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Formwork and Shuttering: Safe Support and Removal
Never remove a prop or load a deck until the engineer gives the green light.
Why this matters
- Concrete is extremely heavy and takes time to reach its full strength. If we remove the formwork or the props too early, the entire slab can collapse. This is one of the most dangerous risks on a construction site.
- Formwork must be built exactly as shown in the design. Every prop, brace, and pin is there for a reason. If one part fails because it was installed incorrectly or removed too soon, the whole system can fail.
Talking points
- Check that every prop is perfectly vertical and locked. A prop that is even slightly tilted cannot carry its full design load.
- Ensure all base plates are on solid ground. Use timber sole boards if the ground is soft. Never place props on loose bricks or rubble.
- Do not stack heavy materials like rebar or bricks on a newly poured deck. The concrete might look hard, but it is not yet strong enough to hold extra weight.
- Never start striking formwork without a written permit or direct order from the supervisor. The engineer must confirm the concrete strength first.
- Follow the correct striking sequence. Removing props in the wrong order can put too much stress on the concrete and cause it to crack.
- Use a safe work platform when installing or removing shuttering at height. Do not climb the formwork itself.
- If you see a prop that is bent, vibrating, or sinking during a pour, tell your foreman immediately.
Ask the crew
- Who is the only person who can authorize the removal of props?
- What should you look for when inspecting a prop before a pour?
- Why is it dangerous to stack steel or blocks on a fresh concrete slab?
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