Flying Formwork Systems

Flying formwork (table forms) are large reusable formwork panels moved between floors by crane during multi-storey construction.
Each table form can weigh several tonnes and cover large floor areas, requiring planned crane lifts to reposition.
Flying formwork combines working at height, lifting operations, and temporary works risks in a single activity.
The formwork system must be designed as temporary works with calculations for loading, propping, and striking sequence.
Workers are exposed to fall hazards at slab edges when receiving, positioning, and connecting table forms.
Crane operations to fly forms between floors require detailed lift plans and exclusion zones below.
Edge protection must be maintained or replaced immediately as forms are landed at the new floor level.
Striking formwork too early before concrete gains adequate strength can cause progressive structural collapse.
Wind loading on table forms during crane transit makes them unstable and difficult to control.
The temporary works coordinator must approve the striking and flying sequence before operations begin.

Prevent collapse	Premature striking or incorrect propping sequence can cause catastrophic progressive collapse of concrete floors.
Fall prevention	Open slab edges during form flying expose workers to fatal falls from height on every cycle.
Lifting safety	Table forms are heavy, wind-sensitive loads requiring planned lifts with exclusion zones to prevent crush injuries.

Do

Don't

Ensure the flying formwork system has an approved temporary works design before first use
Follow the designed striking and flying sequence exactly as approved by the TWC
Install edge protection at slab edges before and immediately after forms are landed
Use a specific lift plan for every crane operation moving table forms between floors
Establish exclusion zones below all crane operations during flying formwork moves
Confirm concrete has reached the required strength before striking any formwork panels
Use tag lines to control table forms during crane transit in all wind conditions
Brief all operatives on the sequence, exclusion zones, and fall protection before each cycle
Inspect props, bearers, and formwork panels for damage before each reuse cycle
Monitor wind speed and stop flying operations when conditions exceed the safe limit

DON'T strike formwork before the concrete has reached the specified minimum strength
DON'T deviate from the approved striking and flying sequence without TWC authorisation
DON'T work at unprotected slab edges while receiving or positioning table forms
DON'T fly table forms in high winds — they act as sails and become uncontrollable
DON'T stand beneath suspended table forms during crane lifting operations
DON'T overload table forms with materials beyond the design capacity during stacking
DON'T reuse damaged props, bearers, or formwork panels without formal inspection
DON'T remove backpropping below until the TWC confirms adequate concrete strength
DON'T allow unqualified persons to direct or manage flying formwork crane operations
DON'T skip the pre-pour inspection of formwork alignment, propping, and edge protection

See also: Formwork Erection and Striking | Temporary Works Awareness

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