When this template fits
Formwork carpenters and falsework gangs erecting, supporting and striking shutters for in-situ concrete need this formwork method statement before any pour. Because formwork is temporary works that must carry the full wet-concrete load, the principal contractor and the temporary works coordinator will not accept a generic carpentry RAMS — they need one tied to a temporary works design and a permit to strike. It is written for the formwork gang and the operative loading and releasing the shutters.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 9 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 10-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
Erect and strike formwork and shuttering.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-task planning: review the temporary works design, COSHH assessments, and risk assessments with the site temporary works coordinator. Confirm permit-to-load and permit-to-strike procedures are in place before work begins.
- 2Set up the work area: erect physical exclusion zones, pedestrian barriers, and signage below and around the formwork zone. Confirm plant segregation routes and designate a slinger/signaller for all crane-assisted lifts.
- 3Erect working platforms and edge protection: install proprietary scaffold platforms or integrated formwork platforms with full guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards before any operative works at height. Inspect and record the platform condition.
- 4Prepare formwork panels at ground level where possible: cut, assemble, and apply mould release agent to panels on the ground using mechanical lifting aids. Check all form ties, walers, and wedges are correct to the design specification.
- 5Erect and assemble formwork: lift panels into position using crane or mechanical plant under the direction of the appointed slinger/signaller. Secure each panel to the design drawing before releasing the lift. Operatives working at height must be on a secure platform or using fall arrest equipment at all times.
- 6Check and sign off before pour: the temporary works coordinator or competent person must inspect the completed formwork and falsework against the design. Issue permit-to-load only after satisfactory inspection. Clear the exclusion zone of non-essential personnel prior to concrete pour.
- 7Monitor during concrete pour: operatives must observe formwork for signs of movement, deflection, or leakage during pouring. Stop the pour immediately and evacuate if any unexpected movement is detected. Report to the temporary works coordinator.
- 8Strike formwork: only after concrete has achieved the minimum strength confirmed by the temporary works coordinator and the permit-to-strike is issued. Re-establish the exclusion zone below. Strike systematically in the sequence specified in the design — never remove props or ties out of sequence.
- 9Clear and stack: remove all formwork debris, nails, protruding ties, and offcuts immediately. Stack and store panels safely in designated laydown areas using mechanical handling. Inspect panels for damage before re-use.
- 10Post-task review: review any near-misses or observations from the task with the team. Update risk assessments or method statements if any hazards arose that were not anticipated. Confirm all permits are closed out.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Fall from height
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Design and pre-assemble formwork panels at ground level using crane or mechanical lift rather than assembling at height wherever the design permits.
- › Provide proprietary scaffold or integrated formwork platforms with full guardrails (min 950 mm top rail, 470 mm mid rail, 150 mm toe board) before operatives work at height. Collective protection takes priority over personal protection.
- › Platforms must be inspected by a competent person before first use, after any event that may affect stability, and at least every 7 days. Records must be kept.
- › Where collective protection cannot be provided (e.g. during initial erection or final strike phase), operatives must use a full-body harness with energy-absorbing lanyard attached to a suitable anchor point.
Formwork collapse
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › All falsework supporting formwork must be designed by a competent engineer (temporary works coordinator/designer) in accordance with BS 5975. No improvised or undesigned propping systems should be used.
- › Implement a permit-to-load system before concrete is poured and a separate permit-to-strike before formwork is removed. Both must be signed off by the temporary works coordinator.
- › Establish a physical exclusion zone below and around the formwork area during striking operations. Only essential operatives permitted inside the zone under direct supervision.
Manual handling injury
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Use crane, forklift, or vacuum panel lifter to move formwork panels and heavy components rather than manual handling wherever practicable.
- › Specify lighter composite or aluminium panel systems in place of traditional heavy timber or steel forms to reduce individual component weight.
- › Carry out a manual handling assessment for all formwork components. Implement team lifts and handling aids (trolleys, panel grips) where mechanical handling is not possible. Operative training in safe handling techniques required.
Struck by plant
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Establish clearly marked and physically segregated pedestrian exclusion zones within the crane and plant operating radius using barriers and signage.
- › Appoint a competent slinger/signaller to direct all crane lifts. Only the appointed signaller should communicate with the crane operator during formwork lifts.
- › All operatives in the plant operating zone must wear high-visibility vests or jackets (minimum Class 2) to ensure visibility to plant operators.
Slips and trips on formwork debris
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Maintain a daily clean-up schedule. Remove timber offcuts, bent form ties, and nails from walkways and platforms immediately. Designate skips adjacent to the work area.
- › Use non-slip board or mesh decking on formwork working platforms. Secure all boards with minimum overhang and ensure no gaps greater than 25 mm.
- › All operatives must wear safety boots with steel midsole to protect against nail penetration and steel toecap for dropped object protection.
Contact with release agent (COSHH)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Select water-based or bio-derived mould release agents in place of solvent-based products to reduce inhalation and dermal exposure risk.
- › Complete a COSHH assessment for each release agent used. Ensure SDS is available on site. Apply only in well-ventilated conditions and in the minimum quantity required.
- › Operatives applying release agents must wear nitrile or neoprene chemical-resistant gloves and close-fitting eye protection to prevent skin and eye contact.
Noise and vibration from power tools
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Specify tools with manufacturers' declared vibration and noise emission values. Prefer battery-powered or low-vibration equivalents where available.
- › Calculate daily noise and vibration exposure (LEP,d and EAV). Implement job rotation to limit individual exposure below EAV (80 dB(A) noise; 2.5 m/s² HAV) where elimination is not possible.
- › Provide and enforce use of SNR-rated hearing protection (ear defenders or plugs) when operative noise exposure exceeds 80 dB(A) or where hearing protection zones are designated.
Falling objects
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Establish a clearly defined and physically enforced exclusion zone (barriers and signage) below all formwork erection and striking operations. The zone must extend beyond the potential fall trajectory.
- › Install toe boards (min 150 mm high) at all platform edges and fit debris/safety netting below the working area to arrest falling objects before they reach lower levels.
- › Tether all hand tools used at height using tool lanyards attached to the operative's harness or wrist. Store fixings and small components in closed pouches or tool bags — never leave loose items on platforms.
- › All persons in the formwork zone must wear a safety helmet conforming to EN 397 at all times. Chin straps should be used where there is a risk of helmet loss.
Skin contact with wet concrete
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Ensure a site-specific COSHH assessment covers wet concrete exposure. Inform all operatives of risks and controls through toolbox talk before formwork operations begin.
- › Operatives must apply pre-work barrier cream and use dedicated skin-care and after-work moisturising cream to supplement PPE. Regular skin checks should be undertaken.
- › Wear alkali-resistant (nitrile or rubber) gloves and waterproof trousers/boots when working with wet concrete during striking and cleaning. Gloves must be inspected for integrity before use.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ Safety harness and lanyard where fall arrest is the selected control
- ✓ RPE per the COSHH assessment
- ✓ Chemical-resistant gloves
- ✓ Hearing protection (to the assessed SNR)
Competence
- ✓ Site induction completed; CSCS or equivalent where the site requires it
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
Plant & equipment
- › Proprietary panel/wall and soffit formwork systems
- › Adjustable steel props and falsework
- › Nail/finishing guns
- › Release-agent rollers or sprayers
- › Push-pull props and aligning struts
- › Formwork access platforms
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ That the temporary works design and a named temporary works engineer/coordinator are referenced — reviewers reject formwork RAMS with no TW involvement
- ✓ That a permit-to-strike sequence and strength criteria are documented, not just 'strike when cured'
- ✓ That nail guns are specified as sequential-trip with PUWER-trained operators
- ✓ The document is site-specific — real address, access arrangements and dates, not a generic template
- ✓ Hazards match the actual task and the controls are specific (not “take care” and “use PPE”)
- ✓ Named supervisor and competent person, with operative sign-off space
- ✓ Emergency and rescue arrangements that work for this site
The report builder runs these as pre-submission checks before you download — or run an existing document through the free RAMS pre-submission checker.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides when formwork can be struck?
Striking is authorised by the temporary works coordinator, in writing, against criteria set by the temporary works engineer — usually a specified concrete strength confirmed by cube results or maturity monitoring, not just an elapsed time. Striking early or out of sequence can cause the partially-cured element or the falsework to fail. The formwork RAMS must reference the TW design and the permit-to-strike procedure rather than leave the decision to the gang on site. This is a core BS 5975 control.
Is formwork classed as temporary works?
Yes. Formwork and the falsework supporting it carry the full load of wet concrete plus construction loads, so under BS 5975 they are temporary works requiring a design, an appropriate design check and a temporary works coordinator. A formwork RAMS that does not reference a temporary works design will be rejected by any competent principal contractor. The RAMS describes how the gang erects, loads and strikes to that design; the design itself is a separate, checked document.
What regulations apply to formwork?
Work at Height Regulations 2005, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, PUWER 1998 — Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations are the main ones, alongside Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM 2015 apply to all construction work.
Does a method statement need to be site-specific?
Yes — this is the most common reason documents get sent back. Principal contractors reject generic copy-paste RAMS. Your document should name the site, access arrangements, dates, supervisor and any site-specific hazards. The RamsDocs builder fills these in for you and flags what's missing before you download.
Is this template free?
Yes — everything on RamsDocs is free during early access, including building a site-specific version of this RAMS and downloading the PDF. No card required.