Method Statement: Temporary Formwork and Falsework for RC Structures

More than a static template

Unlike a downloadable Word or PDF template, this method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point connected directly to a matching Inspection and Test Plan. Every section is structured, project-adaptable, and ready to export.

AI-assisted drafting — Customize every section with AI for your specific project scope.
Linked ITP — A matching inspection and test plan is generated alongside the method statement.
Multiple export formats — Download as a formatted PDF or editable Excel spreadsheet.
Editable starting point, not a final document — Review, verify, and adjust all content against your project requirements before use.

Static template vs. Quollnet workflow

Feature	Static template	Quollnet
Project-specific content	Manual fill-in required	AI-assisted customization
Linked ITP	Separate document, no link	Matching ITP included
Export formats	Usually PDF only	PDF and Excel
Structured sections	Free-form layout	13 standardized sections
Saved to your account	Local file only	Cloud-saved, reusable
Content accuracy	You verify everything	AI-assisted, you still verify
Cost	Often free but time-intensive	Free to customize and download

What you can customize

When you save this method statement to your account, every section becomes editable. The following 13 sections are included:

Scope — Defines the activity and its boundaries.
References — Standards, specifications, and drawings.
Responsibilities — Roles and accountabilities.
Resources — Labour, plant, and equipment summary.
Materials — Materials and compliance requirements.
Equipment — Tools and equipment details.
Prerequisites — Hold points and pre-conditions.
Method sequence — Step-by-step construction sequence.
Safety controls — HSE risk controls and PPE.
Environmental controls — Environmental mitigation measures.
QA/QC — Quality inspection and test requirements.
ITP — Inspection and Test Plan table (has its own page).
Attachments — Referenced drawings and documentation.

Why this method statement is used

This method statement is used to define and communicate the approved procedure for carrying out method statement: temporary formwork and falsework support system for reinforced concrete structural elements on site. It ensures the work is planned in advance, the correct resources and controls are in place, and all personnel understand responsibilities, sequence, quality requirements, and safety controls before work begins. It aligns site execution with the documented scope and acceptance expectations.

Who uses this method statement

This method statement is used by contractors, site supervisors, project engineers, QA/QC engineers, HSE officers, consultants, and client representatives. It serves as a shared reference for planning, execution, supervision, inspection, and approval of the activity on site.

When it is prepared and submitted

The method statement is prepared before the work activity starts and submitted as part of the pre-construction documentation package for review and approval.

Who reviews or approves it

The method statement is usually submitted to the client representative, consultant, resident engineer, or project management consultant for review and approval before the work commences.

Important approval note

This method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point, not a pre-approved document. Before use on any project, all content must be reviewed and approved by the relevant parties (superintendent, principal contractor, or client representative) in accordance with your contract and project quality plan.

For example: if your specification requires a departure from a referenced standard, that departure must be documented and approved separately — this method statement will not capture that automatically. Always verify against your applicable drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Method statement content

Scope

Workscope

Design, verification, supply, erection, inspection, loading, monitoring, striking, and removal of temporary formwork and falsework (including back-propping) for reinforced concrete slabs, beams, walls, and columns.
Includes stability bracing, access platforms, fall protection, formwork facing, walers, shores/props, ties/anchors, soleplates, back-propping, and associated temporary works.
Covers engineering checks for fresh concrete pressure, rate of pour, differential elevation/deflection, ground bearing for foundations of shores, wind effects on tall formwork, and load transfer during staging.
Includes interface management with reinforcement, embedded items, MEP sleeves, concrete placement teams, and cranes/pumps.
Exclusions: Permanent works design; concrete mix design; rebar fabrication/installation (coordination only); scaffolding not forming part of the support system (unless identified as falsework).

Objectives

Provide a safe, stable, and serviceable temporary works system that controls deflection, alignment, and dimensional tolerances to meet permanent works geometry until concrete has attained strength sufficient for load transfer and striking.
Establish inspection and test plan, hold/witness points, and documentation required prior to loading and removal.

References

Document Type	Reference / Number	Revision	Notes
Standard	BS 5975
Standard	EN 12812
Standard	EN 13670
Standard/Guide	ACI 347 / ACI 318
Standard	EN 1991
Standard	EN 1993 / EN 1995 / EN 338
Standard	EN 1065
Standards	ISO 9001 / ISO 45001 / ISO 14001
Standards	BS EN 636 / BS EN 13986

Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility	Name / Party
Engineer	Design	Specialist/Consultant
Management	Coordination	Main Contractor
Supervisor	Supervision	Main Contractor
Engineer	Survey	Main Contractor
Trades	Execution	Specialist/Subcontractor
QA/QC	Quality	Main Contractor
HSE	HSE	Main Contractor
Supervisor	Production	Concrete Subcontractor

Resources

Resource Type	Description	Quantity
Personnel	Chartered engineer experienced in falsework/formwork design	1
Personnel	Competent TWC per BS 5975	1
Personnel	Carpenters, erectors, riggers	6–20 [Verify per workfront]
Personnel	Total station/laser level operator	1–2
Personnel	Certified crane operator and appointed person	As required

Materials

Material	Specification / Grade	Quantity	Remarks
Plywood panels	BS EN 636, BS EN 13986; thickness 18–21 mm; WBP/phenolic faced [Verify]	As per drawings	Film-faced plywood
Formwork beams	Capacity per manufacturer; service class per EN 1995; allowable deflection L/400 [Verify]	As per design	Timber H20 or aluminum beams
Steel props	EN 1065 class and capacity; jack extension within rated range [Verify]	As per design	Classes B/D/E as applicable
Scaffold tubes/couplers/frames	EN 12811 components for access; capacities per EN 12812 design when used as falsework	As required	If tube-and-fitting used as falsework
Ties/anchors	Rated working load ≥ design load with SF per BS 5975 [Verify]; embedment per system manual	As per design	DW15/DW20 or proprietary
Soleplates	Timber C24 or steel plates sized to limit bearing pressure ≤ allowable [Verify]	As required	Timber or steel
Release oil	Manufacturer data; VOC compliant [Verify]	As required	Non-staining, compatible
Props/tubes/beams	Capacity per design; positions per TWD drawings	As per design	To control load redistribution

Equipment

Equipment	Capacity / Type	Quantity	Inspection Required
Crane/telehandler	Capacity > heaviest lift with ≥10% margin [Verify]	As required	Daily checks; certification in date
MEWP/scaffold	Safe working platforms rated ≥ 2.0 kN/m² [Verify]	As required	Scaffold tags; MEWP LOLER certs [Verify]
Total station/laser level	Accuracy ≤ ±2 mm at 30 m [Verify]	1 set	Calibration certificate
Impact drivers, saws, torque wrench	Torque range per manufacturer [Verify]	Sets as needed	PAT/testing; guards fitted
Thermometer, slump cone, stopwatch, deflection gauges	Suitable range/accuracy [Verify]	As required	Calibration in date

Prerequisites

Approvals and Design

Approved TWD design package, drawings, and calculations; independent design check category per BS 5975 [Verify].
Permit-to-Erect issued by TWC after pre-start briefing and risk assessment.

Site Readiness

Set-out benchmarks and gridlines established and verified by Surveyor.
Ground/soffit bearing capacity verified (calc or plate load test) to exceed design reactions with FS ≥ 2.0 [Verify per geotechnical report].
Utility survey completed; exclusion/mark-up of buried services for soleplate locations.
Lifting plan and MEWP/scaffold access plan approved; weather forecast reviewed. Suspend tall panel erection if sustained wind > 10 m/s or per manufacturer [Verify].

Materials/Equipment

Materials inspected on delivery: certifications, identification of prop class, tie capacities, plywood grade, and condition.
Tools/plant inspected, calibrated, and tagged.

Personnel

Competency verified for TWS, riggers, MEWP/crane operators. Induction and task-specific toolbox talk completed.

Interfaces

Rebar drawings and penetration locations coordinated with formwork openings; embedment items available.
Concrete pour plan agreed (rate of rise, temperature, placement sequence, pump location, vibrator strategy).

Method Sequence

Step	Activity	Description	Responsibility	Inspection / Hold Point
1	Design and verification	Develop falsework/formwork design including loads: fresh concrete pressure, construction live loads (≥2.5 kN/m² typical on platforms [Verify]), wind on tall shutters, impact, eccentricities, jack extensions; specify tolerances and strike/back-propping criteria.	TWD	Independent check (Cat 2/3 as required)
2	Pre-erection briefing and permit	Issue task briefing; review drawings, sequence, access, exclusion zones; issue Permit-to-Erect.	TWC/TWS	HSE check
3	Foundations/soleplates preparation	Prepare level bearing surfaces; install soleplates/steel pads; verify bearing pressure vs design reactions; provide packing/shims secured against displacement.	TWS/Site Engineer	Ground check
4	Erect primary support system	Install base jacks/props/frames per drawing; set initial height; plumb each line; lock collars within rated extension; provide temporary bracing during erection.	Formwork Crew under TWS	In-process
5	Install ledgers/primary/secondary beams and decking	Fix beams at specified spacing; fix decking panels; ensure joints supported; fix to prevent uplift/slide; install edge protection.	Formwork Crew	Dimensional check
6	Bracing and tying	Install plan/elevation bracing at specified intervals; fit wall/column ties per design; torque/tighten as required; install anti-uplift restraints.	Formwork Crew	TWS check
7	Openings, embeds, and interfaces	Install box-outs, sleeves, anchor templates, chamfers, waterstops as detailed. Coordinate with rebar and MEP.	Formwork Crew/MEP/Rebar	QA/QC
8	Application of release agent and surface prep	Clean and seal joints; apply release agent uniformly avoiding reinforcement.	Formwork Crew	Visual
9	Pre-pour survey and QA hold point	Full inspection of geometry, supports, bracing, connections, access/edge protection, pour plan; install tell-tales/deflection gauges if specified. TWC issues Permit-to-Load.	TWS/QA/QC/Site Engineer/TWC	Hold Point HP1
10	Concrete placement and monitoring	Place concrete per pour plan; control rate-of-rise to limit form pressure; monitor temperature/slump; observe deflections/any distress; maintain exclusion zone.	Concrete Supervisor/TWS	Witness Point WP1
11	Post-pour securing and curing interfaces	Maintain supports and bracing; check for settlement; repair any grout loss; maintain curing regime; record as-poured levels.	TWS/Concrete Supervisor	Post-pour check
12	Striking assessment and permit	Assess concrete strength by cylinders, cubes, or maturity; verify environmental conditions; plan striking sequence and back-propping; issue Permit-to-Strike.	TWD/TWC/QA	Hold Point HP2
13	Strike and back-propping	Remove shutters in controlled sequence; transfer loads to back-props; maintain stability/edge protection; no prying that damages concrete; make good tie holes.	Formwork Crew under TWS	In-process
14	Removal of back-props and demobilization	Remove back-props once subsequent construction stages provide alternative load paths and concrete achieves required strength; clear site and store components.	TWC/TWS	Final inspection

Safety Controls

Principal Hazards and Controls

Hazard: Falsework/formwork instability or collapse during erection or pour.
Likely consequence: Multiple serious injuries/fatality, structural damage.
Engineering/procedural control: BS 5975-compliant procedure; engineered bracing plan; staged erection with temporary bracing; exclusion zones; Permit-to-Load; rate-of-rise limits to control pressure per ACI 347/EN 13670; continuous supervision by TWS.
Required PPE: Hard hat, safety boots, gloves, eye protection.
Collective preventive measure: Edge protection, catch platforms, debris netting where applicable.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Daily TWS inspection; HP1 before pour; WP1 during pour; calibrated tools; TWC authorization.
Hazard: Working at height (erection/striking).
Likely consequence: Falls leading to serious injury/fatality.
Engineering/procedural control: Prefabricate at ground where possible; use MEWPs/scaffold with full guardrails; maintain 3-point attachment; use certified anchor points for fall arrest only as last resort [Verify per project HSE plan].
Required PPE: Full body harness with double lanyard when required, hard hat with chin strap, non-slip boots.
Collective preventive measure: Temporary platforms with toeboards and midrails to EN 13374/OSHA equivalent.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Working at Height permit; daily checks of platforms; competent MEWP operator.
Hazard: Lifting operations for panels/beams.
Likely consequence: Crush injuries, dropped loads.
Engineering/procedural control: Appointed person lift plan; certified lifting points; taglines; no personnel under suspended loads; wind limits observed.
Required PPE: Helmets with chin straps, gloves, high-vis, safety boots.
Collective preventive measure: Exclusion zones with barriers and banksman control.
Inspection/permit/supervision: LOLER/third-party certifications; pre-lift checklist; banksman in control.
Hazard: Ground failure under soleplates/props.
Likely consequence: Sudden settlement and collapse.
Engineering/procedural control: Geotechnical verification; adequate soleplate sizing; avoid services/voids; monitor for settlement with tell-tales.
Required PPE: Standard site PPE.
Collective preventive measure: Barricade area; distribute loads via grillage if needed.
Inspection/permit/supervision: TWS verification; records of bearing checks; HP1 prior to loading.
Hazard: Contact with rebar ends, sharp edges, or pinch points.
Likely consequence: Lacerations, hand injuries.
Engineering/procedural control: Rebar caps; safe handling; mechanical aids; pinch-point awareness; use of push sticks.
Required PPE: Cut-resistant gloves, long sleeves, safety glasses.
Collective preventive measure: Guarding of moving parts on tools; housekeeping.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Tool inspections; supervisor monitoring.
Hazard: Electrical contact with overhead/adjacent lines (crane/MEWP).
Likely consequence: Electrocution, arc flash.
Engineering/procedural control: Exclusion distances; isolation/permit from utility owner; spotter assigned.
Required PPE: Dielectric gloves if required, arc-rated clothing where specified.
Collective preventive measure: Physical barriers and signage.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Electrical proximity permit; supervision by AP.
Hazard: Noise and vibration from tools.
Likely consequence: Hearing loss, hand-arm vibration.
Engineering/procedural control: Select low-vibration tools; task rotation; exposure monitoring.
Required PPE: Hearing protection; anti-vibration gloves where appropriate.
Collective preventive measure: Acoustic screens if near sensitive receptors.
Inspection/permit/supervision: HSE monitoring; maintenance logs.
Hazard: Chemical exposure to form release agents.
Likely consequence: Dermatitis, respiratory irritation.
Engineering/procedural control: Use low-VOC products; decant in controlled areas; avoid overspray; provide SDS and training.
Required PPE: Nitrile gloves, goggles, long sleeves, respiratory protection where required [Verify].
Collective preventive measure: Spill kits and drip trays.
Inspection/permit/supervision: COSHH/chemical handling permit [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations].
Hazard: Striking and falling objects during dismantling.
Likely consequence: Head injuries, fractures.
Engineering/procedural control: Controlled zones; progressive release of loads; tool lanyards; no striking from below.
Required PPE: Hard hat, eye/face protection, gloves.
Collective preventive measure: Exclusion zone and overhead protection where necessary.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Permit-to-Strike; TWS oversight.
Hazard: Adverse weather (wind/rain/heat).
Likely consequence: Loss of control, slips, reduced material strength of timber when saturated.
Engineering/procedural control: Monitor weather; suspend operations per limits; cover materials; non-slip surfaces; hydration and heat stress plan.
Required PPE: Weather-appropriate PPE.
Collective preventive measure: Temporary shelters; dewatering as needed.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Supervisor weather briefings.

Environmental Controls

Environmental Risks and Controls

Form oil and chemical spills
Control: Store in bunded trays; use spill kits; train operators; avoid over-application; designated refilling area.
Monitoring: Weekly environmental inspections; spill log.
Timber/plywood waste and damaged components
Control: Maximize reuse; segregate clean timber; return-to-supplier schemes; cut optimization plans.
Monitoring: Waste transfer notes; reuse rate KPI.
Noise and dust from cutting/hammering
Control: Off-site pre-cutting where possible; dust extraction and wet cutting; acoustic screens; limit hours near receptors [Verify per permit].
Monitoring: Spot noise/dust measurements.
Concrete washout and slurry during pour
Control: Dedicated lined washout; prevent discharge to drains; capture laitance; manage pump blow-outs.
Monitoring: Visual checks during and after pour.
Transport and storage footprint
Control: Just-in-time deliveries; defined laydown on geotextile; protect vegetation/soil; drip trays under parked plant.
Monitoring: Delivery logs; site walkdowns.

QA/QC

Quality Objectives

Ensure temporary works meet design intent, are safe to load, and produce permanent works within specified tolerances and finish class.

Controls and Records

Design control: Approved TWD drawings/calcs; independent check records; change control via TQ/RFI.
Materials control: Certificates for props (EN 1065 class), plywood (EN 636/13986), ties/anchors; visual inspection for damage; batch traceability.
Assembly control: ITP with 100% checks at HP1; torque/engagement of connections per manufacturer [Verify]; survey of critical geometry.
Monitoring: During pour, record rate-of-rise, temperature, slump, deflection/settlement where specified.
Nonconformance: Raise NCR for deviations; implement corrective actions; re-inspection prior to loading.
Measuring and testing equipment: Calibration certificates current for survey kit, torque wrenches, thermometers.
Document retention: Permits (Erect/Load/Strike), checklists, survey reports, photos, test results, as-built sketches retained per project QA plan.

Tolerances [Verify per project specifications]

Soffit level: ±5 mm over bay length ≤ 10 m; otherwise ±10 mm.
Plan dimensions/openings: ±10 mm typical.
Verticality/plumb: ≤ 1/500 or 5 mm in 3 m (whichever greater).
Deflection under wet concrete and construction loads: ≤ L/400 (slab/beam soffit) unless TWD specifies otherwise.

Fresh Concrete Pressure (Walls/Columns)

Determine per ACI 347 or EN 13670 considering rate-of-rise, temperature, unit weight, slump, and admixtures. Designer to set allowable pour rate; typical limits 1–2 m/h for normal-weight mixes at 10–25°C [Verify per mix and system].

Attachments

Sample Permit-to-Erect / Permit-to-Load / Permit-to-Strike templates.
Pre-pour Formwork/Falsework Checklist (HP1).
Pour Monitoring Log (rate-of-rise, temperature, slump, deflections).
Striking/Back-propping Checklist (HP2).
Daily Falsework Inspection Log.
Lift Plan and Rigging Sketch (if applicable).
Manufacturer technical data sheets (props, beams, ties, panels).
Design drawings and calculation package including assumed loads and tolerances.

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ITP preview

The first inspection activities from the linked ITP for Method Statement: Temporary Formwork and Falsework Support System for Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements:

Activity	Inspection / Test	Acceptance Criteria	Responsibility	Record
Design submission and independent check	Review of drawings/calcs vs BS 5975/EN 12812/ACI 347	Design approved; category check completed [Verify]	TWD/TWC	Approved design; check certificate
Material verification on delivery	Certificates, visual condition	Correct grades/classes; undamaged; traceable	QA/QC	Delivery inspection report; CoC
Ground/soffit bearing capacity check	Plate load test or calculation review	Allowable bearing ≥ design reaction with FS ≥ 2.0 [Verify]	Site Engineer/TWS	Bearing calc/test record

Showing 3 of 12 inspection activities. View full ITP →

Related Inspection and Test Plan

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is available for Method Statement: Temporary Formwork and Falsework Support System for Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements. The ITP defines the inspection activities, acceptance criteria, hold and witness points, responsible parties, and records required to verify the work described in this method statement.

View the Method Statement: Temporary Formwork and Falsework Support System for Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements ITP →

Frequently asked questions

BS 5975 governs temporary works procedures, EN 12812 defines falsework performance, EN 13670 covers execution of concrete structures, and ACI 347 provides formwork guidance. Verify editions per project.

The Temporary Works Designer sets allowable pour rates using ACI 347/EN 13670 methods considering mix temperature, unit weight, slump, and rate-of-rise. Field teams monitor height vs time to remain within limits.

Common checks are soffit level ±5 mm, plan dimensions ±10 mm, and verticality ≤ 1/500. Values should be verified against project specifications and the TWD design.

After concrete achieves the TWD-specified strength. As a guide: sides of walls/columns may be removed around 5–10 MPa; soffit/back-prop criteria depend on span and loading. Verify per design and tests.

Approved design and independent check, material certificates, erection checklists, survey reports, pre‑pour checklist (HP1), and a signed Permit‑to‑Load from the TWC.

Method Statement: Temporary Formwork and Falsework Support System for Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements – Method Statement