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Guidelines Part 20
Guidelines Part 20 - Concrete formwork and falsework
G20.26 Inspections
Issued August 1999; Editorial Revision April 9, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Section 20.26(1) of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states in part:
Immediately before placement of concrete or other intended loading, the employer must ensure that the concrete formwork and falsework is inspected and an engineering certificate is issued by a professional engineer
Purpose of guideline
This guideline discusses:
- What is meant by the phrase "other intended loading"
- Acceptable means of conducting inspections and issuing a certificate
- What is meant by the phrase "immediately before"
What is meant by "other intended loading"?
When considering this issue, there is a need to keep a broad perspective on the application of sections 20.17 to 20.26 of the Regulation. The broad perspective is falsework is often used to support loads temporarily during construction which are completely unrelated to any concrete formwork. These sections of the Regulation refer to concrete formwork and falsework.
Formwork is defined in section 20.1 as "includes the foundation, supporting structure and mould into which concrete will be placed." Falsework is not defined in the Regulation. Falsework is defined in CSA Standard S269.1, Falsework for Construction Purposes as meaning structural supports and the necessary bracing required for the support of temporary loads during construction. Falsework is defined in the Gage Canadian Dictionary as "a temporary structure that supports a bridge, etc. until the main structure is completed." Neither of these definitions specifically link falsework to concrete work. However, most suspended slab formwork uses falsework as part of the "supporting structure" for the formwork.
Falsework is often used during the erection of steel structures and bridges to temporarily support members until such time as the structural elements can be connected together and braced to be self-supporting and provide a complete structural system. The use of the phrasing "or other intended loading" in section 20.26(1) is to cover the use of such falsework during the erection phase of structures. Falsework may also be required and used during the dismantling or demolition of a structure.
Some parts of sections 20.17 to 20.26 of the Regulation include references to both formwork and falsework. These parts can and should be applied to a falsework system that is not part of formwork. However, some provisions in these sections only reference formwork, and clearly are only applicable to formwork.
The employer has responsibility under sections 4.2, 20.6(2), 20.14, 20.15 and 20.23 (2), (3), and (4) to ensure that any structures or equipment which are being erected, used or dismantled are properly managed to ensure the stability of the structure and that no overloading of any elements takes place. It is under these sections of the Regulation that loads such as bundles of reinforcing steel or sheeting material have to be managed. Based on a recommendation of the Construction Safety Subcommittee during the regulation review process, a reference to bundles of reinforcing steel was included in subsection 20.23(3), to draw attention to the need to manage such loading. Such loads are not intended to be within the scope of "or other intended loading," in section 20.26(1). Hence no inspection and engineering certification under section 20.26(1) should be required prior to their placement.
Clearly section 20.26(1) requires an inspection immediately before placement of concrete. The phrase "other intended loading" in this subsection requires inspection and certification prior to placing the "main" or design load on a falsework that is not part of a formwork. As described above, this would generally be loads such as trusses, beams and similar elements which require temporary support until they can be tied in and secured to perform as an effective structural system, and be self-supporting.
Inspections and certificates
The professional engineer who signs, seals, and issues the written certificate prior to each concrete placing, or application of other intended loading, need not personally inspect the formwork. The engineer must ensure an inspection is done, by the engineer or another qualified person acceptable to the engineer for this purpose, immediately prior to concrete placing, and before the engineer issues the certificate.
What is meant by "immediately before"
The phrase "immediately before" generally means the inspection be done not more than 24 hours prior to the start of concrete placing, and after construction of the formwork for the particular concrete pour has been substantially completed. Inclement weather subsequent to the inspection, or other causes for delay of the concrete placing, will normally necessitate an additional inspection and an engineer to revalidate the inspection certificate.
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Disclaimer: The Worker and Employer Services Division issues Guidelines to help with the application and interpretation of sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and with divisions of the Workers Compensation Act that relate to health and safety. Guidelines are not intended to provide exclusive interpretations but to assist with compliance. WorkSafeBC ("Workers' Compensation Board of B.C.") does not warrant the accuracy or the completeness of the online version of the Guidelines and neither WorkSafeBC nor its board of directors, employees or agents shall be liable to any persons for any loss or damage of any nature, whether arising out of negligence or otherwise, which may be occasioned as a result of the use of the online version of the Guidelines.