Staircore Construction Safety

Staircores are vertical circulation cores in multi-storey buildings containing stairs, lifts, and service risers.
They are typically constructed using reinforced concrete slip-formed, jump-formed, or traditionally cast.
Working inside the core involves confined vertical spaces with formwork, reinforcement, and concrete activities.
Fall hazards exist at every floor level where openings for doors, windows, and services penetrate the core walls.
The core often advances ahead of the main frame, creating an exposed structure at significant height.
Temporary access inside the core requires internal scaffolds, platforms, or climbing formwork systems.
Crane access to the top of the core for material delivery can be restricted by the narrow shaft.
Concrete pours inside the core generate dust and noise in the enclosed space requiring ventilation.
Formwork striking in the core must follow the specified sequence to maintain structural stability.
The core provides the permanent means of escape — its early completion is a fire safety priority.

Fall hazards	Multiple openings in core walls at every level create unprotected fall risks throughout construction.
Confined working	The enclosed vertical shaft amplifies dust, noise, and fume exposure for workers inside.
Structural importance	The core provides lateral stability to the building — construction errors can affect the entire structure.

Do

Don't

Install edge protection at every opening in the core walls at every floor level
Provide safe internal access platforms for reinforcement fixing and formwork work
Ventilate the core during concrete pours to disperse dust and fumes
Follow the formwork striking sequence specified by the temporary works designer
Wear hearing protection inside the core during noisy activities such as vibrating concrete
Brief the core team on the daily programme, pour sequence, and fall hazards
Maintain the core as the primary escape route — keep stairs clear throughout construction
Use the crane lift plan for delivering materials into the confined core opening
Inspect all edge protection and access platforms inside the core every shift
Coordinate with other trades to prevent overcrowding inside the confined core space

DON'T leave core wall openings unprotected at any floor level at any time
DON'T work inside the core without adequate ventilation during concrete pours
DON'T strip formwork ahead of the approved sequence without engineer authorisation
DON'T allow overcrowding inside the core — limit the number of workers at each level
DON'T block stairways in the core with materials — they are the escape route
DON'T lift materials into the core without a crane plan for the confined access
DON'T use ladders as the primary access inside the core — install proper platforms
DON'T ignore noise and dust exposure inside the enclosed core — wear PPE consistently
DON'T fix reinforcement near unprotected edges without fall arrest equipment
DON'T continue concrete pours inside the core if the formwork shows signs of distress

See also: Building Works Safety Awareness | Formwork Erection and Striking

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