General Guide for Formwork and Falsework

Full Description

This General Guide provides information on how to manage formwork and falsework risks at a workplace. It is supported by specific guides on formwork, falsework, slip, jump and travelling forms and a formwork and falsework Information Sheet for small business.

What is formwork and falsework?

Formwork means the surface of the form and framing used to contain and shape wet concrete until it is self-supporting.

Formwork includes the forms on or within which the concrete is poured and the frames and bracing which provide stability. Although commonly referred to as part of the formwork assembly, the joists, bearers, bracing, foundations and footings are technically referred to as falsework.

Further information is in the Guide to formwork.

Falsework means the temporary structure used to support a permanent structure, material, plant, equipment and people until the construction of the permanent structure has advanced to the stage
where it is self-supporting.

Falsework includes the foundations, footings and all structural members supporting the permanent structural elements. Falsework can be used to support formwork for in-situ concrete, prefabricated concrete elements, steel sections or stone arches, for example during bridge construction.

Further information is in the Guide to falsework.

Who should use this Guide?

You should use this Guide if you design, construct, erect, alter, maintain, dismantle or remove formwork and falsework.

You should read this code in conjunction with the Code of Practice: Construction work.

Supporting guidance material

This General Guide is supported by specific guidance material on:

• falsework
• formwork, and
• slip, jump and travelling formwork systems.

Who has duties under the law?

Everyone in the workplace has a work health and safety duty. A range of people have specific responsibilities for formwork and falsework including the:

• designers of formwork and falsework
• formwork and falsework contractors and workers who carry out formwork and falsework activities, and
• principal contractors for a ‘construction project’ where the cost of construction work is $250 000
  or more.