Site Operations
Concrete Formwork Safety
Safe erection, use and striking of concrete formwork and falsework on UAE construction sites — design checks, propping, pour sequencing, and collapse prevention.
v2.0Updated 15 Feb 2026ADOSH-SF v4.1 (February 2026)Learning Objectives
- Identify the main hazards of formwork and falsework on UAE sites.
- Verify formwork is designed, checked and permitted before the pour.
- Follow the correct pour rate and sequence to avoid overload.
- Recognise early warning signs of formwork failure and stop work.
- Strike formwork safely once concrete has reached required strength.
Awareness Video
ProPreview
10-minute video
Unlock this awareness video
Awareness videos are included with Pro and Enterprise plans. Upgrade to watch every module, save progress, and issue awareness completion records.
Upgrade to ProModule Content
1. Design & Permit
Formwork and falsework are temporary works. A competent Temporary Works Coordinator must sign off the design, propping layout and pour sequence before erection. A permit-to-load is issued before concrete pouring begins.
2. Erection
Follow the approved drawing exactly. Props must be plumb, on firm bearing (sole plates), fully extended pins, and cross-braced. Never substitute damaged, bent or mixed-brand props. Working platforms must have guardrails and toe-boards.
3. Pre-Pour Checks
Independent inspection by the Temporary Works Coordinator: bearing, plumb, bracing, tie-rods, stop-ends, embedments, rebar cover, access, exclusion zones below. Sign the pre-pour checklist. Only then release the pour permit.
4. During the Pour
Control the pour rate — over-pouring is the leading cause of formwork blowouts. Watch for prop movement, water leakage from joints, deflection, or unusual creaking. A dedicated formwork watcher must be stationed below with authority to stop the pour.
5. Striking
Do not strike until the concrete has reached the design striking strength confirmed by cube tests or maturity method. Strike in the sequence shown on the drawing — soffits and props last. Lower components; never drop. Exclusion zone below.
6. UAE Requirements
ADOSH-SF (formerly OSHAD) CoP 26 / Dubai Municipality Circular 205 require a competent Temporary Works Coordinator, approved drawings on site, and documented pre-pour inspection for every formwork pour. Retain records for 3 years.
Where more than one code applies, follow the strongest applicable code (the most protective requirement) and check the current official text.
Knowledge Assessment
1. Formwork and falsework are:
2. The leading cause of formwork blowouts during a pour is:
3. Props must be:
4. Who releases the pour permit?
5. During the pour, a dedicated formwork watcher must:
6. Formwork may be struck when:
7. Working platforms on formwork require:
8. Warning signs of imminent formwork failure include:
9. Drawings and pre-pour checklists must be:
10. The UAE Code of Practice governing formwork/falsework is:
Awareness completion record
Pass the quiz (8 / 10) to unlock your awareness completion record.
Acknowledgement
By signing below, you confirm you have watched the awareness video, understood the material, and will apply these controls on site.
Next step
Turn this into evidence you can hand over
English awareness modules, with Arabic versions where available, and internal completion records. Videos require Pro or Enterprise access; this is not accredited certification.
- Built around UAE authoritiesADOSH-SF, Trakhees, DM, DCD, MOIAT and ISO 45001 structures.
- Usable the same dayTemplates and registers are pre-filled with your company details.
- Evidence, not just formsEvery record carries dates, signatures and an export you can hand over.