INGENIEUR
Figure 9 : The formwork and falsework structure need to be tied and braced to accommodate lateral forces .
previous construction sites . This is to ensure that defective components are isolated and not used .
The inspection is also to ensure that the formwork-falsework is used according to the assumptions made during the design and no incidents had occurred that could affect the safety of the structure , such as being hit by a vehicle . The contractor must ensure that safe access is provided for DP ( Concrete ) to carry out inspection , and a proper walking platform with guard rails and toeboard is required if the risk of a worker falling is from heights of more than three metres .
Best Practice # 6 - Stability and robustness
The sixth best practice is about the stability and robustness of formwork and falsework structures to accommodate lateral forces . The BOWECS Regulations require the contractor to appoint a PEPC to certify that the formwork and falsework ( including re-shore ) are structurally safe . Among the things that the PEPC has to pay attention to is the knowledge of the loading path acting on the components of falsework . Although most of the forces applied to the structure are vertical loads , lateral forces must also be taken into account . For this purpose , the formwork and falsework structures need to be tied and braced to accommodate lateral forces . Information regarding these ties and other supports should be detailed in the design drawings , including whether these temporary structures require support by permanent structures . The strength of the ground and floor to withstand the forces or loads that may be applied should be ensured during the design phase . The PEPC may need to communicate with the permanent structure designer .
Apart from ensuring that the structural design has sufficient strength , the design also needs to be robust to accommodate loads resulting from unforeseen conditions , such as weather and strong winds . Loads resulting from concrete pouring activities using selected machinery should also be ascertained and taken into account during the design process . The sequence of concrete pouring should be specified , if necessary , to prevent undue loading . To this end , good engineering considerations gained through experience are essential . Specific responsibility for ensuring the stability of the formwork and falsework structure rests with the PEPC who designs this structure , while the contractor is responsible for ensuring that the PEPC carries out his duties and ensures that the entire workplace is safe .
Conclusion
The BOWECS Regulations places the overall duty of ensuring the safety of concrete work on the contractor , but the contractor must appoint a PEPC to carry out the specific duties prescribed by the regulations . The Chief Inspector Special Order No . 1 Year 2020 on the Safety Management of Temporary Structure ( Scaffolding , Formwork and Falsework ) places duty onto the manager appointed by the contractor to manage the usage of formwork and falsework during construction .
In summary , there are six good practices that need to be given special attention by contractors , managers and engineers ( including PEPC ) to prevent formwork and falsework collapsing during concrete work . These best practices are in relation to :
● Knowledge and experience ;
● Design information and safe work procedures ;
● Roles and responsibilities ;
● Communication and co-ordination ;
● Inspection and supervision ; and
● Stability and robustness .
These best practices are derived from the essence of legal requirements and lessons learned from accident forensic studies carried out by the authors .
32 VOL 88 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2021