Safety in Formwork

by : Hemant Kadu

High Incidences of Accidents while working at Height

Miscellaneous

08%
Transport vehicle

16%
Electrocution

11%
Fall of Object

08%

Fall of Person

57 %

Falls in Construction

Falls are the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry. Most fatalities occur when employees fall from opensided floors and through floor openings. Falls from as little as 4 to 6 feet can cause serious losttime accidents and sometimes death. Unguarded open-sided floors, periphery and platforms 6 feet or more in height led to many accidents.

Scaffolding

A temporary structure that supports one or more platforms; Support workmen, plant and materials during:

Construction Maintenance Repairs & Demolition

Scaffold Safety
Pole/ Post/Standard

Runner/ Ledger

Bearer Base Plate

Sole Plate Cross Bracing Longitudinal Bracing

Independent Scaffold
Pole/Post/Standard Bearer Runner / Ledger Cross Bracing Sole Plate

Base Plate

Types of Scaffold

3 basic types: Supported scaffolds: Platforms supported by rigid, load bearing members, such as Standards, legs, frames, & outriggers etc., Suspended scaffolds: Platforms suspended by ropes or other nonrigid, overhead support Aerial Lifts -- such as Boom trucks

Scaffold Specification
(OSHA)
Light Duty Medium Duty Heavy Duty

Uniformly Distributed Load Transverse distance between Posts

25 psf 122kg/m2 1.8m

50 psf 244kg/m2 1.8m

75 psf 366kg/m2 1.8m

Longitudinal Distance between Posts

3.m

2.4m

1.98m

Vertical distance between Runners (Ledgers)

1.8m

1.8m

1.8m

Cross or Transverse Bracing

Cross bracing shall be installed across the width of the scaffold at every third set of Poles and every forth Runner vertically. Such bracing shall extend diagonally from the inner and outer runners upward to the next outer and inner Runners

Pole/Post/ Standard Bearer Runner/ Ledger Cross Bracing Sole Plate

Base plate

Longitudinal Bracing
Longitudinal diagonal bracing on the inner and outer rows of poles shall be installed at approximately a 450 angle from near the base of the first outer post upward to the extreme top of the scaffold. Where the longitudinal length of the scaffold permits such bracing shall be duplicated beginning at every Fifth Post. In a similar manner longitudinal diagonal bracing shall also be installed from the last post extending back and upward toward first post.
Base plate

Pole/Pos Standard Bearer Runner/ Ledger Cross Bracing

Sole Plat

Tying to Structure
(OSHA)
Tied Post

Tied Post

The entire scaffold shall be tied securely against the building at intervals not exceed 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.

Plan Bracing
(IS 3696 (Part 1) 1987)

In places, where tying to structure is not possible Plan Bracing can be provided as shown

Tying to Structure

Tie through Opening

Scaffold fixed to Form ties

Cross or Transverse Bracing

Tie around a Column

Tubular Frame Scaffold

(OSHA)

Designed to support 4 times the maximum rated load. Braced by cross bracing or diagonal braces or both. Set on adjustable bases or plain bases. If load bearing capacity of soil less base to be set on sole plate. Each such joint to have a coupler two stacking pins Secured to the structure at Intervals not to exceed 9m (30 feet) horizontally and 8m (26 feet) vertically. Scaffolds above 38m (125 feet) height shall be designed by a Professional Engineer

Mobile Scaffold

Mobile Scaffold

When free-standing height not exceed four times the minimum base dimension. To support four times the maximum intended load. All wheels shall be provided with a positive locking device To be braced by cross bracing or diagonal braces or both Platforms shall be tightly decked secured against displacement. Platforms shall be provided with guard rail

Mobile Scaffold

The force to move the scaffold to be applied as close to the base as practicable To be moved only on level floors free from obstructions and openings. The wheels to be provided with rubber or similar resilient tires Workmen not to be allowed to ride on mobile scaffold. All materials to be removed before mobile scaffold is moved. Wheels to be locked while scaffold in use.

L&T System Scaffolding

L&T System Scaffolding

L&T System Scaffolding

Erection Sequence After compacting & leveling the ground, mark the longer & shorter span dimension of 2.250 m & 1.525 m using measuring tape. Place the foot plate at marked position

Erection Sequence

Assemble the tower spindle with foot plate using spring locked pin

Place the tower spindle with foot plate using spring locked pin at all the four legs of tower

Erection Sequence

Erect the basic frame 1.80

Erect the basic frame 1.80 at other end

Erection sequence

Place the bracing H-225 between the Basic frame

Place the Diagonal bracing D-18.225 at the same direction

Erection Sequence

Place the horizontal bracing H-225 between the basic frame at upper level

Follow the Same Sequence of Placing of the Bracings at other end

Erection Sequence

Place the plan bracing D-12.225 to check the diagonal of tower at top level

Check the level of Tower using water level

Erection Sequence

Align the tower using line thread

Place 3 nos of Scaffold board top of tower

Erection Sequence

Tie the safety belt at top of the basic frame

Insert the HD coupler top of the basic frame using spring locked pin

Erection Sequence

Insert the HD coupler top of the basic frame using spring locked pin all the four legs

Erect the second unit of basic frame 1.20

Erection Sequence

Erect the basic frame 1.20 at other end and insert the spring locked pin at 4 legs

Place the diagonal bracing D-12.225 and Horizontal bracing H-225 between the basic frame 1.20

Erection Sequence

Repeat the procedures.

said

View of the tower after Erection

Foundation Formwork

Care to be taken while lowering the components into the excavated pit Formwork components to be stacked at a Safe distance to prevent falling of the components and sand slide into the excavated pit

Wall / Column formwork

Good Rigging Practices to be followed while lifting the formwork assembly Strength and Location of lifting hooks on the formwork to be checked Panels to be pre-checked for defects or damages before lifting No loose materials to be kept on the formwork panels or platforms while lifting the panel

Flex System

All the main props to be fitted with Tripod All the intermediate props to be fitted with supporting head In ground level work, proper earth compaction and necessary bearing below the prop shall be given

Heavy Duty Tower

Every 6m interval (vertically) bracing to be fixed with permanent structure or from one tower to the other. Ground level earth to be compacted well for better loading

Stair Tower

Ground level earth to be compacted well Every 6m interval (vertically) bracing to be fixed with permanent structure Coir rope / binding wire not to be used in place of M10 bolt Bracings & lock pins not to be omitted under any circumstance

Access Scaffold

Ground level earth to be compacted. The system to be braced at every 6m-height level with the permanent structure. Old / damaged components not to be used. Coir rope / binding wire not to be used in place of Platform hanger Bracings not to be omitted under any circumstance.

Lift Shaft Formwork

Proper Slinging and Rigging Practices to be followed while lifting the formwork assembly Strength and Location of lifting hooks on the formwork to be checked No loose materials to be kept on the formwork panels or platforms. Panels to be pre-checked for defects/damages before lifting Adequate space (gap) to be ensured before lifting the inner panel platform

Slipform

Provision for Earthing and RCCBs of 30mA sensitivity for electric power supply Lightning arrester Aviation Light Communication arrangement Safety aspects in Hoist and Winch

Bracing of access tower at every 6m height Handrail and toe board in the platform Safety nets to trap the falling materials Adequate illumination Fire Extinguishers Workmen entry register

Stacking of Materials

Collect & stack required components & tools nearby work place

Scaffolding
Hazards / Risks

Failure to secure the scaffold to the building; Inadequate bracing; Failure to brace it adequately; Inadequately supported scaffold board; Erected on uneven ground; Use of unsuitable or faulty materials; Absence of suitable number of couplers; Inadequate access or unsecured ladder;

Hazards / Risks

Inadequate or irregular platform width; Overloading of platform and scaffold; Use of makeshift materials; Gang ways obstructed. Absence of toe boards and guard rails where necessary; Absence of good drainage system near the standards to prevent erosion.

Precautions to Be Taken

Surface - firm, level and compacted; Sole plates below the base plates; Sole plate shall rest on at least two vertical pipes and should extend 600 mm beyond the vertical pipes; Staging braced at every height of 6 m; Sufficient diagonal bracing.

Scaffolding
Erection

Scaffolding
Erection

By skilled workmen with the supervision of a competent Supervisor. Cordoning the area. Lifting of frame and other parts by the use of Derrick & Pulley arrangement Ladder shall be used for climbing up and down. Red Tag shall be provided to caution that the scaffold is under erection

Scaffolding
Erection At the end of the day, if a scaffold is going to be left half-erected, it is essential to lower all the loose scaffold materials down and ensure that the scaffold is braced adequately to the building/structure. Double Lanyard Safety Harness shall be used by all workmen engaged in scaffold erection works.

Dismantling of Scaffolding

Dismantling only by Skilled Workmen Cordoning of the area Red Tag to be displayed Lowering of the materials by the use of Derrick and Pulley arrangement Each tier shall be completely dismantled and the material lowered to the ground before beginning to dismantle the next tier Materials not to be dropped

Dismantling of Scaffolding
Double lanyard safety harness to be anchored to a strong structure or lifeline before attempting to loosen stuck or jammed parts At the end of the day, if a scaffold is going to be left half-dismantled, it is essential to lower all the loose scaffold materials down and ensure that the scaffold is braced adequately to the building/structure All the dismantled materials shall be stacked in the appropriate manner at the designated place

COMMON FAULTS IN SCAFFOLDING

Supporting of boards inadequate and therefore liable to tilt. Erected on uneven ground. Coupler missed. Absence of ties where necessary. Inadequate access. Not wide enough - minimum two plank. Gang ways obstructed. Absence of guard rails where necessary.

Scaffold Tag System

Date of Inspection:

Date of Inspection :

Signature of Competent Person

Signature of Competent Person

Scaffold Tag System

Red Tag This tag indicates that the scaffold is under erection or dismantling or has not been inspected or is not safe for use (by anyone other than scaffold gang). Green Scaffold Tag This tag indicates that the scaffold is complete & it has been inspected by competent person and is safe for use. GREEN scaffold tag is valid for one week from the date of last inspection.

WORKING PLATFORM

Work-Platform

Working Platform

Designed to support the weight of the personnel and equipment to be used. Fully decked with scaffold boards. Scaffold boards to be secured against displacement. Erected on stable scaffold. Provided with a ladder or any other safe means of access. Provided with guardrail: Height of the top rail between 900 mm to 1200 mm. Toe guard to be of minimum 100mm height.

Working Platform

Midrail to be provided halfway between the platform and the top rail Toe guard shall be of minimum 100mm height Posts and rails shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least 900N applied at any point, or withstanding any load likely to be applied Barriers to be provided on open edges, holes and openings in the platform. The minimum width of Working Platform shall be as follows,

Only Workmen: 600 mm Men, tools & materials: 900 mm Men, tools, material & wheel barrows: 1200 mm

Scaffold Board

Few Donts

Unguarded Edge

Unprotected sides and edges must have guardrails or equivalent

Sides & Edges - Improper protection

This 1/4" nylon rope alone is not a proper way to guard this open floor

Floor Openings

This opening could be made safe by using a guardrail, or strong cover

Improperly covered Floor Openings

Cover completely and securely If no cover, can guard with a guardrail

Few Donts

Few Donts

Few Donts

Few Dos

Few Dos

Fall Protection

Safety Belt
Lanyard Anchorage Point

Full Body harness / Waist Safety Belt

Max Free Fall Allowed 1.8 m

For more than 2.0 m height

Lanyard to be anchored to a fixed point Free-fall not to exceed 1.20 m Lanyard not more than 2 m.

2 m or more

Ground Level or Level of adjacent surface

Full Body Safety Harness

(IS 3521 :1999)

Working near floor Edge & Opening

Rope Grab Fall Arrester

Ladder Rope Grab Fall Arrestor Vertical Life Line

Full Body Harness Class -L

Rope grab fall arrestors used during vertical movement such as ascending or descending Scaffold towers, vertical ladders etc.

Rope Grab Fall Arrester

Rope grab fall arrestors used to protect fall of workers during vertical movement such as ascending or descending Scaffold towers, vertical ladders etc.

Life Line

20mm diameter polypropylene rope or 8 mm wire rope Anchorage capable of supporting at least 2264 kgf Anchored to strong points The sag of the life line shall not be more than 15 degree Life Line
Anchorage Point

Lanyard

Support

Full Body harness / Waist Safety Belt

Usage of lifeline

Retractable Type Fall Arrester

Retractable Fall Arrester

Retractable fall arrestors shall be used in places where high risk of fall of workmen persists. This fall arrestor can be directly anchored to the anchorage or can be used in conjunction with a lifeline

Safety Net
Safety net protects

Person from falling Protect person working below Safety net distance should not exceed 7.5 m Net shall extend up to 1.5 m 2.40 m 1.5 to 3.0 m 3.00 m > 3.0 m 4.00 m Person from falling Tie cord at every 1 m Border rope to withstand 5000 lbs (2268kg) Drop test - 180 kg from 1 m above the working area

Does & Donts About H.D. & L.D. TOWER

Thanks