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.
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.
Training Video
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10-minute video
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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.
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:
Certificate
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Acknowledgement
By signing below, you confirm you have watched the training video, understood the material, and will apply these controls on site.