#form work

When to remove concrete forms in Construction? CheckList of Form Work

In this article today I am gonna show you a safe time period to remove formwork from concrete. There are different de-shuttering times for different structures like a beam, column, slab, stair, etc. The formwork for concrete structure should be rigid enough during the placing, compacting to prevent the loss of slurry from the concrete. Types of shuttering (Form work) Shuttering for…

Definition of a honeycombing: Honeycombing refers to a structural fault in a RCC Structure. Honeycombed surface is the areas of the concrete surface where the coarse aggregate are eminently observable.

If precaution is not taken for honeycombed surface, the RCC structure fails to achieve optimal performance according to its design (structurally weak). Besides, it also lets damaging agents like contaminated water and air entering through the produced voids which can impact the strength of structure considerably.

Causes for Honeycombing: Honeycombing in RCC Structure is happened because of the following reasons -

1. Concrete mix is not homogenous. 2. The applicability of concrete is inadequate and not matched with its placement need. 3. Inadequate compaction to concrete. 4. Concrete flow is not dispersed to all corner due to steel congestion.

5. Concrete is set afore time prior to placing. 6. High free fall of concrete, at the time of pouring 7. Form work is not waterproof or inflexible. 8. Incorrect detailing and/or fixing of steel

How Honeycombing in Concrete can be avoided?

Check concrete production/cohesiveness from time to time to organize all concrete batches.

Tip: If it is possible to create ?ball? from the fresh concrete, a cohesive concrete mix is produced.

The finalized inspection of concrete formwork should be examined prior to set the reinforcement bars in exact location. By implementing perfect form work, honey combing, blow holes, grout less or discoloration of concrete can be circumvented and consequently the finished surface of concrete becomes superior.

Prior to commencement of concreting work, shuttering surface should be fully cleansed and does not contain any defect/deposits in order to provide rightly straight smooth concrete surface. Shuttering surface does not contain any damage and unnecessary roughness to its surface.

While building concrete form work, the following should be examined properly.

1. Any member to be retained in position once the general dismantling is completed, should be labeled perfectly. 2. The applicable materials should be thoroughly examined in order that no incorrect items/rejects are utilized. 3. When excavations exist nearby reformatory and strengthening action should be undertaken to impact the safety of form work. 4. The quality of bearing soil should be strong and it should be arranged properly and the sole plates should bear well on the ground. Sole plates should be perfectly placed on their bearing pads or sleepers. The bearing plates of steel props should not be deformed. There should be adequate bearing areas for the steel sections on the bearing members.

Read more

There’s no doubt that home improvement projects can be very rewarding. Not only can you save a bundle of money by doing the task by yourself, but you also get to channel your creative desires and be rewarded (with any luck!) with your finished product. One of the most essential pieces of equipment that is typically used in home improvement projects is scaffolding.

Scaffolding is used for a range of purposes, but its main use is to support people and materials when working from heights. Safety is constantly an issue when operating at heights, so naturally there are strict regulations that must be respected when working with scaffolding. If you're a tradie or planning a DIY job that will require the use of scaffolding, there are some vital safety facts and considerations to remember.

Scaffolding can only be used up to 4m in height without a license

The first and most vital point to keep in mind is that if your task involves scaffolding where any equipment or persons can fall greater than 4m in height, you’ll need a high-risk work license for scaffolding.  'Working with scaffolding' means the assembly, altering, or dismantling of scaffolding equipment, along with using the equipment of course. For any construction work that mandates the use of scaffolding more than 4m in height, you'll need to acquire this license or you’ll need to hire a 3rd party to complete the job.

Look at hiring an expert to erect the scaffolding

Assembling the scaffolding and ensuring that it's safe to sustain the maximum load is one of the biggest safety considerations when using scaffolding. Often, if you are renting scaffolding from a credible contractor, they will arrange for an authorised professional to erect and disassemble your scaffolding equipment, in addition to the necessary inspections and paperwork. Therefore, you should always check that all quotes you obtain for scaffolding equipment includes this service.

Conversely, if you buy scaffolding for your personal use, look at employing a professional to erect the scaffolding. Regardless of how seasoned you are with home DIY undertakings, scaffolding erection is extremely important for the safety of you and those around you, so it's strongly recommended that you hire a certified specialist to construct and inspect your scaffolding. If you really want to erect the scaffolding yourself, the best suggestion is to get your high-risk work license for scaffolding.

Check your insurance coverage

Most house owners have insurance to cover any losses that are sustained with home ownership, including liability provisions to cover you if anyone is injured on your property. It's crucial that you examine your insurance coverage to see if any accidents resulting from home improvement jobs are covered. Whatever you do, don't start your project without first checking if you are thoroughly insured, as you may find that using scaffolding for a home improvement project is not included in your policy.

Understand the most common causes of accidents

Human error is the most common cause of scaffolding accidents, so it's essential that you have knowledge of what you're doing before you start your venture. Studies have shown that the large majority of scaffolding incidents can be averted, so do some preparation and watch educational videos on the web or even enrol in training courses that will assist you when working with scaffolding. Recognising the most common causes of injuries associated with scaffolding equipment will give you a greater understanding of the fundamental risks. Therefore, the top three causes of scaffolding related injuries are:

●     Falls associated with incorrect scaffold erection

●     Scaffolding platforms or structure failing and collapsing

●     Being struck by airborne materials (namely people under the scaffolding itself)

Having knowledge of how scaffolding functions and operates is imperative for the safety of you and those around you, so it's critical that you carry out sufficient research before undertaking any project involving scaffolding.

Summary

I possess a fear of heights. I've tried to overcome this fear by facing it in a relatively silly way - by going skydiving. While the adrenaline gushing through my body undoubtedly helped in restraining my fears, unfortunately, I still have a fear of heights and looking out of a plane at 10,000 feet above ground was probably the worst experience of my life. Fortunately, there are lots of folks that aren't scared of heights. Construction workers, window washers, and painters are all indispensable jobs in our society that must be performed at heights. Not surprisingly, what all these jobs share is that they utilise different types of scaffolding to carry out their jobs. Scaffolding has been around for thousands of years, and the evolution of safety procedures and protocols have been pretty inactive up until the 1970's when various laws were introduced improve the safety of workers when using scaffolding.

Prior to this time, there were few rules and regulations within the construction industry. There were no formal scaffolding training, licensing or qualifications, no protection equipment used, and no written safety protocols for the construction and dismantling of scaffolding equipment. Scaffolding was viewed as a semi-skilled trade and workers were paid little. As you can picture, injuries were frequent, and often deadly in this industry, so it was vital for the Government to introduce legislation to protect these kinds of workers to minimise the number of workplace accidents. That's precisely what the Government did. From the beginning of the 1970's, there have been a variety of legislations introduced to protect workers when using scaffolding. For this reason, the safety of workers has remarkably increased and even more so with the evolution of technology.

Earlier in March this year, WorkSafe ACT cracked down on scaffolding safety by sending inspectors to multiple construction sites to inspect whether scaffolding protocols were being followed appropriately as part of an audit into scaffolding safety. Unfortunately, even today, falls from heights are still one of the most regular and debilitating workplace accidents that has a considerable impact both on families and communities, but also within the industry itself by paying out millions in restitution. In fact, since 2014, there have been 476 workplace injuries that have occurred from falling from heights in the ACT alone (reference), which is approximately one in every two days. Even a fall from 2 metres can be significantly dangerous and even fatal, so it's essential that the most practical safety measures are implemented to decrease the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Also, education and training plays a notable role in lowering the risk of falls from scaffolding. Fortunately, there are very specific measures that have been put in place that aim to lower the risk of working with scaffolding, and this article will feature some of the current 'best practices' used in the scaffolding industry today.

Foot Protection

Foot protection is exceptionally important because falling objects are frequent in the construction industry. The shoes worn by construction and scaffolding workers need to be slip and puncture resistant. In addition, safety-toed footwear (like steel toe work boots) is the standard when working with heavy equipment or when the risk of falling objects is high.

Hand Protection

There are a selection of gloves that are available for various type of construction and scaffolding work. These gloves must be worn by workers when performing their jobs and they must fit neatly to increase dexterity.

Face and Eye Protection

When working at heights, foreign objects, especially dust, can hinder workers sight, so safety glasses or face shields must be worn. There are several types of safety glasses and face shields available that are designed for different types of hazards, so the most appropriate protection needs to be worn depending on the type of construction site. Additionally, safety glasses and face shields must be worn when workers are exposed to any electrical hazards or energised electrical systems.

Licensing and Qualifications

Scaffolding workers have to attain relevant licensing and qualifications according to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. There are numerous organisations that supply full scaffolding licensing and qualifications that are required by Law if individuals wish to work with scaffolding (above 4 metres) and these programs are available all year round in different cities around Australia.

Head Protection

It is compulsory for all construction and scaffolding workers to wear hard hats on construction sites where there is a risk of falling objects. Hard hats must also be inspected regularly for cracks, dents, or other forms of wear and tear and must be in good working condition. It is also obligatory to replace a hard hat after it has been hit by a falling object or electrical shock.

Scaffolding Materials

It is mandatory that scaffolds are fully planked altogether and must be placed on a strong foundation that will not be altered in any way, shape or form. Any type of damage to scaffolding material considerably reduces its strength and should be replaced instantly. Other than mobile scaffolding which should be managed by skilled workers only, scaffolding must not be shifted horizontally while workers are on scaffolds. Further, scaffolding must only be loaded according to the weight they are designed to support and no scaffolds should come within ten feet of power lines.

Elevated Surfaces

It is obligatory that signs are posted (if applicable) that visibly displays the elevated surface load capacity. Scaffolds that are raised greater than 48 inches above the surface must have guardrails, and handrails must be provided to elevated work surfaces to ensure the safe entry and exit of workers.

Electrical Safety

Work must not be authorised if there are any active electrical circuits running close to scaffolds and there must be a Lockout/Tag Out system in place. All frayed, damaged, or worn electrical cords and cables must be replaced without delay and electrical cords and cables must be protected from sharp objects and surfaces.

Hazard Communication

A readily available list of hazardous substances has to be kept at all construction sites. Containers of hazardous substances must be accurately labelled with proper identification and hazard warnings. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be maintained and available for every use of a hazardous substance and it's highly advised that construction and scaffolding workers are sufficiently trained in the use of hazardous substances.