Formwork activities in construction sample site safety checklist
Inspected by: Record no: Date of inspection:
Site address:
Note: This checklist is a guide only and may be used to assist in determining compliance with safety requirements for formwork activities in construction. Further
information can be obtained by contacting Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (1300 369 915) or [Link]
Formwork safety issues Compliance indicators and Compliant Action required
Code/Regulation/Act reference (yes/no)
1. Formwork drawings provided (drawings Drawings to be readily available on site.
to include engineer/formwork designer Drawings signed by professional engineer (non
certification) basic system)/formwork designer (basic system).
Formwork Code sections 2.2.2, 2.2.5
2. Verification that the formwork structure Pre pour sign off by professional
complies with the design of the engineer/formwork designer/competent person.
formwork system (pre pour inspections) Checklists and certificates similar to Appendix 3
and 4 completed and on site.
Formwork Code section 2.2.5, Appendix 3 and 4
3. Back propping details (plans and Specific plans or notes on drawings to be readily
elevations including tying in) available on site.
Back propping to be completed as per drawings
Formwork Code sections 2.2.3, 2.2.5
4. Engineer certification for lifting points Specific drawings/certification provided by
for column boxes and wall shutters professional engineer nominating lifting point
details to be readily available on site.
Certification should verify structural adequacy of
lifting apparatus and the means for attachment to
load (usually welded or bolted)
Work practices reflect drawings
Formwork Code section 4.4.5
5. Design documentation for jump form Drawings specific to the jump form to be readily
available on site.
Drawings signed by professional engineer.
Work practices reflect drawings.
Formwork Code section 8.7
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Formwork activities in construction sample site safety checklist
Formwork safety issues Compliance indicators and Compliant Action required
Code/Regulation/Act reference (yes/no)
6. Design documentation for perimeter Drawings specific to the perimeter containment
containment screening screening to be readily available on site.
Drawings signed by a professional engineer if
screening is a part of a non basic formwork system
or proprietary item.
Formwork Code section 2.2.3
7. Certification of the maximum loads from Drawings signed by professional engineer (non
stacked materials that the formwork basic system)/formwork designer (basic system).
structure can withstand Drawings to be readily available on site.
Work practices reflect drawings.
Formwork Code sections 2.2.2, 2.2.5
8. Design variations certified eg: Drawings/certification readily available on site
Braces left off certified by formwork designer/professional
Frame extensions engineer that variations comply with AS 3610
No base plates on frames Formwork structure reflects variations to initial
Flat jacks in lieu of U heads design drawings.
Formwork Code section 2.2.5
9. Work method statements adequate for Work method statement readily available and
purpose (e.g. formwork stripping) addresses relevant risks (falls from height).
Work practices reflect work method statement
Formwork Code section 4.3.1 WQHS
Regulations 1997 sections 157, 191, 194
10. A frame shutter storage racks &/or Drawings/certification from professional engineer
shutter storage areas engineer designed that surface to be used for stacking of forms is
capable of withstanding loads and details of how
loads are to be applied.
Work practices reflect drawings/certification.
Formwork Code section 3.2.2
11. Access in and around formwork Designated access ways provided (hazard
structure tape/other visual methods).
Persons instructed in the use of the access ways.
Access ways clear of rubbish, plant and materials.
Formwork Code section 3.2.1, WHS Regulation
1997 s174(2)(b)&(c),s200(2)(d)&(e)
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Formwork activities in construction sample site safety checklist
Formwork safety issues Compliance indicators and Compliant Action required
Code/Regulation/Act reference (yes/no)
12. Systems of material storage in and Materials stored so as to minimise manual tasks
around formwork structure hazards, trip hazards and the potential for falling
objects.
Smaller components such as U-heads, couplers,
base plates and Z-bars contained in material
boxes.
Components stored so as to provide access to
designated walkways.
Formwork Code section 3.2.2, WHS Regulation
1997 s174(2)(c),s200 2(e)
13. Systems of rubbish storage and removal The provision of rubbish skips and wheel barrow
in and around formwork structure that are moved as work progresses.
Rubbish stored so as to provide access to
designated walkways.
Rubbish removed at regular intervals.
Formwork Code section 3.2.3, WHS Regulation
1997 s174(2)(b),s200 2 (d)
14. Form decks clean and clear e.g. no The provision of rubbish skips, brooms etc on the
excess form oil, sawdust working deck.
The provision of spill kits for excess form oil.
Formwork Code section 3.2.3, WHS Regulation
1997 s174(2)(b),s200 2 (d)
15. Barricades/signs for stripping areas Stripping area condoned off with signs and
barricades.
Formwork Code section 4.3.4
16. Erectors of framing over 4m high are Persons erecting framing over 4m high produce
holders of basic scaffold evidence of either scaffold certificate or that they
certificate/trainees are a trainee (up to date log book)
Formwork Code section 4.1.3, WHS Regulation
1997 s17(1), (2), (3), 21, 22, 24, 25
17. Minimum width 450mm work platform Minimum of two planks (450mm width) used for
used for framing work under 2m workers to stand on under 2m high.
Formwork Code section 4.1
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Formwork activities in construction sample site safety checklist
Formwork safety issues Compliance indicators and Compliant Action required
Code/Regulation/Act reference (yes/no)
18. False deck used False deck same area as floor being formed (inside
and between frames).
Captive planks secured against uplift and slipping.
Gaps do not exceed 225mm.
Formwork Code section 4.1.
19. Edge protection/fall protection to decks Edge protection complies with Regulation (top rail,
mid rail, toe boards/top rail, mesh guards).
Edge protection in place prior to formwork activities
or barricade in place at least 1.8m back from edge.
False deck provided no more than 2.0m below
formwork deck.
If no false deck in place minimum of 4 joists laid
out at 450mm centres beside and 1.8m in front.
Formwork Code section 2.2.3, 4.1.6 & 4.1.7,
WHS Regulation 1997 s216
20. Penetrations securely covered Ply covers used which are firmly secured by
bolting/concrete nailing.
Ply covers which are marked with bright paint to
signify that there is a hole under.
Formwork Code section 4.1.9
21. For work on wall forms-gaps less than Edge protection complies with Regulation (top rail,
225mm or edge protection installed mid rail, toe boards/top rail, mesh guards).
Formwork Code section 7.2, 8.2, WHS
Regulation 1997 s216
22. Perimeter containment screening Screening complies with Regulation ( gaps
between screens no more than 25mm, fitted with a
catch platform/deflector shields, made of mesh
sheeting, plywood or timber, mesh pattern to be no
more than 50mmx50mm with prescribed lining or
25mm x 25mm for square openings/25mm x 50mm
for other openings).
Top of screening to be no less than 1.2m higher
than poured slab.
Formwork Code section 5.1.1, WHS Regulation
1997 s179, 184
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Formwork activities in construction sample site safety checklist
Formwork safety issues Compliance indicators and Compliant Action required
Code/Regulation/Act reference (yes/no)
23. Joist spacing no more than 450mm to If no false deck in place minimum of 4 joists laid
deck where no false deck used out at 450mm centres beside and 1.8m in front.
Formwork Code section 4.1.7,
24. Provision for retrieval of injured worker Details of retrieval method (dedicated hatches,
from work areas within jump form tripod etc) included in jump form design drawings.
system Work procedure for retrieval of injured worker
readily available and workers aware of process.
Formwork Code section 2.2.3, 8
25. Access to, from and within jump form Designated access ways provided.
system Persons instructed in the use of the access ways.
Access ways clear of rubbish, plant and materials.
Ladders secured and used as per Regulation.
Access hatches/trapdoors closed when not in use.
Formwork Code section 8.1, WHS Regulation
1997 s174(2)(b)&(c) ,s200(2)(d)&(e)
26. Amenities supplied to jump form (water, Chemical toilet supplied and serviced on top of
toilet, first aid kit) jump form.
Clean drinking water available at least on top of
jump form.
First aid equipment readily available.
Formwork Code section 8.6
27. Work platforms All penetrations to work platforms securely covered
by ply/mesh.
Controls in place to prevent a persons fall when
placing reinforcing steel/pouring concrete to wall
void areas.
Formwork Code section 8.2
28. Column/wall bracing (pre and post pour) Documentation readily available to verify details of
bracing elements.
Work practices as per documentation.
Competent person sign off prior to removal of any
bracing.
Any anchors used to be as per design and
manufacturers requirements.
Formwork Code section 7.1
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Formwork activities in construction sample site safety checklist
Formwork safety issues Compliance indicators and Compliant Action required
Code/Regulation/Act reference (yes/no)
29. PPE used in areas of excessive noise Hearing protection of Class 2 or 3 rating worn in
areas of excessive noise.
Workers trained in correct use of hearing
protection.
Formwork Code section 6.1, WHS Act 1995 s36
30. Effective control measure used for Engineering controls such as dust extraction or a
exposure to silica dust wet process.
Use of respirators.
Workers trained in correct use of PPE.
Formwork Code section 6.2, WHS Act 1995
s36
31. Regular Tool Box Talks held to maintain PC or formwork contractor has records of tool box
awareness levels of hazards, risks, talks readily available.
controls Work practices reflect work method
statements/work procedures.
Formwork Code section 3.3, WHS Regulation
1997 s168, 191, 193, 194
32. Use of mechanical means for movement Cranes, hoists, pallet jacks and trolleys in use.
of formwork equipment/materials Formwork Code section 6.3
(overstressing injuries)
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Formwork activities in construction sample site safety checklist
Definitions.
Professional Engineer
A person who is a registered professional engineer under the Professional Engineers Act 2002 (Qld); and who has appropriate experience and competence in
the design of formwork.
Formwork designer
A person who is competent in designing formwork and who holds a relevant degree in engineering or building or has successfully completed courses in
formwork design and has appropriate experience in this field.
Competent person
In relation to performing an inspection or other task for a control measure is a person who has acquired, through training, qualifications or experience the
knowledge and skills to do the work in a safe way, including
(i) sound knowledge of relevant Australian Standards, relevant codes of practice and other relevant legislation;
and
(ii) sound knowledge of, and competence in, the risk management process for the erecting, altering and dismantling of formwork, including
o hazard identification and risk assessment; and
o measures to control exposure to risks; and
o safe work practices and procedures; and
o how to plan and prepare formwork.
Basic formwork system
A basic formwork system includes:
standard formwork frames which have a known tested loading capacity spaced at no more than the recommended distances apart for a normal floor
thickness with bearer, joists and formboard on top of them; and
specially manufactured and designed formwork systems with proprietary formwork components and rated load calculations in line with the manufacturers
specifications.
Non basic formwork system
Formwork systems which exceed the description of a basic formwork system are, for the purposes of this Code, categorised as non-basic formwork
systems.
The Code requires that a professional engineer is the only person who may certify:
the design of all temporary or permanent formwork structures categorised as non-basic formwork systems; and
any back propping used for either basic formwork systems or non-basic formwork systems.
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