Interested in learning more about our formwork training courses?
PERI offers a range of AIM-accredited bespoke Formwork and Falsework training courses. We are the only provider to offer CSCS card endorsement on successful completion of a course.
1) All climbing systems involve working at height
Working at height clearly increases the risk, especially when operatives have not been trained and are not competent to operate the machinery. Given that climbing systems are typically used on buildings higher than four storeys, it’s clear there are significant dangers for those operating them, workers on lower levels, and the public on the ground.
2) Skills gap in your workforce
With staff turnover rates across the construction industry running at around 20% [5% higher than the rate across all industries], there is a risk that when workers leave, they do not pass their knowledge and experience to others in the team. With no information passed down or gaps in the instructions provided, workers without training may not have the required knowledge to operate climbing systems efficiently or safely, such as the correct lifting techniques and points.
3) Inefficient workforce
Those without the appropriate training will not be as efficient when erecting formwork or climbing formwork systems, as they may take more time to learn on the job, often adopting a ‘trial and error’ approach that can waste time and also impact the important assembly and striking process. With training, operatives are immediately comfortable with the process, whereas those without training can spend valuable time looking at assembly brochures or drawings and waiting for confirmation from others.
4) Performance can be affected
Sites that are more complex or specify certain finishes may not achieve the desired outcome, as the way formwork is used and handled will impact the quality of the concrete and the finish. Weak form joints, offsets or poor facing material, are just a few of the problems that can be avoided with good quality training, which will also reduce the potential for expensive remedial work.
5) Getting left behind
Key players in the industry are beginning to understand and benefit from the training we offer on the erection of formwork and climbing formwork systems, actively enrolling their teams. Given that around 90% of all infrastructure projects require this type of training, it’s vital that every contractor recognises the positive impact of training to ensure they remain competitive.
6) Lifting & handling injuries
Here at PERI, we strive to develop innovative products that not only do the job for which they are designed, but where possible are easy to lift and move around site. But as with many construction-related tasks, without the appropriate training, there remains the risk of personal injury to the individual or their colleagues, caused by poor technique and a lack of knowledge.
7) Damaging equipment
Damages caused by incorrect use can be costly to repair for contractors renting equipment. In all cases, prevention is better than cure.
For example, there is a right way and a wrong way of starting out from a fixed position when using SKYDECK formwork. This involves using different sized MRK frames and components like our dropheads and propheads. Formwork training covers these aspects, so operatives know what to use in any given scenario.
Training is a cost-effective investment in the future
No training is ever a waste. And it is important for contractors to understand that without a training certificate it is difficult to assess a site operative’s competency and their ability to erect formwork and climbing formwork systems efficiently and safely, which increases the risk of injury, damage and the need for remedial work.
Whilst our training programmes address the use of formwork systems in general, there are additional risks presented when untrained operatives install climbing formwork, in addition to those outlined on the previous page.
Firstly, it is critical to know exactly where and how climbing components sit on the structure. Climbing rails need to be installed in the correct orientation and these are often installed upside down, which then requires them to be removed and reinstalled with spacers. With the appropriate professional training, this time-consuming error can be avoided.
Much of the training is general in nature to ensure whatever formwork or climbing formwork system is being used, workers will know how to move it, handle it and install it safely.
However, there are also specific details given that ensure best practice is adhered to, such as the PERI systems having different anchor sizes depending on the climbing system being used. If the wrong anchors are installed it can be dangerous and remedial work can cause unnecessary delays.
Operatives need to know how many climbing shoes the rail needs to be locked into, which are the components that the rail feeds through as it ascends.
If this is not done correctly or the rail is locked into fewer shoes as detailed in the training, then the entire system will be less secure, with the potential to tip into the building. It is also important to understand what the correct lifting position is.
Safety aspects that are covered in climbing formwork training
Having looked at the risks of working with climbing formwork systems, it is also important to understand how the training improves site safety and the personal safety of those installing and working on climbing formwork systems.
Climbing formwork systems typically have external platforms (visible on the outside) and internal platforms. External platforms are the stronger, due to their contact with the built/concrete structure and most often need to ascend before the internal platforms. This is a simple, but often overlooked aspect of working with climbing systems.
Climbing formwork systems have in-built safety features which need to be engaged correctly, such as the safety pins found on our internal platforms, which need to be locked in place prior to operation.
Guardrail posts (a safety component used to provide edge protection) must be installed with a specified number of bolts and screws, all of which must be mounted correctly to ensure safe working on the platform. Again, opting for a cheaper alternative poses a risk to those on the platform and those working below.
And finally…
As use of modular formwork and climbing formwork systems increases, to enhance productivity, safety and the quality of concrete construction, it follows that training in their use will become more important.
Demonstrating our commitment to greater site safety, we have developed a training programme to minimise the risk of injury, improve efficiency, increase productivity and reduce the risk of damage to the equipment.