsework.
The high risk work licensing classes are listed in Schedule 3 of the WHS Regulations.
Further information is in the General guide for scaffolds and scaffolding work.
Documentation
A designer of a permanent structure (e.g Architect, Engineer) must give the person conducting a business
or undertaking who commissioned the design a written report that specifies the hazards relating to the
design of the structure.
The person commissioning the construction work must consult with the designer of the whole or any part
of the structure about eliminating and controlling risks. The general duty to provide information under the
WHS Act shall be met through the designer’s safety report prepared under Chapter 6 of the WHS
Regulations.
Further information on designer’s safety reports is in the Code of Practice: Construction work.
Suppliers of proprietary formwork systems must provide an installation / instruction manual for the
relevant system to be used.
The construction of formwork and falsework or working on the resulting structure may involve activities
defined as ‘high risk construction work’ under the WHS Regulations.
High risk construction work includes work which:
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involves a risk of a person falling more than two metres
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involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse
is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services, and
is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is movement of powered mobile plant.
A SWMS must be prepared for high risk construction work before the work starts. The SWMS must:
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identify the type of high risk construction work being done
specify the health and safety hazards and risks arising from the work
describe how the risks will be controlled, and
describe how the control measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed.
The SWMS must be developed in consultation with workers and their representatives who are carrying
out the high risk construction work.
Further information on high risk construction work, SWMS and a SWMS template is in the
Code of Practice: Construction work.
APPENDIX B. SAMPLE SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT
An emergency plan must be prepared and maintained so it remains effective for the workplace. The
emergency plan should provide for emergency response, evacuation procedures, medical treatment,
assistance, and communication with emergency service organisations and others at the workplace.
Workers must be provided with information and training on the emergency procedures for the workplace
and the procedures must be tested.
Responses to an emergency should be coordinated. The formwork and falsework contractor should
consult with the principal contractor who prepares the broader workplace emergency plan so that
unexpected incidents such as formwork collapse or people falling from height are included in the broader
emergency plan.
Emergency arrangements for evacuating an injured worker should consider how to safely remove an
immobilised or unconscious person. This may include creating emergency entry holes and doorways
through decks, screens, jumpforms or slipforms.
Fire extinguishers, hoses and other means of fire control should be provided on the slip or jump form.
Emergency procedures for the slip or jump form must be developed that include training and instruction
for workers in these procedures.
The emergency procedures should include, but not be limited to:
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the method for alerting people in an emergency
the method of extracting people from each location or cell that people have entry to or could fall
into
when to evacuate people from the form
evacuation muster points both on and off the form
training in using fire extinguishers
identifying people responsible for ensuring evacuation takes place
rescue procedures for severe medical conditions
identifying people responsible for rescuing workers, and
rescue training for people involved in rescuing others where outside experts will not be
responsible for performing the rescue.
Response to emergency situations should be considered during formwork design and during construction.
Emergency arrangements for evacuating an injured worker from a formwork ‘cell’ should consider how to
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safely remove an immobilised or unconscious person. This may include creating emergency entry holes
and doorways through decks and screens.
Procedures should identify how to enter lift-voids and other areas including cells within the core which
may have limited entry.
Emergency services contacts should be clearly identified and available.
For further information see the:
Fact Sheet: Emergency Plans, and
Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities.
Inspection and maintenance
A person with management or control of formwork and falsework at a workplace has a responsibility
to have formwork and falsework inspected and maintained so that it is safe. This includes inspections
before the formwork and falsework is loaded, after loading, and after any repairs, alterations or additions
are made. Inspection and maintenance should be conducted by a competent person.
TYPES OF FORMWORK
The safety of workers erecting, using and dismantling the formwork should be considered when choosing
a formwork system for a particular job. In particular consider stability, strength and the risk of falls, falling
objects and manual tasks. The best proprietary systems have integrated safety features to help control
the risk of falls and hazardous manual tasks.
Traditional formwork systems
Traditional formwork systems are typically constructed on-site from timber or plywood and supporting
elements such as frames, props and bracing.
Traditional formwork systems shall be constructed in accordance with pre-determined standard designs
to include bearers, spacing plywood spans, frame spacing, adjustable bases and post head types and
extensions, suitable footings and foundations.
When using a traditional system, a standard formwork frame with a known tested loading capacity should
be used wherever possible. Standard frames can minimise the risk to workers erecting and dismantling
the formwork and handling and storing materials.
Modular formwork systems
Modular formwork systems are specially designed and manufactured off-site. Modular systems usually
have proprietary formwork components and rated load calculations set out by the manufacturer and are
often made from hardboard, plastics, steel and aluminium products. Most formwork systems use two or
more materials, for example plywood facing to steel frames for wall panels.
Modular systems are often lighter weight and require less physical effort to install than traditional
systems. This minimises the risk of injury resulting from manual tasks. However because of their lighter
weight, modular systems may be more susceptible to falling over when erecting the system due to wind
loading. Generally this will only be an issue before placement of the formwork deck on the modular
system. To effectively control this issue the modular formwork system should be progressively braced in
accordance with the suppliers instructions during its erection.
Shoring / Falsework (scaffold)
Supports – the formwork components that transmit all or part of the loads to a lower level. This term
includes undisturbed supports, backprops, props and reshores.
Scaffold – Access platforms and stairways constructed of scaffolding components shall comply with
AS/NZS 1576.1 and AS/NZS 1576.3 or AS/NZS 1576.6. Portable ladders shall be single ladders
complying with the industrial grade requirements of AS/NZS 1892.1 or AS 1892.2. Other means of access
shall comply with the performance requirements of AS 1657.
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Rosette system
Cuplock System
Shoring System
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Slip and jump forms
Slip forms and jump forms are the terms given to self-climbing formwork systems designed to construct
lift and stair cores in high rise buildings and other concrete structures like silos, stacks and chimneys.
The term ‘climb form’ is sometimes used to describe both slip or jump forms. The power for the climbing
operation can be provided in a variety of ways, usually by hydraulic rams or electric motors connected to
climbing feet or screw feet or screw shafts.
Slip forms and jump forms usually consist of a number of platforms or decks for workers and may also be
fitted with trailing screens suspended from the form.
Slip forms usually climb slowly and continuously during the concrete pour. This allows high smooth
concrete structures like chimneys to be constructed without obvious joints (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 Slip form chimney construction
Jump forms (see Figure 2) climb in steps following each concrete pour. This type of construction is more
suited to high rise building cores where there are regular levels (floors) and joints will not be seen.
Figure 2 Jump form construction
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Travelling forms
Travelling formwork (Figure 3) moves horizontally allowing the repeated construction of structural
elements, for example in-situ concrete bridge spans. The formwork is generally supported by the
permanent structure as it is progressively completed so has the advantage that no falsework is required
over the length of the bridge. Travelling forms are useful where there is limited capacity to construct
supporting falsework, for example over rivers and operating roads or railways.
Figure 3 Travelling formwork for bridge construction
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COMMON HAZARDS AND RISK CONTROLS
Ground conditions
Ground conditions shall be stable and maintained in a stable condition while supporting loads. Principal
Contractors shall provide information on any factors that may affect ground stability before the formwork
and falsework is erected or during its use.
Ground conditions should be assessed and certified by a competent person to check the ground is able to
bear the most adverse combination of dead, live and environmental loads that can reasonably be
expected during the period of time that the formwork and falsework or scaffold is to be erected,
dismantled and while it is in use.
Water and nearby excavations may lead to ground subsidence and the collapse of formwork and
falsework. Any likely watercourse, for example stormwater run-off that has the potential to create a wash
out under the structure should be diverted away from the formwork and falsework.
Where foundations and footings are located on batters, these should be protected against scour by
directing drainage away from the base of any supports and frames.
Following any adverse weather condition that may potentially impact the ground conditions, the formwork
and falsework shall be inspected by a competent person and any rectifications / modifications shall be
undertaken as soon as practicable.
Adjacent buildings or structures
Where the formwork and falsework activity is likely to reduce the security or stability of part of an adjacent
structure, the work must not start or continue unless steps are taken to control the risk to a person from
the:
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collapse of the formwork and falsework and the permanent structure it supports onto the
adjacent building or structure, and
collapse of the adjacent building or structure, or a part of the building or structure.
Collapse
Formwork and falsework collapse can occur before, during and after loading, for example when placing
the concrete or the structural members to be supported. The risk of collapse can be minimised by:
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designing the formwork and falsework to suit the specific workplace requirements including loads
and environment
constructing the formwork and falsework as designed
not adding to or altering the formwork and falsework unless authorised by the designer
inspecting the formwork and falsework is complete before loading of materials
certifying formwork and falsework by engineer prior to concrete pour
regularly inspecting and maintaining the formwork and falsework during its life
avoiding ‘point’ loading on any part of the formwork including by placing concrete evenly
having sound and level foundations under props and Frames or any other type of supporting
member or structure and not placing props or frames close to the edges of excavations
not exceeding the working load limit (WLL) of props, frames or any other supporting member or
structure and
using proprietary pins in props or other systems requiring such specific connecting device, not
improvised bolts or reinforcing steel.
Electric lines
Electrical lines whether overhead or underground can be a significant hazard. Construction work carried
out on or near energised electrical installations or services is ‘high risk construction work’ and this must
be addressed in the SWMS before this work starts.
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Zone A: Unauthorised persons
Unauthorised workers can only work in Zone A. Unauthorised persons are workers who have not
received training in overhead line electrical hazards and do not have sufficient training or experience to
enable them to avoid the dangers from overhead electric lines and associated electrical equipment.
Zone A applies to:
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unauthorised persons performing work in the vicinity of overhead electric lines including plant,
hand tools, equipment or other material held by them, and
cranes and their loads and mobile plant operated by an unauthorised person in the vicinity of
overhead electric lines.
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Use a risk assessment to decide whether a safety observer is necessary. The safety observer should
monitor work close to Zone B to ensure no workers, plant or equipment enters Zone B.
Zone B: Authorised persons – Non-electrical worker
Authorised persons are workers who have successfully completed a recognised training course in
overhead line electrical hazards so are permitted to work in Zone B. This training course is known as
working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker.
Zone B applies to:
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authorised persons, with a safety observer, performing work in the vicinity of overhead electric
lines including plant, hand tools, equipment or other material held by them, and
cranes and their loads and mobile plant operated by an authorised person, with a safety
observer, in the vicinity of overhead electric lines.
Zone B approach distances are based on the results of a written risk assessment.
You must develop a safe system of work for Zone B. It should be based on a risk assessment and
consultation with the Electricity Supply Authority about the proposed works. It should also comply with
each work condition imposed by the Electricity Supply Authority.
Zone C: No Go Zone – requires Electricity Supply Authority approval
Zone C is the no go zone around overhead electric lines and associated electrical equipment where no
part of a person, material, crane, vehicle or mobile plant may enter while the electric lines and associated
electrical equipment are energised, without written approval from the Electricity Supply Authority. This
includes:
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all parts of a person, hand tools, equipment or other materials held by them, and
cranes, vehicles or mobile operating plant including the load, controlling ropes and other
accessories associated with the plant.
The safest option is to have the electricity turned off and tested or have the lines moved. This will rule out
the need for a no go zone. If the electrical part is high voltage, it must be earthed. If the electricity cannot
be turned off, the electric line remains energised and dangerous.
No go zones apply whenever work or plant is operating around energised overhead electric lines, and the
risk cannot be eliminated.
The area of a no go zone may vary, but it will always exist. A no go zone extends in all directions around
the energised overhead electric lines and associated electrical equipment. No go zones should be
established before work starts.
No one should enter a no go zone without the written approval of the Electricity Supply Authority. The
approval may include special control measures restricting access to the no go zone, for example where or
how the plant can move, equipment to be used and who may enter the no go zone. The written approval
should be available at the site when the work is being done.
In planning the work and to decide the correct no go zone for the circumstances, you should contact the
Electricity Supply Authority or asset owner to verify:
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the voltage of the electric line, and
if it is insulated or bare.
A written safe system of work should also be developed for work done in a no go zone. It should consider
the safety of workers while doing the work and be readily accessible by workers including contractors. A
safe system of work may include safe work practices and procedures, safe sequencing of work tasks,
safe use of equipment, permit systems and relevant signs.
You should also consider who or what will be working in the vicinity of the energised overhead electric
lines, for example the:
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type of work to be done
type of plant to be operated, and
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amount of plant and the number of people with permission from the electrical supply authority
to enter the no go zone.
Equipped with the right electrical training or experience, an authorised person can work within a reduced
no go zone based on a risk assessment. On site the authorised person could be the plant operator,
supervisor, electrician or worker.
All of these factors govern the safe approach distance.
‘Work near overhead power lines MUST not be performed unless those performing the work have
received appropriate instruction and training. For example, the operator of any crane or mobile plant and
the safety observer who carry out work within the accredited person zone specified in the code must have
received training for working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker conducted by
a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)’
Further information on managing risks associated with electricity is in the:
Information Sheet: Scaffolding work near overhead electric lines
General guide for working in the vicinity of overhead and underground electric lines, and
Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace
Entry and exit
Workers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be provided with safe entry to and exit from the
formwork and falsework.
Common ways of providing safe entry and exit for large or complex formwork and falsework structures
include:
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installing permanent stairs, platforms or ramps
using the existing floor level of a building, where entry is safe
installing temporary stairs or portable ladder access systems for use when erecting the formwork
and falsework, and
personnel hoists—non-mechanical forms of exit e.g. a ladder or stair tower should also be
provided in case of power failure or other emergency.
stair towers secured to scaffold bays provide suitable and flexible entry. Fixed industrial single
ladders, not extension ladders may be used for entry to and exit from a scaffold. Ladders should
not be used as a work platform.
stretcher stairs, which are considered as best practice to safely remove injured and ill workers,
shall be provided by the principal contractor.
Falls
The risk of a fall by a person from one level to another that is reasonably likely to cause injury to the
person or any other person must be managed. Hazards that may increase the risk of a fall when erecting
or using formwork and falsework include:
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poor environmental conditions e.g. strong winds or rain
materials, equipment or protruding objects below, or in adjoining work areas e.g. tools,
reinforcing steel, loose materials
penetrations and void areas not identified or protected e.g. ladder access voids, column voids
incomplete work platforms, scaffolds or loose components where work is being done, or is likely
to be done, and
inadequate training, instruction and supervision of workers.
Engineering controls like handrails, edge protection and perimeter containment screens can minimise the
risk of a fall during work at height. Perimeter containment screens are protective structures fixed to the
perimeter of a building, structure or working platform to prevent objects and people from falling.
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Catch platforms or nets can be used to minimise the distance a person could fall during work at height
and also to catch falling objects.
Fall arrest systems should only be used where other risk controls are not reasonably practicable.
Further information on falls is in the Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces.
Fall protection from the formwork deck
During formwork construction the structure is constantly changing so continual modification of fall
protection measures are necessary.
Edge protection means a barrier to prevent a person or object falling from the edge of:
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a building or other structure, or
an opening in a surface of a building or other structure, or
a fall arresting platform (catch deck), or
the surface from which work is to be done e.g. a formwork deck.
Examples where edge protection shall be installed are:
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when a leading edge is to be left unattended and entry onto the deck by people other than form
workers is required i.e. the formwork deck has not been barricaded off and provided with ’keep
out’ signs, and
at openings in stairwells or lift shafts.
Perimeter containment screens or a scaffold are effective means of edge protection on a completed
formwork deck. Edge protection shall be erected before the formwork and prevents workers falling off the
completed deck.
For further information see the Code or Practice “Managing risks of falls at workplaces”
In some situations it may be impractical to provide perimeter containment screens or scaffolding. Use a
work system to install perimeter edge protection on the deck which eliminates or minimises the risk of a
fall.
Harness systems should not be used because they do not provide a practical control for the risk of a fall
from height from the perimeter of formwork.
If required, edge protection can be substituted with an alternative measure provided this measure
prevents a person falling from the edge. One alternative is providing a barricade 1.8 metres back from the
edge with clearly visible warning signs.
Perimeter containment screens
Perimeter containment screens are protective structures fixed to the perimeter structure or working
platform to prevent objects and people falling outside the work area. This significantly minimises the risk
of injury to other workers and the public.
Screens may be supported by the building or structure or by a specifically designed scaffold. The screens
can also act as perimeter fall protection on a top working platform and should extend at least 950mm
above the finished floor level to provide protection for the public and workers outside the contained work
area.
When selecting containment screens consider:
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the ability to support or contain imposed impact loads including building materials, equipment
and waste materials
resistance to wind loads on the supporting structure
frequency of inspection
chemical reactivity including flammability
ventilation requirements
light transmission requirements
degree of protection provided from rain or washing down operations
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pattern and frequency of fixing points, and
gaps created by a fixing method.
Containment screens should remain in position from the start of the formwork being erected until soffit
stripping is complete to prevent objects falling throughout the process.
Gaps between perimeter screens and the formwork deck or floor should not exceed 50 mm.
Where the gap between screens exceeds 50 mm additional temporary measures shall be adopted such
as a flexible flap that will not be damaged when one of the screens is being lifted.
Falling objects
Falling object risk control measures include overhead protective structures, perimeter containment
screens, catch platforms and exclusion zones to eliminate or minimise the risk of a falling object.
Before using perimeter containment screens, consider other risks like conductivity of electricity and
additional dead and live loads. For example, the extra wind loading on the formwork and falsework should
be considered when selecting a screening material and the framework supporting a screen must be able
to support loads from the screen.
Note: Shade cloth will be significantly heavier and less permeable to wind when wet, so both dead and
wind load will increase.
Penetrations
Penetrations on the formwork deck shall be covered by formply secured in position, clearly visible and
identified, or have leading or perimeter edge protection.
Open penetrations like stairwells or access for services create hazards, for example a fall through a larger
penetration, stepping into a smaller penetration, or an object falling through the opening onto people
below. Where a person or object could fall through a penetration, guarding shall be provided.
Protect open penetrations with edge protection like handrails or by securely covering them so no one can
fall through them. Penetrations in concrete slabs may include cast-in-mesh as a back-up system. The
mesh should be of a small aperture, for example 50 x 50 mm mesh size or smaller and made of material
capable of withstanding the potential imposed loads. Where mesh or other physical fall protection
material is to be provided for larger penetrations this should be included in the slab design specifications
to ensure it can withstand potential loads including those applied by people, equipment and material.
Where holes are cut in the mesh for services to pass through the hole should be cut to the profile of the
service so the mesh remains in the penetration and the load carrying capacity of the mesh is not reduced
below design specifications.
Using plywood covers alone is not a satisfactory risk control because:
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the cover may be indistinguishable from other pieces of plywood
it cannot be refitted without significant modification, once the first service is installed
it may be difficult to determine if the plywood is properly secured, and
secured plywood covers can be unsecured to gain entry and not re-secured.
Plywood covers should be structurally graded, painted in a bright colour and marked with wording, for
example ’Danger penetration below’. The cover should be firmly secured to the concrete and designed for
potential loads that may be applied, for example workers, materials or plant that may travel over the
cover.
Before stripping formwork, cover the penetration that will be exposed as the formwork is stripped or
protect the penetration before starting the stripping operation.
Penetrations are also hazardous before the deck is laid. Joists placed up to the edge of the penetration
should be secured so the timbers cannot spread if a person falls on them.
Working areas for following trades
Steel fixers, plumbers and electricians often follow closely behind the formwork erection. The formwork
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zone should be large enough to ensure these people are clearly separated from the form workers.
A ‘formwork only’ zone should be maintained behind the leading edge. This zone should be clearly
marked by signs and a mesh barrier. Figure 4 shows the ‘other work’ zone, the ‘formwork’ zone and the
area retained as edge protection—four joists spaced 1800 mm beyond the laid deck.
Figure 4 End view of deck showing working zones
Temporary walkways laid across reinforcement mesh can be used to control the risk of slips and trips
when multiple trades are entering large areas where reinforcement mesh has been laid behind
formworkers.
A physical barrier should be provided and maintained to separate the formwork work zone from other
workers. This barrier should be rigid, capable of maintaining its integrity in an upright position and capable
of supporting signage if required.
Further information is in the Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces.
Lifting plant and materials
Crane-lifted loads should be slung and secured so the load or any part of it cannot fall. The following
should be considered when carrying out formwork and falsework:
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Tare mass of wall, lift or column forms should be provided with formwork and falsework
documentation and made available for inspection.
Formwork and falsework frames should either be tied together or lifting slings should be wrapped
around the load.
Loads of joists or bearers should be strapped together before lifting.
Formply loads should be strapped together and lifted in a flat position.
Loading materials during construction
Stacked materials create point loadings that the formwork and falsework structure may not be
designed to bear.
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Plant and materials should only be stored on formwork and falsework where allowed for by the
design specifications and when the structure or deck has been completed to the point that it is
able to bear the load.
Formwork is not suitable for full loading until it is fully secured—that is, when the deck is complete with
tie-ins and back-propping. In practice, some loading often occurs before the deck is completed, for
example unloading pallets of plywood and joists used to construct the deck.
To minimise the risk of collapse and other hazards:
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Formwork and falsework design drawings should clearly identify the maximum point loadings for
the temporary structure or deck.
Point loadings should not exceed the maximum weight specified by a designer.
Consultation between the formworker and other work groups should take place to consider
placement of heavy materials.
Avoid placing loads on the temporary structure or deck if the designer’s documentation prohibits
loading.
Crane crews should not lift plant or materials onto the temporary structure or deck until there is
an agreed landing zone.
Fall protection such as handrails or scaffold shall be provided before personnel access the deck
Delivery of materials to the workplace should be planned so loads are not lifted onto an
incomplete or unsecured temporary structure.
Before people leave the workplace, plant and materials should be secured to prevent them being
moved by wind loads.
Lifting points
Slings attached to lugs or holes cut into part of the load are often used to lift formwork and falsework
components instead of wrapping the lifting slings around the load. Where lugs or holes are used, designer
information verifying the structural adequacy of the lifting points should be available including:
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the structural adequacy of the lifting lug or hole, and
any instructions on its use.
Mixing components
Plant components from different manufacturers or suppliers, while sometimes looking compatible, are
often of different dimensions and tolerances.
Mixing incompatible formwork and falsework components can significantly affect the structural integrity of
the formwork and falsework. This could result in the collapse of the structure. It can also lead to increased
wear on components resulting in more difficult assembly, which in turn may increase the risk of injury to
workers.
Do not mix components of formwork and / or falsework from different manufacturers unless a competent
person, for example an engineer has determined that:
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components are of compatible size and strength
components have compatible deflection characteristics
fixing devices are compatible, and
mixing does not lessen the strength, stability, rigidity or suitability of the structure.
Powered mobile plant and traffic
Powered mobile plant and vehicular traffic are hazards which can potentially affect the safe use and
structural integrity of formwork and falsework.
Control measures to minimise the risks associated with moving plant and traffic include:
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re-routing vehicles and mobile plant away from where the formwork and falsework is located
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using barricades, signs, posts, buffer rails, guards, concrete or timber kerbs to prevent mobile
plant and traffic from coming into contact with the formwork and falsework, and
ensuring the formwork and falsework does not have unnecessary protrusions e.g. over-length
standards or props.
Further information on managing traffic risks is in the General guide for workplace traffic management.
Stripping Formwork
Prior to stripping formwork, approval shall be sought from the Project Engineer or similar (usually
Principal Contractor representative).
As with formwork erection, the stripping operation should be carried out in an orderly, systematic and
progressive manner, considering the risks of falls, falling objects and manual task hazards in the now
enclosed space.
When assessing the risks from stripping formwork consider:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the number of people in the stripping crew
the sequence of stripping activities – this should detail how the frames and other supports should
be removed i.e. how far U-heads are to be lowered
whether the support system will be completely removed in a zone before removing the formwork
deck or whether the supports will be lowered slightly but remain under the formply while it is
being removed
removing nails and sharp fixings before stacking the components
minimising damage to the components
stacking the formwork components—do not obstruct access ways or work areas
formwork components are not dropped or thrown from a building or structure
flatheads are not supporting the ends of bearers
when back-propping is required or only part of the support system is to be removed, how the
structural members will remain in place and the type and layout of members that will replace the
formwork system
other special requirements involved in the stripping and or building process e.g. checking of backpropping after post-tensioning
providing lighting for the work area and surroundings, and
maintaining housekeeping.
‘Drop stripping’ describes the method used when all of the formwork support system is removed and the
formply is then allowed to drop to the level below either by its own weight or by people levering it off.
It can be very hazardous because the formply is likely to fall uncontrolled and can hit people in the vicinity
of the work. Drop stripping shall not be used.
Unauthorised access
A person with management or control of construction work including formwork and falsework activity must
prevent unauthorised access to the construction workplace. Entry to formwork and falsework area shall
be restricted to those carrying out the work while the formwork and falsework is being erected, altered,
repaired and dismantled.
Control measures, for example barriers and warning signs should be used to prevent unauthorised
access when the formwork and falsework is left unattended.
Further information
Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
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AS3610: Formwork for concrete
ERECTING, ALTERING AND DISMANTLING FORMWORK AND FALSEWORK
Foundations and footings
Foundations and footings should be designed and constructed to carry and distribute the full weight of the
formwork and falsework including dead and live loads. Ground conditions and weather effects—
particularly wind and rain—should be considered when designing and preparing the foundation.
Soleboards and base plates should be provided under all props and standards on formwork and
falsework frames unless the prop or standard has an integral foot or a competent person documents a
base plate as unnecessary.
Conventional and Modular formwork systems
Formwork, falsework, jump forms, slip form and travelling forms should be systematically erected and
dismantled by competent persons and tied in progressively to stabilise the structure in accordance with
the designer’s or manufacturer’s instructions. Prefabricated formwork, falsework jump forms, slip form
and travelling forms should be erected and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Where scaffolding is specifically used to construct formwork and falsework it must comply with AS3610
and the manufacturers requirements. Licenced scaffolders are not required in this application.
Safe systems of work should be developed depending on the type and complexity of the formwork and
falsework design. The system of work should seek to eliminate or minimise risks, for example to:
•
•
•
•
•
minimise working at height by assembling components on the ground
provide safe temporary work platforms where work at height is required
provide for the safe handling and operating of plant and equipment—large structures may
require scaffolding or mobile plant to be located on suspended floors
provide suitable plant and material handling, placement and storage arrangements to minimise
manual tasks, and
include regular inspection and maintenance.
Note: Only formworkers shall access the deck during construction. Prior to allowing other trades
access, an inspection of the deck should be undertaken to ensure it complies with all relevant
design information.
In the following situations an inspection can be performed by a competent person:
•
•
•
Vertical formwork (columns and walls) less than 3.5 m high
Soffit formwork less than 3 m high and less than 250 mm thick
In all other situations the inspection should be performed by a competent person
Wall and column forms should be designed to withstand wind loading before, during and after the
concrete pour. The bracing and forms should not be removed from the cast element until it can safely
withstand potential impact loads and wind loads.
Lateral support can be provided to vertical elements in a variety of ways including horizontal and angled
braces and structural connections to other parts of the building. A bracing element design should be
completed by a competent person.
The bracing element should also be able to resist both tensile and compressive loads that may be applied
by the wind. Anchors for braces should preferably be cast-in type anchors or ‘through-bolts’ extending
through both sides of the anchoring medium. Drill-in anchors of the following type may be used provided
they are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions:
•
Undercut type anchors that do not rely on friction to function.
Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
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•
•
Expansion anchors of the high-load slip, torque controlled type. These anchors have a working
load of at least 60 percent of the first slip load and are generally suitable for structural tensile
loads.
Coil bolts—the correct operation of coil bolts is greatly dependant on them being installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, for example drilling the correct size hole and
applying the correct torque in concrete.
Drill-in anchors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Suitable access should be provided for wall and column forms and may include:
•
•
•
mobile scaffolding
purpose built access platforms, or
elevating work platforms.
Edge protection should be provided on the access platforms. Preferred methods of entry to platforms
include stair access systems or if this is not practicable secured industrial ladders.
The entry method should allow room for a person and be positioned at a height and distance from the
form to minimise a person’s effort and movement. The concrete pouring system should permit enough
space for a person to stand with edge protection provided. Where stair access passes a formwork deck,
joist or bearers should not protrude over the stairs.
Platforms should also be designed to resist loading that may be applied during a concrete pour to ensure
the platform does not collapse or overturn. They may need to be tied in or counter weighted, particularly
aluminium scaffolding which may not have the self-weight to prevent overturning.
Mobile work platforms should have their castors locked, except when relocating the mobile platform.
The designer is to ensure a trailing access system shall support the loads that will be applied to it
including wind conditions. Both the system itself and the form shall be able to withstand applied loads
from the access system.
Wall and column forms should be provided with designed lifting points. Design drawings should confirm
this. Cutting holes in the form in-situ is not recommended as this can damage the form, be inadequate
lifting points and make it difficult to safely attach lifting gear.
Wall and column forms should only be lifted with a positive lifting system, for example lifting lugs or by
slinging the lifting slings around the form so the form cannot slip out of the slings. Purpose designed lifting
lugs should be used instead of slinging the load because there is less risk of the load becoming
inadvertently disconnected from the crane hook.
Where lifting lugs are attached to the form they should be attached in accordance with the design.
Formwork frames should be erected progressively to ensure the installers’ safety and the stability of the
overall structure.
Braces should be attached to the frames as soon as practicable and designated access ways should be
indicated by using bunting or by other means.
If side bracing or other edge protection is installed progressively on formwork frames other control
measures to prevent a fall occurring may not be required.
Many conventional formwork frames consist of diagonal braces that cross in the middle. While these
braces are not considered to be suitable edge protection for a completed formwork deck, they may
provide reasonable fall protection during frame erection. This is only the case where braces are installed
in a progressive manner as soon as the frames are installed.
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As the height of formwork frames increase there is a greater need to provide lateral stability to the frames.
Ensure framing, including bracing, is carried out in accordance with on-site design documentation and
manufacturers’ instructions. People erecting formwork must be trained to erect formwork using safe
methods.
The risk of internal falls while erecting frames can be controlled by fully decking each lift of the formwork
decks and false decks. This involves:
•
•
•
positioning a full deck of scaffolding planks or other suitable decking at each lift
positioning decking on the next lift while standing on a fully decked platform, and
leaving each lift fully decked in place until it is dismantled.
During dismantling of a lift, decking should be removed while standing on a fully decked platform
immediately below.
Where the next formwork deck would require people to stand at heights of two metres or more above the
finished formwork deck to install bearers and joists for the next formwork deck, a continuous ‘false’ deck,
which is a full deck the same area as the floor being formed, should be provided.
This deck should be provided both inside and between formwork frames and typically consist of formply,
scaffold planks or modular platform sections.
A protected entry opening can be left in the deck to enable materials to be lifted. Using a captive platform
system is preferable to lapped planks because a captive system cannot be accidentally dislodged.
Lapped planks may only be used if secured against uplift and slipping.
The false deck should be constructed so there are no large gaps and gaps only exist where a vertical
member of a frame passes through the deck (see Figure 5). Gaps should not exceed 225 mm in width.
Figure 5 Plan view of a false deck with gaps at vertical framing members
A false deck should be able to support the expected load of workers and materials during construction
and people or objects that could fall onto the deck. Access should be provided to each of the false decks.
When considering the design of the deck for erecting, altering or dismantling formwork, the weight of the
false deck and live load should be applied to the formwork support structure.
The height between the false deck and the pouring deck should allow entry for a person during stripping.
Workers must take reasonable care for their own safety by not climbing the framework.
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Where the potential fall distance is less than two metres, an intermediate work platform can be provided
that is at least 450 mm wide (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 Worker erecting formwork from an intermediate platform less than two metres above a formwork
deck where the deck to deck height is greater than two metres
Bearers are the primary horizontal support members for a formwork deck that are placed on top of
formwork frames. They are usually timber but are sometimes metal. They should be placed in position by
people located on a secure platform no more than two metres below them.
Bearers should be positioned so they will not fall off the top of the frames. The usual method to do this is
by placing the bearers in U-heads on top of the frames and by minimising cantilevers. U-heads should be
used where two bearers abut. Where only single bearers are placed in the U-head, the bearer should be
placed centrally in the U-head unless a formwork designer, engineer or other competent person states
otherwise. This can be achieved by rotating the U-head or by using timber wedges.
Where the top of the supporting member consists of a flat plate, the bearer should be nailed or otherwise
effectively secured to the plate. Flat plates should only be used where specified by a formwork designer,
engineer or other competent person.
If the height of the formwork deck being constructed is more than two metres above a continuous deck or
Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
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surface below it, joists should be spread from a platform located within two metres of that surface,
underneath the deck being constructed (see Figure 6). This work platform should be a false deck but an
intermediate platform may be used.
If installation of joists is not possible from below and where a catch platform is provided at two metres or
less below a worker, joists may be spread on the bearers with the worker standing on top at bearer level.
A working platform at least 450 mm wide (e.g. two scaffold planks) shall be used when the potential fall
distance is less than two metres. It is not acceptable for a person to work from a single plank or bearer.
The platform below the deck should be positioned at a suitable height for handling joists without
introducing manual task risks and not greater than 2 metres above the continuous deck or surface below.
A formwork deck should be laid in a progressive way so people will be provided with a method to prevent
them from falling below the deck.
This control measure is particularly important in situations where a false deck has not been provided
within two metres below the level of the deck to be laid. In this situation formply may only be spread on
the joists provided:
•
•
•
•
People start laying the formply sheets from the perimeter scaffolding or other edge protection
provided on the perimeter of the formwork.
A minimum of four joists at 450 mm centres—400 mm gaps, totalling 1.8 metres—are located on
bearers next to the person and in the other direction joists extend for at least 1.8 metres (see
Figure 7). Therefore, if a person falls they will fall onto the joists and should be prevented from
falling further. In some situations, there may be a possibility of a person falling through the joists
if the joists spread as the person’s body makes contact. This is more likely to be a potential
hazard when the person falls onto the joists in the same direction as the joists. Implementing
controls to minimise sideways movement of joists will minimise this possibility.
People lay the formply in front of their bodies so if they stumble they are likely to fall on top of
the sheets being laid.
Where a leading edge is involved and the distance below the deck being constructed is greater
than two metres the SWMS must detail how work will be completed to control the risk.
Figure 7 Maximum spacing of timbers where deck is over two metres below
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Cantilevered bearers, joists and ply sheets can be hazardous when left unsecured. The weight of material
or a person standing on the cantilever may make the timber ‘see-saw’ and cause the person or material
to fall. When designing the formwork system, the use of cantilevers should be kept to a minimum. In
some situations using cantilevered sections is unavoidable. In these cases, a formwork designer should
consider the potential for people and stored materials to cause cantilevers to pivot.
Wherever the weight of a person will cause a cantilever to pivot, the formwork design should include
measures to secure the cantilevers so this will not occur. This may include temporary propping, nailing,
bolting or another effective method. If nailing is used the formwork design should specify the nailing detail
and this should be followed. This may include the use of purpose designed or proprietary brackets.
Materials should not be stacked or stored on a cantilever section unless the section has been designed to
carry the load.
Formwork decks are rarely flat across the entire floor, generally due to deep beams or ‘drop downs’
sometimes called ‘capitals’ around columns. Uneven floors introduce fall hazards. These hazards are
most effectively managed by ensuring formwork supports and the deck are progressively constructed for
the lower parts of the deck before work starts on the higher-level areas of the deck.
Inspection and certification processes each contribute to controlling risks during the construction of
formwork and falsework. Formwork should comply with AS 3610: Formwork for concrete.
Inspections and clearance to load should occur at key stages during the construction of formwork
including when formwork is being loaded, for example with formwork components, equipment or pre
stressed tendons and prior to its completion by a competent person. An example is provided in Appendix
A
A separate certification process should occur when the formwork is complete and prior to concrete being
poured.
Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
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A competent person such as an engineer with experience in structural design (certifying engineer) should
inspect and certify that completed formwork meets the design specifications and is structurally sound
before it is loaded. Generally certification will not be required for formwork and falsework in housing
construction work.
The certifying engineer shall complete and provide a Formwork Structural Certificate to the person with
management or control of the formwork, often the principal contractor. An example is at Appendix A.
A concrete pour shall not commence until it is confirmed as meeting the design specification.
To maintain stability of the forms the placement of concrete shall not exceed the maximum calculated
pour rate and the inboard part of formwork shall be placed before proceeding to any cantilever section.
Hoisting, pumping and other equipment should not be attached to the formwork unless specifically
allowed for in the formwork design.
Formwork should be monitored as it is loaded to check for indications of potential failure or collapse, and
that vertical and horizontal movements do not exceed specifications.
A competent designated observer should continuously monitor the formwork assembly during concrete
placing operations and be provided with an appropriate communication system to alert others in case an
emergency arises.
Other than a designated observer, no person should be underneath a formwork deck during concrete
placement. An observer should not stand directly underneath an area where wet concrete is being placed
into the forms.
Competent persons should be available during concrete placement to carry out any emergency
adjustments or repairs. The concrete placement should cease during adjustments and repairs.
Before starting the stripping operation the project design engineer shall provide written confirmation of
backpropping / reshoring design to the formwork contractor verifying that the permanent structure is selfsupporting and the formwork can be removed. The certification should be based on the design
specifications for the structure, the verification of the strength of the concrete mix and the time period
elapsed since the pour.
Documentation from the concrete supplier verifying the concrete specification should be available on
request. A concrete sampling and testing procedure should be in place to verify the concrete meets its
design specification.
A competent person should also provide input into the methodology on formwork stripping to ensure the
permanent concrete element will not fail and result in structural collapse.
What do you need to know?
Stripping Formwork has the potential to be one of the most hazardous phases of concrete construction.
Formwork must be removed in the right way at the right time to ensure that concrete has reached its
designed strength before superimposed loads to any part of the structure are applied. If formwork is not
removed and decentred in accordance with the structural engineers formwork plan then undermining of
the permanent structure can occur which could result in collapse.
What are the important points to note?
Whilst falling objects are the primary hazard, other hazards such as falls, muscular skeletal injuries due to
manual handling and Formwork collapse are also major considerations. Other considerations are the
competency of work crews. PCBU’s have a duty of care to ensure all workers are suitably trained for the
works they are performing.
Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
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The construction industry as a whole relies heavily on accelerating programs, and as such, hazards
based on programming continue to affect the sequencing of the removal of formwork. Therefore the
competency of the work crew is relied on heavily as a defence to ensure the works are incident free.
Never Drop Strip
When altering formwork and falsework outside design parameters, you shall:
•
•
•
•
consult the formwork designer before making alterations
complete the alterations in accordance with the formwork designer’s instructions and any safe
system of work
ensure alterations do not compromise the structural integrity of the formwork and falsework,
and
ensure systems are in place to identify unauthorised interference with the formwork and
falsework e.g. regular inspections.
In conventional tableform and most hybrid systems, safe sequential removal practices involve:
•
•
•
•
unwinding jacks and the removal of formwork sections individually.
keeping the removal area free of trip hazards
common heights issues such as perimeter falls, penetrations (service risers etc), shafts (lift shafts
etc) and voids (stair voids etc) are managed by rails, scaffold, secured and marked covers or other
forms of passive fall protection
protection for appropriate task lighting
Slip and Jump Forms
Entry to the form may be provided in a variety of ways including one or more of the following:
•
•
•
•
personnel hoists on the building
permanent stair systems in the building
a trailing stair system suspended from the slip form or jump form, or
a trailing ladder system.
A trailing stair system should be used instead of a ladder system because it is easier for people to go up
and down. Emergency evacuation is also generally easier on a stair system.
The entry area between the trailing access system and the building should be clear of trip hazards and
there should be no gaps between platforms more than 100 mm wide.
A formwork designer should ensure a trailing access system is designed for the loads that could be
applied in an emergency evacuation situation. Both the system itself and the form should be able to
withstand applied loads from the access system.
Where the designer of the formwork specifies a lesser live load than 2.5 kPa (250kg/m2), the formwork
contractor shall:
•
•
fix a sign in a visible position stating the maximum load that can be applied to the stairs, and
implement written procedures to ensure the maximum number of people on the form is not
exceeded.
Entry ladders should be secured in place. Further information on using ladders safely is in the Code of
Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces.
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Entry openings for ladders on working decks should be provided with guardrails and trapdoors that are
closed except when being used. Trapdoors should be provided with a device so they can be easily
opened from above. This device should not pose a trip hazard for people on the deck.
Access ways should be kept free of materials and rubbish to prevent objects falling to the levels below.
Workers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be provided with safe entry to and exit from the
formwork falsework, jumpforms, slipform or travelling form during erection, use and dismantling. This
includes for people slinging or unslinging loads.
Common ways of providing safe entry and exit for large or complex formwork and falsework structures
include:
•
•
•
•
•
installing permanent stairs, platforms or ramps
using the existing floor level of a building, where entry is safe
installing temporary stairs or portable ladder access systems for use when erecting the formwork
and falsework, and
personnel hoists—non-mechanical forms of exit e.g. a ladder or stair tower should also be
provided in case of power failure or other emergency.
Stair towers secured to scaffold bays provide suitable and flexible entry. Fixed industrial single
ladders, not extension ladders may be used for entry to and exit from a scaffold. Ladders should
not be used as a work platform.
Trailing screens can provide edge protection, a means of preventing falling objects and be designed to
incorporate working platforms. Where platforms are provided these are usually for the purpose of
patching the building or carrying out minor repairs and for entry for people climbing the form. A designer
of formwork should specifically address all issues for which the trailing screen system is designed.
The following issues should be addressed in the design:
•
•
•
•
A suitable design loading for platforms on the trailing system. Signs should be fixed to the
platforms stating the maximum load permitted in kilograms where the design load is less than 2.5
kPa (250kg/m2). People at the workplace should be aware of the maximum loading that may be
applied to the trailing platform and this should be stated in documentation kept at the
workplace.
The risk of falling objects must be controlled.
Platforms should be secured to prevent uplift or other movement.
People should not be located on trailing platforms while the platforms are lifted or suspended by
a crane.
When a platform is designed to have a person on the platform when it is being lifted or suspended by a
crane, you will need to have that workbox design registered with the WHS Regulator. If this is not
possible, you must seek an exemption from the WHS Regulator.
If a person is located on a platform while it is being lifted or suspended by a crane, the following controls
should be implemented:
•
•
•
A person should be prevented from falling down a gap that may exist on the inside edge of the
platform, for example between the platform and the wall being constructed. It is preferable to
provide edge protection on the inside edge. Fall arrest harnesses may be provided for workers as
long as they are trained in their safe use and a rescue procedure for retrieving workers following
a fall has been prepared. Use heavy duty shade cloth rather than small aperture mesh with edge
protection to prevent objects from falling.
People on the platform should hold at least a dogman or rigger licence or a person with such a
licence should be located on the platform as it is lifted.
Use a clear method of communication between the crane operator and the dogman or rigger
responsible for directing the lift, for example a whistle or two way radios.
Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
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It is important that the different parts of the form remain level during the climbing process. Climbing is
usually carried out using a series of climbing devices set up to lift at the same time and at the same rate.
If the lifting system is not properly synchronised the form may become wedged on the structure or
structural members may be overloaded. There should be a system in place to prevent the form going outof-level during the climbing procedure. This system may be automated or may rely on operators stopping
the climbing process.
To climb the form safely:
•
•
•
•
only allow people directly involved in climbing to be located on the form during the climbing
process
identify and control potential nip or shear points where a person could be injured during the
climb
remove obstructions on the form before the form is climbed. This includes the removal of ‘Zbars’, ferrule bolts and other material that would snag on the structure if they were not removed.
A ‘sign-off’ procedure for this shall be completed, and
design services including electrical cable and water pipes so they will not snag or rupture as the
form is climbed.
When removing a form from a vertical element, support the form so it never relies on suction for support.
Serious incidents occur when it is assumed a form is supported from above when it is relying on ‘through
bolts’ through the wall for support. When the bolts are removed the form falls with the people still standing
on a platform attached to the form. This hazard can apply both to crane lifted forms and jump forms.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the formwork during its use will help keep it functional and safe.
Inspection and maintenance should be conducted by a competent person such as an engineer.
Due to the specialised work systems and unique hazards that exist on slip and jump forms, specific
instruction and training should be provided for people working on these forms. Training should include,
but not be limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
the maximum loadings that can be applied to the various areas on the form—including
information about areas where materials can be stored
restricted entry areas and procedures for installing and removing edge protection
climbing or jumping procedures for those involved in these operations
emergency evacuation procedures for those required to work on the form
fire fighting procedures and equipment to be used in emergency situations before fire fighting
personnel arrive at the scene, and
other special work procedures applying to working on the form e.g. time limits for working in
cells where these apply, or safely undertaking manual tasks.
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To protect the welfare of workers involved in slip and jump formwork provide:
•
•
•
•
Ventilation including heating and cooling and entry to all cells in jump forms or slip forms.
Clean drinking water on the top level of the slip or jump form. On larger slip forms and jump
forms it may be necessary to provide clean drinking water on other levels.
A chemical toilet on the top of the jump form, and
First aid equipment.
It is difficult for people to spend extended periods in cells due to the heat and cramped working
conditions. Maximum times for particular cells may be developed depending on temperature, humidity
and cell size. These times should be developed in consultation with the formwork installer and the
workers.
Fire extinguishers, hoses and other means of fire control should be provided on the slip or jump form.
Emergency procedures for the slip or jump form must be developed that include training and instruction
for workers in these procedures.
The emergency procedures should include, but not be limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the method for alerting people in an emergency
the method of extracting people from each location or cell that people have entry to or could fall
into
when to evacuate people from the form
evacuation muster points both on and off the form
training in using fire extinguishers
identifying people responsible for ensuring evacuation takes place
rescue procedures for severe medical conditions
identifying people responsible for rescuing workers, and
rescue training for people involved in rescuing others where outside experts will not be
responsible for performing the rescue.
Response to emergency situations should be considered during formwork design and during construction.
Emergency arrangements for evacuating an injured worker from a formwork ‘cell’ should consider how to
safely remove an immobilised or unconscious person. This may include creating emergency entry holes
and doorways through decks and screens.
Procedures should identify how to enter lift-voids and other areas including cells within the core which
may have limited entry.
Emergency services contacts should be clearly identified and available.
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APPENDIX A – FORMWORK STRUCTURAL CERTIFICATE
An example Formwork Structural Certificate for use by a competent person to indicate Formwork
and falsework has been inspected and complies with specification and is structurally sound.
Engineer’s Name: ..........................................................................................................................
Address: .........................................................................................................................................
Telephone: ............................................................ Fax: ................................................................
Mobile: ................................................................... Date: .............................................................
Project: ..........................................................................................................................................
Level: .................................................................... Area: ..............................................................
STRUCTURAL CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the........................................................................ formwork for the above project has
been inspected and is considered to be adequate to support the design loads in accordance with the
relevant standards including AS 3610: Formwork for concrete.
The following items were included in the inspection:
ITEM
CONDITION Yes/No
Base plates
OK
Frame spacing
OK
Frame bracing
OK
Frame extensions
OK
Bearer size and spacing
OK
Joist size and spacing
OK
Prop spacing
Not OK
Prop bracing
OK
Eccentric loading
OK
Prop inclination
OK
Timber condition
OK
Steel condition
OK
Nails in plates as required
OK
Columns framing
OK
Columns bracing
OK
Plywood Fixing
OK
..................................................................................
Certifying Engineer’s Name
Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
WORK REQUIRED
No
No
No
No
No
No
Replace props near columns
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
..............................................................
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APPENDIX B. SAMPLE SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT
Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
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Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
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Further information
List legislation, relevant codes of practice and Australian Standards Further information
AS3610: Formwork for concrete
AS3610.1: Formwork Part 1-Documentation and surface finish
Codes of practice, guidance material and other resources are available on the Safe Work Australia
website (www.swa.gov.au).
Further information
AS3610: Formwork for concrete
AS3610.1: Formwork Part 1-Documentation and surface finish
Code of Practice for formwork and falsework
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APPENDIX C. SAMPLE OF FORMWORK INDUSTRY SKILLSET
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