Formwork and Falsework Safety
Temporary Works › General › Formwork and Falsework Safety
Formwork and Falsework Safety
Formwork provides the mould into which concrete is poured, while falsework is the temporary structure that supports formwork and the wet concrete until it gains sufficient strength. Both must be properly designed, erected, and inspected before loading. Falsework collapse during concrete pours has caused catastrophic incidents with multiple fatalities. The forces involved are enormous — a single cubic metre of wet concrete weighs approximately 2.4 tonnes. Every aspect of formwork and falsework must be managed through the BS 5975 temporary works process.
- Ensure all formwork and falsework is designed by a competent temporary works engineer.
- Erect falsework strictly in accordance with the approved design drawings and sequence.
- Inspect all formwork and falsework immediately before every concrete pour and record the findings.
- Check that all props are correctly positioned, vertical, pinned, and on adequate foundations.
- Ensure formwork ties are installed at the correct spacing and torque specified in the design.
- Never modify, remove, or alter any falsework component without approval from the temporary works designer.
- Monitor formwork and falsework during the concrete pour for any signs of movement or deflection.
- Do not strike formwork until the concrete has reached the minimum strength specified by the engineer.
- Maintain the temporary works register with the current status of every formwork and falsework item.
- Falsework collapse during concrete pours has killed multiple workers in single incidents.
- One cubic metre of wet concrete weighs approximately 2.4 tonnes — the forces on falsework are enormous.
- All formwork and falsework must be designed, checked, and managed under the BS 5975 process.
- Inspect immediately before every pour and stop if any movement, deflection, or defect is found.
- Never remove props or strike formwork until the engineer confirms the concrete has reached adequate strength.
- Any unauthorised alteration to falsework or formwork is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.
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