CON/General/TBT-CON-010
Concrete Pour Safety and Planning
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Concrete Pour Safety and Planning
Concrete pours involve heavy plant, temporary works under load, wet concrete handling, and coordinated team working often under time pressure. The risks include formwork collapse, concrete burns, manual handling injuries, and slips on wet surfaces. Every pour must be carefully planned with the method statement, temporary works design, and delivery schedule agreed before concrete arrives on site. Once a pour begins, it must be completed safely without shortcuts.
Key Hazards
Formwork or falsework collapse under the weight of wet concrete during the pour
Chemical burns from prolonged skin contact with wet concrete and cement
Slips and falls on wet concrete surfaces and around the pour area
Manual handling injuries from moving heavy vibrators, pumps, and skip equipment
Control Measures
- Ensure the temporary works design has been checked and approved before concrete is ordered.
- Inspect all formwork, falsework, and propping immediately before the pour begins.
- Wear waterproof gloves, boots, and full-length clothing to prevent concrete contact with skin.
- Plan the pour sequence, delivery schedule, and pump or skip positions before the first load arrives.
- Keep the pour area clear of unnecessary personnel and establish access routes for workers.
- Ensure concrete vibrators are in good condition and operators are trained in their safe use.
- Monitor formwork during the pour for any signs of movement, deflection, or leakage.
- Provide adequate lighting if the pour extends into darkness or is scheduled for night work.
- Wash any wet concrete off your skin immediately and do not wait until the pour is finished.
Remember
- Formwork collapse during a pour is catastrophic and has caused multiple fatalities in the UK.
- Inspect all temporary works immediately before every concrete pour without exception.
- Wet concrete causes chemical burns that develop slowly — wash it off your skin immediately.
- Plan the pour properly because once concrete starts flowing, stopping mid-pour creates problems.
- Monitor formwork throughout the pour and stop immediately if any movement or deflection is observed.
- Concrete pours are a team effort and clear communication is essential for a safe operation.
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · BS 5975 (Temporary Works) · COSHH Regulations 2002 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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