Safe Practices Checklist for Formwork: Formwork is an essential component of construction at a site, and proper erection of formwork is necessary for the safety of workmen and for the successful completion of a project. Improper formwork can cause damage to structural elements and put the safety of workmen at risk. To ensure the safety of workmen and the successful completion of the project, it is important to follow a safe practice checklist for formwork.
Check the Quality of Formwork: Before beginning the formwork, it is important to check the quality of the formwork materials. This includes ensuring that the formwork is made of the right materials, that it is properly constructed, and that it is in good condition. If the formwork is not of the right quality, it can lead to instability and safety issues.
Inspect the Formwork: Once the formwork has been set up, it is important to inspect it thoroughly. This includes checking for any signs of instability, such as cracks or bulges, and making sure that the formwork is properly secured. Any instability in the formwork can lead to accidents and injuries.
Secure the Formwork: Once the formwork has been inspected and found to be stable, it is important to secure it properly. This includes making sure that the formwork is properly braced and that all connectors and ties are secure. Any loose connections or ties can lead to instability and potential accidents.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when setting up and using formwork. The manufacturer’s guidelines will provide information on the proper materials and methods to use when erecting formwork, as well as the proper safety precautions to take.
Inspect the Formwork Regularly: It is important to inspect the formwork regularly during the construction process. This includes checking the formwork for any signs of instability or damage, as well as making sure that all connectors and ties are secure. Any instability in the formwork can lead to accidents and injuries.
By following these safety practices, it is possible to ensure the safety of workmen, as well as the successful completion of a project. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, checking the quality of the formwork, inspecting the formwork regularly, and properly securing the formwork are all essential steps in ensuring formwork safety at a construction site.
Formwork Safety Checklist during Design:
Formwork Design:
Formwork design is an important part of constructing any structure. Proper formwork should be designed for the structural element considered and its working drawing should be available at site. The design should include all the loads that it will experience during casting of concrete structural members, and the strength of the materials used for formwork should be adequate to support these loads. Furthermore, the formwork design should indicate the rate of concrete pour, height of concrete pour, temperature and sequence and schedule of concrete pours.
Detailed Dimensions:
The working drawing of formwork should include detailed dimensions such as pouring pocket size, compaction opening and cleanouts. This will ensure that the formwork is properly designed and constructed to withstand the loads imposed during concrete pour.
Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil:
The formwork design should also consider the safe bearing capacity of the soil. This is to ensure that the formwork will not collapse due to the weight of the concrete and other loads that it may be subjected to during the construction process.
Formwork Safety Checklist during Construction:
1. Inspection of Formwork System: This includes checking the entire formwork system from the bottom to the top for proper load transfer. This ensures a safe working environment.
2. Check Working Scaffolds, Ladders, Runways, Ramps and Crossings: It is important to check the safety of scaffolds, ladders, runways, ramps and crossings to ensure safety at all times.
3. Maintain Good Housekeeping: Maintaining good housekeeping around the working area and passage is essential for preventing accidents.
4. Guarding of Peripheral Edges and Floor Openings: It is important to guard the peripheral edges and floor openings to prevent workers from falling into them.
5. Adequate Space for Safe Working: It is important to provide enough space for workers to move safely and efficiently.
6. Safety Training of Workmen: Workers involved in formwork and concreting works must be provided with adequate safety training to ensure their safety.
7. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs): All workers must use the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to protect themselves from any potential hazards.
8. Check Formwork, Rigging Inserts and Connections: Formwork, rigging inserts and connections must be checked for correct installation and periodically checked for wear and correct position.
9. Removal of Unused and Hanging Forms: Unused and hanging forms, loose materials, etc. should be removed from exposed floors to prevent accidents.
10. Check All Props and Shores: All props and shores must be inspected for adequacy to handle all the loads.
11. Removal of Defective Props: Defective props should be removed from the working area to prevent accidents.
12. Alignment of Props: Verticality, height and spacing between props should be checked to ensure the safety of the workers.
13. Resting of Props on Bearing Plates: All props should be rested on bearing plates for better stability.
14. Placing Props on Hard Bearing Surface: Props should be placed on hard bearing surfaces to prevent accidents.
15. Safe Nailing and Firm Locking of Clamps on Adjustable Props: To ensure the stability and safety of formwork, clamps must be firmly locked and nailed on adjustable props.
16. Lateral Stability and Fixity of Formwork: The lateral stability and complete fixity at the joint between props must be checked when one prop is placed on the top of the other.
17. Proper Bearing Below Stringers and Joists: The proper bearing below the stringers and joists at points of supports must be inspected.
18. De-shuttering and Removal of Props Below Concrete Slabs and Beams: After the concrete has developed adequate strength, the props below concrete slabs and beams should be de-shuttered and removed.
19. Avoid Placing Construction Loads on Freshly Cast Slab or Beams: Construction loads should not be placed on freshly cast slabs or beams while the formwork is being removed or before the concrete attains the required strength.