SafetyPaperwork
Concreting · United Kingdom

Method statement for formwork

By Safety PaperworkBuilt from HSE guidance and CDM 2015 · How we write and check theseUpdated

You must assess the risks of formwork and record the significant findings if you employ 5 or more people. On CDM sites the principal contractor will ask for RAMS before you start.

RAMS cover the hazards, who could be harmed and how, the controls and the safe sequence of work, and the crew is briefed and signs. The main hazards are falling from height, being hit by mobile plant, falling through a floor opening or void and falling tools and materials.

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RAMS example: formwork

This is a complete RAMS for formwork, with 9 job steps. Open it in the builder to add your site, crew and signatures, change anything, and download a PDF. Or download the free Word template below and fill it in by hand.

Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS)
Formwork installation and stripping · Concreting · Example
Document RAMS-001 · Rev 1

Risk assessment

#ActivityHazardsWho might be harmedRisk beforeControlsRisk after
1Check the formwork design and that props sit on sole plates on firm ground
  • Formwork collapse
WorkersHigh (10)
  • Keep people out from under the formwork during the pour. Isolate
  • Use formwork designed by a competent person or engineer for the load. Control (engineering)
  • Formwork collapse: see step 7 for the full controls Control (procedures)
Medium (5)
2Plan deliveries and crane lifts of form materials, with an exclusion zone under the load
  • Crane and lifting failure
  • Falling tools and materials
  • Being hit by mobile plant
Workers, Public, People below, VisitorsVery high (15)
  • Barricade the lift zone and keep everyone out from under the load. Isolate
  • Use a crane rated for the load at the radius, set up on firm ground with outrigger pads. Control (engineering)
  • Check slings, chains, shackles and hooks before use. Remove anything damaged or not tagged. Control (engineering)
  • Have a lift plan made by an appointed person, following LOLER. Control (procedures)
  • Use CPCS or NPORS carded crane operators, slingers and signallers. Control (procedures)
  • Barricade and sign the drop zone under overhead work so nobody walks beneath. Isolate
  • Fit toe boards, kick plates and mesh screens on scaffolds and edges. Control (engineering)
  • Use catch fans, debris netting or covered walkways where people pass below. Control (engineering)
  • Tether hand tools when working at height. Control (engineering)
  • Keep platforms tidy. Do not stack materials near edges or above toe board height. Control (procedures)
  • Separate people and plant with barriers, exclusion zones and marked walkways. Isolate
  • Use plant with working reversing alarms, cameras and lights. Control (engineering)
  • Have a traffic management plan showing plant routes, loading areas and pedestrian paths. Control (procedures)
  • Use a spotter when reversing or working near people. Control (procedures)
  • Make eye contact with the operator before going near. Stay out of the swing radius. Control (procedures)
Medium (8)
3Install edge protection before anyone works near an edge
  • Falling from height
  • Falling through a floor opening or void
Workers, People below, VisitorsVery high (20)
  • Do the work from the ground where you can, for example pre-assemble on the ground or use extension poles. Eliminate
  • Install guardrails or edge protection on all open edges before work starts. Isolate
  • Use a scaffold, mobile tower or MEWP instead of working off a ladder. Control (engineering)
  • Where edge protection is not practical, use a fall restraint or fall arrest system on a rated anchor point. Control (engineering)
  • Have a rescue plan so a worker hanging in a harness can be brought down within minutes. Control (procedures)
  • Wear a full body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard, clipped on at all times when using fall arrest. PPE
  • Cover every hole and penetration with a fixed, secured cover marked "HOLE" or "DANGER". Isolate
  • Put guardrails with toe boards around stairwells, lift shafts, voids and open edges. Isolate
  • Install stairs early and fit temporary handrails as soon as they go in. Control (engineering)
  • Never remove a cover or guardrail without approval. Put it back straight away. Control (procedures)
  • Inspect covers and barriers daily and after other trades have been through. Control (procedures)
  • Keep lighting good enough to see openings, especially on lower floors and in the evening. Control (procedures)
  • Use a harness clipped to a rated anchor when working right next to an open void. PPE
Medium (5)
4Cut and fix form ply and timber with saw guards working
  • Saw cuts and kickback
  • Nail gun injuries
  • Wood and MDF dust
  • Loud noise
Workers, People nearbyHigh (12)
  • Keep blade guards fitted and working, and use the riving knife on table saws. Control (engineering)
  • Use push sticks and clamps, and support long pieces so they do not pinch the blade. Control (engineering)
  • Use a sharp, undamaged blade made for the material. Control (procedures)
  • Stand to one side of the blade line, out of the kickback path. Control (procedures)
  • Use a nail gun with a sequential (single shot) trigger, not a contact or bump trigger. Reduce / substitute
  • Disconnect the air or battery before clearing jams, adjusting or moving between work areas. Control (engineering)
  • Keep your free hand at least 30 cm from the nailing point. Control (procedures)
  • Never point the gun at anyone or carry it with your finger on the trigger. Control (procedures)
  • Buy pre-cut or pre-finished timber where you can. Reduce / substitute
  • Cut outdoors or in a well-ventilated area away from others. Isolate
  • Use saws and sanders with dust extraction connected to an M-class (or better) vacuum. Control (engineering)
  • Clean up with a vacuum, not a broom or compressed air. Control (procedures)
  • Do a COSHH assessment for hardwood and MDF dust. Control (procedures)
  • Use quieter tools and methods, such as cut-to-size materials, low-noise machines and battery tools. Reduce / substitute
  • Keep noisy plant away from work areas, and use screens or distance between the noise and people. Isolate
  • Keep tools maintained and use mufflers on compressors and generators. Control (engineering)
  • Limit time on noisy tools and rotate workers. Control (procedures)
  • Assess noise. At 85 dB(A) or more, hearing protection is required and the zone must be marked. Control (procedures)
Medium (8)
5Erect props, bearers and joists in the designed order, bracing as you go. Work from a platform or from below, never walking on unfixed joists
  • Formwork collapse
  • Lifting and carrying heavy loads
  • Falling from height
Workers, People belowVery high (20)
  • A competent person inspects the formwork and props before the pour and signs it off. Control (procedures)
  • Follow the design for prop spacing, bracing and pour rate. Control (procedures)
  • Formwork collapse: see step 7 for the full controls Control (procedures)
  • Plan to avoid carrying: have materials delivered, and old items picked up, as close as possible to where they are used. Eliminate
  • Use lighter or smaller loads: order smaller bags and shorter lengths, and drain or break down old items before moving them. Reduce / substitute
  • Use trolleys, pallet jacks, hoists, vacuum lifters or plant instead of carrying by hand. Control (engineering)
  • Use a two-person lift for anything heavy, long or awkward. Plan the route first and clear it. Control (procedures)
  • Keep the load close, back straight and no twisting. Turn with your feet. Control (procedures)
  • Falling from height: see step 3 for the full controls Control (procedures)
Medium (6)
6Lay the deck, cover penetrations and cap rebar bars that stick up
  • Falling through a floor opening or void
  • Impalement on rebar
  • Falling from height
  • Strong wind and storms
Workers, Visitors, People below, PublicVery high (20)
  • Falling through a floor opening or void: see step 3 for the full controls Control (procedures)
  • Cover or cap all exposed bar ends with approved caps or covers. Control (engineering)
  • Bend bars over where the design allows. Control (engineering)
  • Use edge protection near starter bars so nobody can fall onto them. Control (engineering)
  • Keep walkways clear of exposed bars and mark the hazard. Control (procedures)
  • Falling from height: see step 3 for the full controls Control (procedures)
  • Check the forecast each morning and plan work at height and lifting around the weather. Eliminate
  • Tie down or weigh down loose sheets, panels, boards and rubbish at the end of each shift. Control (engineering)
  • Set wind limits for roof work, platforms and cranes, using the manufacturer's limits, and stop when they are reached. Control (procedures)
  • Stop work and get down in lightning. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back up. Control (procedures)
Medium (5)
7Inspect forms and props and get sign off before the pour, then watch them during it
  • Formwork collapse
  • Wet concrete and cement burns
WorkersHigh (10)
  • Keep people out from under the formwork during the pour. Isolate
  • Use formwork designed by a competent person or engineer for the load. Control (engineering)
  • A competent person inspects the formwork and props before the pour and signs it off. Control (procedures)
  • Follow the design for prop spacing, bracing and pour rate. Control (procedures)
  • Watch for movement or bulging during the pour and stop if it happens. Control (procedures)
  • Do not strip formwork until the concrete reaches the strength the engineer requires. Control (procedures)
  • Wear a hard hat, safety boots and gloves. PPE
  • Use long-handled tools and pumps to cut down contact. Control (engineering)
  • Wash concrete off skin straight away with clean water. Control (procedures)
  • Have clean water and eye wash where concrete or mortar is mixed and used. Control (procedures)
  • Do a COSHH assessment for cement, lime and mortar, and check hands regularly for early signs of dermatitis. Control (procedures)
  • Wear waterproof gloves, long sleeves and waterproof boots with trousers worn over the top. PPE
  • Wear safety glasses or goggles to stop splashes. PPE
Medium (5)
8Strip forms only when the engineer says so, from a safe position, back propping as designed
  • Falling tools and materials
  • Structural collapse during alterations
  • Lifting and carrying heavy loads
Workers, Public, People below, OccupantsHigh (12)
  • Lower materials with a hoist, chute or rope. Never throw or drop anything down. Control (procedures)
  • Wear a hard hat anywhere objects could fall. PPE
  • Falling tools and materials: see step 2 for the full controls Control (procedures)
  • Get an engineer to check before removing any wall, beam, post or bracing that may be load-bearing. Eliminate
  • Keep everyone clear of the area under and next to the work. Isolate
  • Install temporary props, needles or shoring as designed before removing any support. Control (engineering)
  • Follow the engineer's sequence. Do not change it without approval. Control (procedures)
  • Check props daily. Do not remove them until the permanent support is in and approved. Control (procedures)
  • Rotate tasks and take breaks on long lifting jobs. Control (procedures)
  • Wear gloves for grip and safety boots to protect your feet. PPE
  • Lifting and carrying heavy loads: see step 5 for the full controls Control (procedures)
Medium (8)
9Denail, stack timber and clean up
  • Cuts from sharp edges
  • Poor housekeeping and waste
Workers, VisitorsMedium (8)
  • Deburr or cover sharp edges, and fit edge protectors on exposed sheet metal. Control (engineering)
  • Use knives with retractable or self-retracting blades. Control (engineering)
  • Cut away from your body and keep your other hand clear. Control (procedures)
  • Put used blades in a blade bin or sharps container. Control (procedures)
  • Use two people to handle large sheets of metal or glass. Control (procedures)
  • Wear cut-resistant gloves and long sleeves. PPE
  • Order materials to size and send packaging back where you can. Eliminate
  • Put skips and waste chutes close to the work. Control (engineering)
  • Clean as you go, and do a full clean up at the end of each day. Control (procedures)
  • Keep exits, stairs and walkways clear at all times. Control (procedures)
  • Stack materials neatly on level ground, away from edges. Control (procedures)
  • Use a registered waste carrier and keep waste transfer notes for at least 2 years. Keep hazardous waste such as asbestos separate, with consignment notes (special waste in Scotland). Control (procedures)
  • Wear gloves when handling waste. PPE
Low (4)

Method statement: sequence of work

  1. Check the formwork design and that props sit on sole plates on firm ground
  2. Plan deliveries and crane lifts of form materials, with an exclusion zone under the load
  3. Install edge protection before anyone works near an edge
  4. Cut and fix form ply and timber with saw guards working
  5. Erect props, bearers and joists in the designed order, bracing as you go. Work from a platform or from below, never walking on unfixed joists
  6. Lay the deck, cover penetrations and cap rebar bars that stick up
  7. Inspect forms and props and get sign off before the pour, then watch them during it
  8. Strip forms only when the engineer says so, from a safe position, back propping as designed
  9. Denail, stack timber and clean up

PPE

Safety bootsSafety helmetSafety glassesRigger glovesEar defendersFull body harness and lanyardHi-vis vestFFP3 dust maskChemical-resistant glovesSafety gogglesKnee padsCut-resistant gloves

Plant and equipment

Circular sawNail gunPower drillMobile crane: CPCS or NPORS crane operator card, plus slinger signaller card; lift plan by an Appointed PersonHand tools

Permits and plans

Lift plan (LOLER reg 8)

Emergency

Call 999. Add the nearest A&E, the assembly point and the first aider for your site.

Sign-off

Supervisor and every worker sign to confirm they have read and understood this RAMS.

Free RAMS template for formwork

Word (.docx) and PDF, A4 landscape, no email needed. Fill in your site details, then print or send it.

Word template (.docx)PDF template

Make yours in 2 minutes

Same document, filled in for your job. Answer a few yes or no questions, the crew signs on the phone, and you send the PDF.

Start this RAMS

Pre-start checklist for formwork

Tick these off before work starts. They come from the hazards, permits and equipment in this job.

The safe sequence of work

  1. Check the formwork design and that props sit on sole plates on firm ground
  2. Plan deliveries and crane lifts of form materials, with an exclusion zone under the load
  3. Install edge protection before anyone works near an edge
  4. Cut and fix form ply and timber with saw guards working
  5. Erect props, bearers and joists in the designed order, bracing as you go. Work from a platform or from below, never walking on unfixed joists
  6. Lay the deck, cover penetrations and cap rebar bars that stick up
  7. Inspect forms and props and get sign off before the pour, then watch them during it
  8. Strip forms only when the engineer says so, from a safe position, back propping as designed
  9. Denail, stack timber and clean up

Hazards to watch on formwork

The hazards most specific to this job, and the step where each one comes up.

Step 1, 5, 7Formwork collapseFormwork or falsework fails during a concrete pour and collapses with workers on or under it.
Step 6Impalement on rebarA worker falls or trips onto exposed rebar or starter bars and is impaled or badly cut.
Step 4Nail gun injuriesA nail gun fires by accident, or a nail goes through the timber or ricochets and hits the user or someone nearby.
Step 4Wood and MDF dustSawing and sanding timber, MDF and treated wood makes fine dust that causes asthma, skin problems and some cancers.
Step 2Crane and lifting failureA load falls or swings, or the crane tips, crushing workers under or near the lift.
Step 7Wet concrete and cement burnsWet concrete, mortar and cement burn skin and eyes. Burns can be deep and are often not felt until later.
Very likelyLikelyPossibleUnlikelyVery unlikelyHow bad it could be: Negligible to FatalBA
Highest risk on formwork: Very high before controls (B), down to Medium after controls (A), on the United Kingdom 5 by 5 risk matrix (likely and fatal becomes unlikely and major injury).

What changes on your site

This example covers the job itself. Your site may add more. Add controls for any of these that apply (the builder asks you these as yes or no questions):

  • Will anyone use a ladder or stepladder?
  • Will anyone work on a roof?
  • Is there a fragile roof, skylight or clear roof sheet?
  • Will you use a scaffold or mobile tower?
  • Will you use a MEWP (scissor lift or cherry picker)?

Licences and legal requirements in United Kingdom

Equipment on this job that needs a licence, ticket or training:

  • Mobile crane: CPCS or NPORS crane operator card, plus slinger signaller card; lift plan by an Appointed Person

Employers must assess the risks of their work and record the significant findings (required where you employ 5 or more people). On CDM projects, contractors give their RAMS to the principal contractor before starting, and brief the workers on it.

Rules that apply: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER); Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 10 (falling objects); CDM Regulations 2015 and PUWER 1998; Work at Height Regulations 2005; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); COSHH Regulations 2002; Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005; Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; CDM Regulations 2015, regulation 19 (stability of structures).

Why RAMS get rejected

Principal contractors send documents back for these reasons. This example avoids them, but check yours too.

  • The method statement is only a list of headings that repeats the risk table and never says how the work is done.
  • The method sequence does not match the risk assessment, for example the method strips the roof before the scaffold is handed over.
  • Residual risk is still High after controls with no extra measures or explanation.
  • It reads as copied: another firm, another address, or wording that does not fit UK sites. HSE warns that copying an example and adding your name does not satisfy the law.
  • Work on an older building with no reference to an asbestos survey.
  • Plant and access equipment listed with no inspection, thorough examination or competence evidence.
  • No briefing record, no revision history, or no named supervisor.

Questions

Do I need RAMS for formwork?

You must assess the risks of formwork and record the significant findings if you employ 5 or more people. On CDM sites the principal contractor will ask for RAMS before you start.

Who signs the RAMS?

The person who wrote it and the person who approved it sign and date it. Every worker signs the briefing register after it is explained to them, and the principal contractor reviews and accepts it before you start.

How long do I keep it?

Keep this RAMS, every revision and the signed briefing register with the site file for the length of the job, and keep a copy in your records afterwards.

What PPE is needed for formwork?

Usually Safety boots, Safety helmet, Safety glasses, Rigger gloves, Ear defenders, Full body harness and lanyard, Hi-vis vest, FFP3 dust mask, Chemical-resistant gloves, Safety goggles, Knee pads, Cut-resistant gloves. The site rules may add more, so check with the principal contractor.

More concreting RAMS

RAMSConcrete Slab Pour9 stepsRAMSConcrete Driveway6 stepsRAMSConcrete Footings6 stepsRAMSConcrete Cutting8 stepsRAMSFloor Grinding5 stepsRAMSPrecast Concrete Installation6 steps

Related jobs in other trades

BricklayingBrickworkAlso involves impalement on rebarRoofingRe-RoofingAlso involves strong wind and stormsDemolitionSoft StripAlso involves structural collapse during alterationsScaffoldingScaffold ErectionAlso involves falling tools and materialsElectricalConsumer Unit ReplacementAlso involves cuts from sharp edges

Toolbox talks for this job

Toolbox talkWorking at HeightToolbox talkExtension Leads and Power ToolsToolbox talkHearing Protection and NoiseToolbox talkMobile Plant and Spotters

Blank RAMS template: free RAMS templates. Also for other countries: Australia (SWMS) · United States (JHA) · Canada (FLHA)

Sources