Codes of Practice

This General Guide provides information on how to manage formwork and falsework risks at a workplace. It is supported by specific guides on formwork, falsework, slip, jump and travelling forms and a formwork and falsework Information Sheet for small business.
What is formwork and falsework?
Formwork means the surface of the form and framing used to contain and shape wet concrete until it is self-supporting.
Formwork includes the forms on or within which the concrete is poured and the frames and bracing which provide stability. Although commonly referred to as part of the formwork assembly, the joists, bearers, bracing, foundations and footings are technically referred to as falsework. Further information is in the Guide to formwork.
Falsework means the temporary structure used to support a permanent structure, material, plant, equipment and people until the construction of the permanent structure has advanced to the stage where it is self-supporting.
Falsework includes the foundations, footings and all structural members supporting the permanent structural elements. Falsework can be used to support formwork for in-situ concrete, prefabricated concrete elements, steel sections or stone arches, for example during bridge construction. Further information is in the Guide to falsework.