Formwork and Concrete Pours
AS 3610 · reg 78
Why it matters
Formwork holds tonnes of wet concrete until it cures, and if it fails during the pour it fails fast and takes people with it. Between the collapse risk, the edges to fall from, the pump lines under pressure, and wet cement burning skin, a pour is one of the higher-risk hours on any site.
Hazards
- ⚠ Formwork or shoring collapse under the load of wet concrete
- ⚠ Falls from formwork edges and penetrations
- ⚠ Concrete pump line blockage and whipping
- ⚠ Cement burns and eye damage from splashes
- ⚠ Manual handling of formwork and reinforcement
Controls and safe practices
- ✓ Design, erect, and inspect formwork and shoring to AS 3610 before the pour.
- ✓ Protect edges and penetrations against falls under reg 78.
- ✓ Keep clear of pump lines under pressure and manage blockages to a procedure.
- ✓ Wear waterproof gloves, boots, and eye protection: wash cement off skin immediately.
- ✓ Plan the pour sequence so the formwork is never overloaded in one spot.
- ✓ Team-lift formwork and rebar, and keep the deck clear of trip hazards.
Crew discussion questions
- Has the formwork been inspected and signed off before this pour?
- Where are the fall edges during the pour?
- What is the plan if the pump line blocks?
- Is everyone in the right PPE for wet concrete?
Applicable WHS citations
AS 3610, reg 78
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