Chapter 2 Formwork procedures

2
Formwork procedures
2.1 Introduction
Lessons learnt from past failures are often useful to focus attention considering the procedures, roles, responsibilities and requirements of design and construction. In this regard, studies into the cause of procedural inadequacies enable flaws in the design and/or construction to failure and collapse (Bragg 1975) and (Hadipriono and Wang 1986). on what is important when those involved in formwork construction failures agree to go undetected, which lead

The types of procedural inadequacy identified include: communication difficulties; confusion of responsibilities amongst participants; inadequate briefing of designers; the lack of design drawings; inadequate checking of designs (particularly those containing novel features); unapproved modifications of the initial design; or failure to inspect work prior to loading. This Section sets out simple procedures that are intended to minimise risks associated with formwork, namely: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Appoint a formwork manager; Prepare a brief for the formwork designer; Brief the formwork designer; Design and document the formwork; Check and certify the formwork design; Inspect and certify the formwork construction; and Check and permit formwork removal.

Guidance is also provided on the appropriate level of obligation and competence of those responsible.

2.2 Formwork manager

Time and cost pressures, as well as the consequence of failure, warrant the process of formwork design and construction be managed, controlled, co-ordinated and monitored. This can be achieved by the construction contractor appointing a formwork manager. The formwork manager should possess the ability and authority to ensure the proper execution of each stage and that the roles, responsibilities and requirements of those involved are communicated, clearly understood and fulfilled. The formwork manager is responsible, and should be granted authority, to ensure that all the relevant procedures are carried out. The formwork manager should be competent, and possess qualifications and experience appropriate for the project. On large construction sites, managing the formwork may be a full-time position. When appointing a formwork manager, consideration should be given to the potential conflicts and additional risks that might arise; e.g. where a person is responsible for both formwork management and general construction progress. The formwork manager should be familiar with the requirements of the formwork designer, the project designer, construction contractor and related trades, as well as have up-to-date knowledge of the requirements of relevant authorities and occupational health and safety regulations and codes of practice. The formwork manager must consult with and should be the first point of contact for all parties involved; i.e. project designer, construction contractor, site and safety representatives, related trades, formworker, formwork supplier, formwork designer, formwork checker and formwork inspector. In addition, the formwork manager must meet with and ensure that each party understands their role and responsibilities.
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Formwork Handbook

Where there is more than one formwork designer, it is responsibility of the formwork manager to appoint someone to act as the overall designer, particularly in regard of compatibility of parts, stability, and robustness. The formwork manager is responsible for preparing the formwork design brief and ensuring: the formwork is designed; the formwork design is documented; the formwork design is checked and certified; the requirements of the formwork design are communicated to and understood by the all parties involved in the construction, prior to concrete placement, the formwork construction is inspected and certified; and that the formwork is not removed prematurely.

2.3 Formwork design brief

2.3.1 General Prior to commencing the formwork design, the formwork designer must be properly briefed. To do this the formwork manager must prepare and document a formwork design brief. The purpose of the formwork design brief is to set out all the information and data relevant to the formwork design, as well as all the general and specific requirements that the formwork must satisfy during its working life. Simply specifying in the formwork design brief The formwork must comply with AS 3610 Formwork for concrete is inadequate. For example: the design loads given in AS 3610 may not be sufficient for formwork of unusual construction or subject to unusual or more adverse loads (e.g. slipform, climbform, and jumpform), eccentricity for formwork supports higher than 8 m is not considered, no guidance is provided on the use or design of reshoring multi-storey structures, guidance for calculating the lateral concrete pressure is limited to cement types and admixtures used in the 1980s, guidance on minimum stripping times is conditional and based on out-of-date concrete data, etc.
General formwork requirements

General requirements that the formwork must satisfy can be found in the relevant Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Australian Standards, Codes of Practice, project specifications, and/or contract conditions. Formwork must safe, formwork must be fit for its purpose and formwork must consistently perform as intended through-out its design working life. As a minimum, the formwork design brief should require: 1. 2. 3. Hazards be identified, eliminated, or if not reasonably practicable, the risk of injury controlled; The formwork satisfy stability, strength and serviceability limit states; and Formwork to possess structural integrity; i.e. possess a minimum level of connectivity and robustness, as well as resist progressive collapse.

These minimum requirements should form the basis of any formwork design brief. Chapter 3 provides an overview and guidance on these minimum general design requirements that formwork must satisfy.
Specific formwork requirements

To determine the specific requirements the formwork must satisfy, it will be necessary to carefully consider all matters that might affect the formwork. Much of this information can be found in the project, construction and proprietary documentation. If, in the first instance, the information available in the project, construction and proprietary documentation is incomplete or unclear, it will be necessary to request the missing information or seek clarification from the relevant parties. It will also be necessary for the formwork manager to meet with: (a) (b) (c) the project designer; the construction contractor; site health and safety representatives;

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(d) (e) (f)

related trades (e.g. reinforcement fixer, concrete supplier, concreter, electrician, plumber, etc.); the formworker; and the formwork and proprietary equipment suppliers, where known.

The purpose of the meeting(s) is to ensure that, in a timely manner, the requirements and responsibilities of each party are communicated, discussed, understood, agreed, and documented in the brief. Documentation is essential to assist communication and minimise misunderstanding. A draft of the formwork design brief should be circulated to the project designer, construction contractor, site health and safety representatives, related trades, formworker, and formwork designer for review and comment. The formwork manager should take account of all comments and amend the formwork design brief accordingly. It is important the formwork design brief is prepared in sufficient time for all subsequent activities; i.e. time to design and document the formwork, check the formwork design, construct the formwork, and inspect the formwork construction. The completed formwork design brief should be provided to the project designer, construction contractor, formwork and formwork designer. Prior to commencing the design, the formwork designer should review the brief. Should any information or data be missing, it should be requested. The formwork manager should amend the formwork design brief accordingly and issue the amended brief. Where information or formwork requirements are unclear or confusing, the formwork designer should request clarification and, if necessary, meet with the formwork manager and relevant parties to ensure there is no misunderstanding. Again the formwork design brief should be amended and reissued. Without a clear understanding of all the requirements the formwork must satisfy, commencing the formwork design may be unwise. Should the resulting formwork design not satisfy all the requirements, redesign may be necessary. 2.3.2 Project, construction and proprietary documentation In particular, the design brief must include detailed information of all the requirements relating to: (a) (b) (c) (d) the production of the concrete elements; the construction plan, method, logistics, equipment and schedule; related trades and other users of the formwork; and formwork systems, methods or equipment to be used.

Details of and the requirements for the production of the concrete elements should be set out in the project documentation. The requirements and details of the overall construction method, schedule, equipment, and logistics should be set out in the construction documentation, which should also include the requirements of related trades that affect the formwork. Specific details of construction equipment and any preferred formwork systems should be set out in proprietary documentation. Copies of the relevant project, construction and proprietary documentation should be included in the brief.
Project documentation

The project documentation must communicate specific requirements associated with the design and construction of the concrete structure and its elements; including, where appropriate, instructions and information relating to concrete surface finish. Guidance is provided in AS 3610 (SA 2010) that the project documentation must: (a) show dimensioned drawings of general arrangements, plans, elevations, sections and all necessary details of the concrete structure, elements, special features , pre-camber, penetrations, mandatory joints to be formed, as well as, locate and detail cast-in items; and
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Formwork Handbook

(b)

specify details relating to surface finish and tolerances, and where relevant colour control, tonal scale, test panels, surface treatment, critical face of elements, location of any special measuring points, and repairs.

In addition, the project documentation must identify any situations or loading conditions, which might arise during construction that are: hazardous; adversely affect the stability, strength, or serviceability of the partially complete structure; or must be taken into account in the formwork design. To that end, AS 3610 requires the project documentation must specify: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) the location and magnitude of the design service loads; the sequence of concrete placement (if critical); any limitations on the magnitude and locations of constructions loads (e.g. stacked materials, loads from the effects of prestress or post-tensioning; etc); limitations on the use of the permanent or existing structure for the restraint of the formwork 1; minimum stripping times and procedures, or the criteria for the determining minimum stripping times; the method of multistorey shoring (e.g., undisturbed or reshoring), the minimum number of levels, layout and load distribution among the supports relative to the type of formwork, timing and sequence of its use, the anticipated time between construction of subsequent floors and the expected ambient temperature during construction of the permanent structure; information about and any special requirements for propping or concreting any composite construction or permanent form systems; and information about the foundation that is relevant to the design of the formwork.

(g) (h)

Construction documentation

The construction documentation should set out specific requirements and details of the construction method, schedule, equipment, and logistics that affect the formwork. As well as, the requirements of related trades (e.g. those involved in fixing reinforcement; installing and stressing post-tensioning; concrete supply, placement and delivery; installation of plumbing and electrical; etc) and any other formwork users. The construction documentation may include a concept of the formwork (system) required. Guidance is provided in AS 3610 (SA 2010) that the construction documentation must include, where applicable: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) Details of any planned changes to the project documentation; Construction method, sequence and schedule; Relevant details of the plant and equipment to be used in the construction; Details of the interface between the formwork and other construction equipment and activities; Information on construction activities and constraints that affect the formwork; Information on construction loads the formwork must support and any re-distribution of loads; Requirements of access, egress and edge protection that affect the formwork; Documentation for equipment, material or components to be incorporated in the formwork; Plans for transporting, handling, moving and reuse of the formwork; Method and rate of concrete delivery, placement sequence, discharge heights and rate of rise; Information on the concrete ingredients or admixtures that have a retarding affect the concrete setting and finish, but limited to: (i) (ii)
1

Retarding setting of the concrete; Causing excessive blow holes on the concrete surface; and

Where no limitations are specified in the project documentation, the capacity of the permanent or existing structure to resist the applied loads and restrain the formwork should be checked to prevent overload.
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Chapter 2 Formwork procedures

(iii)

Affecting colour control.

In addition, the construction documentation should include details of hazard identification, assessment and risk control measures, as well as safe work method statements that affect the formwork, which have been prepared by the construction contractor. Importantly, the construction documentation should identify any situations or loading conditions, which might arise during construction that are: hazardous; adversely affect the stability, strength, or serviceability of the partially complete structure; or must be taken into account in the formwork design. Such situations or conditions might arise due to the particular chosen construction method, sequence, equipment, or schedule.
Proprietary documentation

Proprietary documentation should set out information, data and instructions for the correct and safe use of the proprietary equipment. In addition, occupational health and safety regulations [e.g. (NOHSC 1994) and (WorkCover NSW 2001)] place obligations on suppliers to provide health and safety information that was provided to the supplier by the designer and manufacturer and relates to: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) hazard identification and risk control measures; the purpose for which the equipment is designed; testing or inspections to be carried out; installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, cleaning, transport, storage and, where capable of being dismantled, dismantling; systems of work necessary for safe use; knowledge, training, skill or qualification necessary for persons undertaking inspection and testing; emergency procedures; and documents relating to testing.

Additional guidance for formwork is provided in AS 3610 (SA 2010) that proprietary documentation must include: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Drawings or pictures that clearly identify the formwork; Adequate information to fully describe its intended use and any limitations thereto; Instructions for use and, where applicable, maintenance and disposal; The strength and serviceability limit state capacities in accordance with AS 3610(SA 1995) and/or other relevant Australian Standards; The working load limit as calculated in accordance with AS 3610 (SA 1995). A statement that the formwork depicted in the documentation complies with AS 3610 (all parts). Detailed information including, where appropriate: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) part number; dimensions; section properties; weight; any permanent camber built into the item; details of any special attachments, e.g., access brackets, hand rail posts standards, plumbing feet; and (vii) locations for tie bolts or support points.

2.4 Formwork design and documentation

2.4.1 General Prior to commencing the formwork design, the formwork designer must be properly briefed, see Section 2.2. The design of the formwork should be based on the information and requirements set out in the formwork design brief. The formwork design should result in formwork that satisfies the general and specific requirements set out in the formwork design brief. The formwork design must be documented. The formwork design documentation should set out the general arrangement and details of the formwork to be constructed, as well as specific requirements
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Formwork Handbook

and assumptions upon which the formwork design is based. In addition, the formwork design documentation must report on the health and safety aspects of the design. The competency of the formwork designer and the level of detail provided in the formwork design documentation must be commensurate with the level of risk. Guidance on the necessary competence of the formwork designer and level of detail to be provided in the formwork design documentation is provided in Section 2.8 The completed formwork design documentation should be provided to the formwork manager. A copy of the formwork design documentation should be made available to all relevant parties; e.g. project designer, construction contractor, formworker, etc. Prior to construction, the formwork design should be checked, see Section 2.5. 2.4.2 Formwork design Prior to commencing the design, the formwork designer should review the formwork design brief. Should any information or data be missing, it should be requested. Where information is unclear or confusing, the formwork designer should request clarification, see Section 2.2. The formwork designer should only proceed with the design, when properly briefed. A number of different formwork solutions are likely to fulfil the requirements of the formwork design brief. Initially, the merit of all candidates should be considered. Where it is difficult to discern the best candidate solution, each should be investigated in more detail until the optimum solution becomes apparent. It is important that the formwork provides space for access, working and inspection. This is a key requirement and should not be an after-thought. In addition, the formwork design should be based on concepts and details whose realisation is achievable and can be checked on site. The formwork designer must identify all situations, loads or conditions, which might arise during the design life of the formwork that are: hazardous; adversely affect the stability, strength, or serviceability. The formwork designer must take measures to eliminate or, where this is not reasonably practical, control the risks identified (NOHSC 2005), see Section 3.2. The formwork designed must satisfy the general and specific requirements set out in the formwork design brief. 2.4.3 Formwork design documentation The purpose of the formwork design documentation is to communicate: (a) The general arrangement, details and operation of the entire formwork construction, as well as situation specific requirements, conditions and assumptions upon which the design is based that must exist, apply or be satisfied; and Identified hazards, control measures, and safe methods of work.

(b)

Depending on the circumstance, the formwork design documentation may originate from a single source or the formwork manager may have to bring together separate documentation from different sources to make up the formwork design documentation; e.g. formwork documentation from one or more suppliers for proprietary equipment, and documentation detailing footings from a civil/structural engineer. It is the responsibility of the formwork manager to ensure the formwork design and documentation is complete, and in the latter case, the assembled documentation is compatible and contiguous. It is common practice for proprietary suppliers to leave part of the formwork design to others. Formwork design documentation is incomplete, where details noted as by client or by others are not missing. To satisfy the requirements of AS 3610 (SA 2010), formwork documentation must include: (a) Plans, elevations and sections sufficient to depict the general arrangement and details of the formwork and to identify and locate all members and connections, including bracing and footings/soleboards, lifting points and arrangements; Details of the type, quality and grade of all materials and components;

(b)

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(c) (d) (e)

Details sufficient to fully describe important or unusual features of the design; Copies of referenced proprietary documentation; and where proof testing of the formwork assembly or its components is required: test loads, arrangements, procedures and acceptance criteria.

In addition, the formwork design documentation must report on any foreseeable situations, loads or conditions, which might arise during the design life of the formwork that are: hazardous; adversely affect the stability, strength, or serviceability. The formwork design documentation should also detail the measures taken to eliminate or, where this is not reasonably practical, control the risks identified (NOHSC 2005). The formwork design documentation must also set out all specific requirements and assumptions upon which the formwork design is based and that must be satisfied, including: (a) (b) (c) site, geotechnical and environmental conditions; the location and magnitude of all permitted loads, including any limitations when they may be applied; permitted imperfections and acceptance criteria for formwork components and assemblies; e.g. member out-of-straightness, load and reaction eccentricities; out-ofplumb erection, etc (see Chapter 5); the locations where the permanent or existing structure is assumed to provide restraint to the formwork, and the direction and magnitude of the loads the structure must resist, or stiffness required, to effectively restrain the formwork; sequence, method and rate of concrete placement and vibration; and concrete ingredients and admixtures.

(d)

(e) (f)

For multi-storey structures, the formwork design documentation must specify the type of multi-storey shoring (e.g., undisturbed shoring or reshoring) and provide general arrangement drawings detailing: the number of levels, layout, timing and sequence, as well as components to be used as shoring. Guidance on the design of multi-storey shoring is provided in Chapter 8. The level of detail provided in the formwork design documentation should be commensurate with the level of risk, see Section 2.8 for guidance.

2.5 Formwork design check and certification

Prior to the formwork construction, the formwork design and formwork design documentation should be checked and a formwork design certificate issued. The formwork manager should appoint, or agree to the appointment of, a competent person(s) to check and certify the formwork design and documentation. Guidance on the obligation and competence of the person(s) checking the formwork is provided in Section 2.8. The formwork manager should provide the person(s) checking the formwork with a copy of the formwork design brief and formwork design documentation. The fundamental purpose of the formwork design check is to detect any flaws in the formwork design and/or formwork design documentation. To this end, the formwork design check must verify that the formwork design and documentation is complete and satisfies the formwork design brief. Specifically, that the formwork design documentation complies with the: (a) (b) (c) (d) information and data set out in the formwork design brief; general and specific requirements set out in the formwork design brief requirements set out in Section 2.4.3; and general requirements set out in Chapter 3, where not part of the formwork design brief.

In addition, the design check should review of foreseeable and identified hazards, as well as risk assessment and proposed control measures. The purpose of the review is to detect any unidentified hazards, flaws in the assessments of risk and selection of control measures. If the formwork design documentation is found to be incomplete (e.g. refers to details by client or by others not included in the formwork design documentation, include insufficient detail or information), the formwork manager should be notified and the formwork design documentation should be immediately returned to the formwork manager for completion.
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Formwork Handbook

After the design check has been performed: a) if the formwork design and documentation complies with the relevant requirements, the person(s) checking the formwork design and documentation shall certify in writing the formwork design and design documentation complies with the design brief and all relevant requirements, including stating: b) Their name(s) and qualifications; Whether they were or were not involved in the original design, The list of documents that have been reviewed; Details of the checks undertaken; and The specific requirements against which the design has been checked

if aspects of the formwork design or design documentation do not comply with the relevant requirements, the person(s) checking the formwork design and documentation shall provide in writing details and descriptions of each area of non-compliance .

The formwork manager should provide the formwork designer with a copy of the formwork design certificate. Where aspects of the formwork design do not comply, the formwork manager should instruct the formwork designer to rectify the aspects of the formwork design or formwork design documentation that are non-compliant. Compliance might require designing a completely different construction. The formwork design and formwork design documentation should be amended and the amended documentation issued to the formwork manager, for forwarding to be rechecked. Formwork construction should not proceed unless the formwork has been designed, documented, checked and certified compliant.

2.6 Formwork construction inspection and certification

Prior to concrete placement, the formwork construction should be inspected and formwork inspection certificate issued. The formwork manager should provide the person(s) inspecting the formwork with a copy of the formwork design brief and formwork design documentation. The purpose of inspecting the formwork is to detect any flaws in the construction prior to placing concrete. This is achieved by comparing the as-built formwork with the formwork as designed and documented. Flaws may arise when: (a) (b) (c) Site conditions or loading situations differ from those the foreseen in the design; The design documentation is incomplete or inappropriate; and The construction departs from the design details.

Where possible, any flaws identified should be rectified. Otherwise, details of any shortcomings, flaws or disparity should be documented and forwarded to the formwork manager, who should to seek approval or direction from the formwork designer. Any approved alterations to the formwork design or changes directed by the formwork designer should be documented and returned to the formwork manager and, where appropriate, checked. In multi-storey structures, both the formwork and multi-storey shoring should be inspected. Risks can be minimised if, through-out, the formwork construction is carefully supervised and periodically inspected to ensure: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)
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design data, information and assumptions about site conditions are valid and applicable; there are no hazardous situations or loads unforeseen in the design, the specified materials and components are used; the specified safe work methods are followed; hazards identified and remaining in the design have been assessed and controlled; and the formwork is constructed in accordance with the formwork design.
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When the formwork construction and site conditions are all in accordance with the formwork design documentation, the person inspecting the formwork construction shall certify in writing the formwork construction complies with the design, including stating: Their name(s) and qualifications; Whether they were or were not involved in the design or checking, The details of formwork construction that has been inspected; Time, date and details of the inspection undertaken; The specific formwork design documents against which the construction has been compared;

If aspects of the formwork construction do not comply with the formwork design documentation, the person inspecting the formwork shall provide in writing details and descriptions of each area of noncompliance. Concrete placement should not be permitted unless the formwork has been designed, documented, checked, certified compliant, inspected and permit issued. Section 2.8 provides guidance on the necessary competence of the formwork inspector. General guidance on inspecting formwork and falsework can be found in references (CS 2003) and (CS 1999).

2.7 Approval to remove formwork

Formwork or multi-storey shoring must not be disturbed, removed, or stripped without approval and permission in writing. The formwork manager must seek written approval (from the project designer) prior to permitting the disturbance, removal, or stripping of any formwork. Approval from the project designer may take the form of a set of criteria that must be satisfied prior to formwork removal. In this case, the formwork manager must verify that all the criteria have been satisfied before permitting formwork removal. Premature or unauthorised disturbance or removal of any part of the formwork or multi-storey shoring may be hazardous and may have detrimental effects on the surface finish, serviceability, strength or stability of the concrete structure. Chapter 9 provides general guidance on criteria for stripping formwork.

2.8 Obligation and competence

The concept of Formwork Risk Level provides a useful framework for specifying appropriate levels of obligation and competence for situations with different levels of risk. For formwork design, documentation, checking and certification, as well as inspecting the formwork construction, Table 2.1 sets out appropriate levels of obligation and competence for situations with different levels of risk. A method for selecting the appropriate level of risk for different situations is set in Appendix A.
Table 2.1 Appropriate levels of obligation and competence for situations with different levels of risk

Level of Risk Low Moderate High

Formwork design and documentation Obligation Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Competence Experienced Experienced Qualified

Formwork design check and certification Obligation Optional Mandatory Mandatory Competence Experienced Qualified Independent

Formwork inspection and certification Obligation Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Competence Experienced Experienced Qualified

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Formwork Handbook

The level of competency required in Table 2.1 increases with risk. Accordingly, the levels of the competence are: Experienced A person who has a minimum of 4 years site experience in construction of the particular type of work. Qualified A professional engineer who has qualified as a Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia (MIEA) and who has a minimum of 4 years experience in the design and construction of the particular type of work. Chartered A professional engineer who is a member of the Institution of Engineers Australia with the status of Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or a person registered on the National Professional Engineers Register (NPER) or if there is a law that provides for registration of professional engineers, is a registered professional engineer, and who has a minimum of 4 years experience in the design and construction of the particular type of work. Independent A professional engineer who is a member of the Institution of Engineers Australia with the status of Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or a person registered on the National Professional Engineers Register (NPER) or if there is a law that provides for registration of professional engineers, is a registered professional engineer, and who has a minimum of 4 years experience in the design and construction of the particular type of work, and who was not responsible for the original design. In practice, most formwork is designed by experienced persons who may not possess formal qualifications. Some authorities (WorkCover NSW 2001) do not require the formwork design be checked and certified, but rather, prior to concrete placement, require a qualified person to inspect and certify the formwork construction where the level of risk is moderate or high. Unfortunately, inspections are often called at the last minute at a time when the formwork may be incomplete. It may be difficult to access all parts of the formwork. Inspectors may be unfamiliar with project requirements, the formwork brief and design. Furthermore, construction cost and time pressures may sway inspectors to haste, compromise and approving formwork or modifications thereto, which in other circumstances would not have occurred but may have delayed concrete placement. Where inspections are the only form of checking, especially in less than ideal circumstances, there is a higher risk that flaws in the design or construction will go undetected. For the majority of formwork (with a moderate level of risk), Table 2.1 requires the design be checked by a qualified person prior to construction commencing. In this way, design flaws should be detected prior to construction and subsequent inspection, thereby reducing the onus on inspectors and reducing risk.

2.9 Summary
To minimise the risks associated with formwork, it is necessary to put in place procedures to: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Appoint a formwork manager; Brief the formwork designer; Design and document the formwork; Check and certify the formwork design; Inspect and certify the formwork construction; and Check and permit formwork removal.

The level of effort and detail provided should be commensurate with the level of risk. The construction contractor should appoint a formwork manager with the ability and authority to ensure the proper execution of each stage and that the roles, responsibilities and requirements of those involved are communicated, clearly understood and fulfilled. Prior to commencing the formwork design, the formwork manager must prepare and document a formwork design brief that sets out all the information and data relevant to the formwork design, as well as all the general and specific requirements that the formwork must satisfy during its working life.

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The formwork must be designed based on the information provided and to satisfy the general and specific requirements set out in the formwork design brief. The formwork design must be documented to communicate: (a) The general arrangement and details of the entire formwork construction, as well as situation specific requirements, conditions and assumptions upon which the design is based that must exist, apply or be satisfied; and Identified hazards, control measures, and safe methods of work.

(b)

Prior to the formwork construction, the formwork design and formwork design documentation should be checked to detect any flaws in the design and a formwork design certificate issued. Prior to the concrete placement, the formwork construction should be inspected to detect any flaws in the construction and a formwork inspection certificate issued. Formwork or multi-storey shoring must not be disturbed, removed, or stripped without approval and permission in writing. The concept of formwork importance or level of risk provides a useful framework for specifying appropriate levels of obligation and competence for situations with different levels of risk.

References
Bragg, S. L. (1975). Final report of the Advisory Committee on Falsework. London, Her Majesty's Stationery Office: 151. CS (1999). Checklist for Erecting and Dismantling Falsework. Berkshire, The Concrete Society. CS (2003). Checklis for Assembly, Use and Striking of Formwork. Berkshire, The Concrete Society. Hadipriono, F. C. and H.-K. Wang (1986). "Analysis of causes of formwork failures in concrete structures." Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 112: 112 - 121. NOHSC (1994). National Standard for Plant [NOHSC:1010 (1994)]. Canberra, National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. NOHSC (2005). National Standard for Construction Work [NOHSC:1016 (2005)]. Canberra, National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. SA (1995). AS 3610 - 1995 Formwork for concrete. Sydney, Standards Australia. SA (2010). AS 3610 - 2010 Formwork for concrete Part 1: Documentation and surface finish. Sydney, Standards Australia. WorkCover NSW (2001). Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001. Sydney, WorkCover NSW.

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