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Safety Alert - Safe propping of concrete flooring prior to pour

We provide a safety alert to raise awareness of the importance of safe propping before pouring concrete flooring.

Key Observations and Issues: 

 

Improper Use of Flat Plates and Nails: 

  • Issue: Flat plates and nails have been used to secure wooden beams. 
  • Risk: This setup is inadequate for flooring intended for concrete pouring. Flat plates lack lateral support, allowing beams to shift under the vibrations caused during the pour. 
  • Recommendation: Use U Head Jacks specifically designed to hold beams in place. The sides of U Head Jacks provide essential stability, minimizing movement and preventing beam displacement. Failure to use proper jacks could lead to a catastrophic failure, potentially resulting in a chain collapse of the propping structure. 

 

Single Rows of Propping Without Lateral Bracing: 

  • Issue: Single rows of props have been installed without any lateral ties between rows. 
  • Risk: Single rows alone lack the stability needed for fresh pours, especially under the stress of poured concrete. 
  • Recommendation: Ensure propping rows are interconnected at intervals to provide stability. Single-row propping may be acceptable for back propping after the pour is complete, but not for initial pour support. 

 

Improper Base Support and Centering: 

  • Issue: Props are resting on soft wooden sole boards, and some props are not centered on these bases. 
  • Risk: Soft sole boards and off-center props compromise load distribution and structural stability, which is not compliant with safety standards. 
  • Recommendation: Ensure props are placed on rigid, stable sole boards and are always centered to avoid uneven load distribution and potential failures. 

 

Qualified Personnel Requirement: 

  • Reminder: Falsework and propping require the expertise of trained and competent personnel. 
  • Recommendation: Only qualified tradespersons should erect and inspect these systems to ensure they meet safety standards and are fit for purpose. 

 

These reminders emphasize the hazards associated with improperly erected scaffolding and propping structures. The vibration of concrete pours necessitates secure, stable, and properly engineered setups to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety. 

For more information, refer to AS3110 1+2 standards on falsework and propping. 

 Stay safe, stay informed.

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