Formwork Safety Planning: Formwork safety planning is critical for the successful and safe execution of a construction project. Project planners and managers must adhere to the requirements of applicable standards such as OSHA regulations in order to produce good safety plans. Supervision of construction work, proper utilization of equipment, and following the established construction procedures are essential for the safety of workers and the public.
Supervision of Formwork System: Proper supervision is essential for the successful and safe installation of formwork systems. A qualified supervisor should oversee the selection, assembly, and installation of the formwork system, as well as its safe use and dismantling. The supervisor must have the knowledge and experience necessary to recognize and correct any potential problems.
Equipment Utilization Practices Using the right equipment and following the manufacturer’s instructions are key to the safe and efficient use of formwork systems. All equipment must be inspected prior to use to ensure that it is in good working condition. Prolonged use of formwork systems should be avoided in order to reduce the risk of failure and associated safety risks.
Construction Procedure The construction procedure must be established to ensure the safe and efficient completion of the formwork system. This includes the installation of supports, proper shoring, and the correct placement of formwork. Any modifications should be discussed with the supervisor prior to implementation to ensure the safety of the workers and the public.
Good safety plans for formwork systems are essential for successful and safe completion of construction projects. Supervision, equipment utilization practices, and established construction procedures must all be followed to ensure the safety of workers and the public. Project planners and managers must ensure that all safety requirements are met in order to avoid any delays or accidents.
1. Supervision and Inspection
Safe Erection of Formwork
Proper supervision is essential when erecting formworks, pouring concrete, and stripping forms to ensure safety. Supervisors must ensure that formwork is erected according to design and that a safe erection procedure is followed to avoid overloading members. Unless the form designer is consulted, no modifications to falsework, forms, or erection procedure should be made. Unusual loads should be prevented if the formwork system is not designed to handle them.
Preventing Overloads on Formwork
It is important for supervisors to monitor formwork loading and prevent overloading of forms. Unusual loads should not be applied to formworks unless it is designed to handle them. Modifications to falsework, forms, or erection procedures should only be made after consulting with the form designer. Regularly inspect the formworks for signs of stress or damage and take corrective action if necessary.
Monitoring Erection Procedures
Supervisors must ensure that the erection procedure is followed correctly, including the use of safety equipment and approved lifting methods. All personnel involved in the formwork erection process should be trained and knowledgeable about the procedure. The supervisor should be knowledgeable of the form design and be able to identify any issues that may arise.
2. Platforms and Access for Workers
Accessible Working Platforms
Ensuring the safety of workers is of the utmost importance when executing works at elevated positions. To achieve this, the construction team must provide an accessible platform for the workers. This platform can be provided in the form of long ladders, special scaffolds, or any other suitable equipment, depending on the structure. Additionally, safety signs and barriers should be placed to keep unauthorized individuals away from the working area during erection and stripping formwork systems.
OSHA Requirements for Platforms and Access
For workers to access the platform safely, the platform must meet all OSHA requirements. These requirements include providing a suitable platform that is safe and accessible to the workers. Furthermore, the platform should be designed and constructed in a way that is suitable for the type of structure it is servicing. This includes providing a rest or passing platform for ladders or scaffolds that extend to the top of the falsework.
Creating a Safe Working Area
Creating a safe working area for workers requires the cooperation of engineers and experienced field personnel. This includes making sure that the platform is accessible, safe, and meets all OSHA requirements. Furthermore, safety signs and barriers should be placed around the working area to ensure that unauthorized individuals are kept away and that the workers are safe. By following these guidelines, workers can be ensured of a safe and secure working environment.
3. Control of Concreting Practices
Ensuring Safety During Concrete Pouring
Controlling concrete pouring is a major factor in the safety plan establishment. The sequence and rate of concrete placement should be designed to consider the limitations provided in the formwork drawings. Unbalanced form loading should be avoided when placing concrete; for example, in beam and slab construction, the beams should be filled first, and then the slab should be placed equally on both sides.
Enhancing Formwork Structure Stability
The stability of the formwork system can be increased in a column-and-slab structure by concreting the columns first at least a day before the slab. The hardened concrete in the columns provides additional lateral stiffness to the formwork structure during the concreting of the slab. Often, reinforced concrete columns are constructed first, followed by the erection of the floor system.
4. Improving Soil Bearing and Bracing
Improve Soil Bearing Capacity Through Tamping:
One way to improve soil bearing capacity is through tamping. Tamping involves compacting the soil by repeatedly pounding it with a tool like a tamper or a manual compactor. This compresses and densifies the soil, increasing its bearing capacity and allowing it to support more weight. Tamping can be used to stabilize soils with questionable bearing capacity, allowing them to be used in the construction of forms and scaffolding.
Use Crushed Stone to Enhance Soil Bearing Capacity:
Another way to improve soil bearing capacity is to cover it with a layer of crushed stone. The stone acts as a stabilizing agent, preventing the soil from shifting or settling under the weight of the forms and scaffolding. This approach is particularly effective for soils with sandy or loose soil textures, which may not be able to support significant weight without proper stabilization.
Prevent Progressive Collapse with Structural Design:
Finally, it is important to design the forms and scaffolding to prevent progressive collapse due to localized failures. This means ensuring that the structures are designed with sufficient strength and support to prevent collapse if a single component fails. This requires taking into account the soil condition and ensuring that the forms and scaffolding are designed to withstand the expected bearing capacity of the soil.
5. Shoring and Reshoring
Shoring and Reshoring: Avoiding Out-Of-Plumb Shores, Bent Jacks, and Defective Timber
When it comes to shoring and reshoring, it is important to ensure that any out-of-plumb shores, bent jacks, and defective timber are avoided. Not only would these supporting elements not be able to bear the design loads, they could also lead to serious structural issues. During the concrete pouring process, it is essential to monitor the forms continuously so that any potential problems can be identified and rectified immediately.
