Falsework verticality: Leaning towards danger?

Abstract

Falsework collapses are no longer common in the UK following publication of national falsework standard BS 5975 in 1982. However, this seems more due to under-loading of modern falsework systems than the industry's ability to erect them properly. A survey three years ago of 11 UK construction sites revealed lack of verticality of uprights has changed little since a previous survey 12 years earlier. However, though two sites failed the British standard, all passed the new European standard, EN 12812. This paper summarises the findings of the survey and highlights the risk of imposing a full 'safe working load' on falsework given current industry practice and the recent introduction of more relaxed rules.