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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS FOR PART 20: CONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION AND DEMOLITION

IN THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION

PART 20: CONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION AND DEMOLITION

Definitions 20.1 In this Part:

"adjacent to an means within a distance less than or equal to the overall depth of the
excavation" excavation, measured from a vertical line through the toe of the excavation
face;
“application drawings” also known as erection drawings, means drawings that contain the
information necessary for the erection, use and dismantling of
formwork, falsework, reshoring and associated components and
equipment of the formwork, falsework and reshoring;
"asbestos-containing has the same meaning as in section 6.1;
material"
"construction project" means any erection, alteration, repair, dismantling, demolition, structural or
routine maintenance, painting, land clearing, earth moving, grading,
excavating, trenching, digging, boring, drilling, blasting, concreting, the
installation of any machinery or any other work deemed to be construction by
the Board;
"demolition" means tearing down, destruction, breakup, razing or removal of the whole or
part of a building or structure, or of free standing machinery or equipment that
is directly related to the function of the structure;
"excavation" means any cut, cavity, trench or depression in the earth’s surface resulting
from rock or soil removal;
“falsework” means a temporary support structure used to support loads during a
construction project;
"fill" means any soil or other loose material that is constructed to form an
embankment or a part of the foundation of a structure or improvement;
"formwork" includes the foundation, supporting structure, and mould into which concrete
will be placed; means a temporary support system used to contain cast-
in-place concrete during a construction project, but does not include
falsework;
"formwork designer" means the professional engineer responsible for the design of formwork;
“reshoring” means a temporary support system used to support a slab or other
structure and withstand loads during a construction project after
formwork and falsework have been removed;
"stockpile" means any soil or other loose material that is placed in an area for storage
but that is not intended to function as fill;
"tilt-up construction" means a system of building construction in which concrete wall panels are
placed in position in the permanent structure and temporarily braced or
supported;
"trench" means an excavation less than 3.7 m (12 ft) wide at the bottom, over 1.2 m
(4 ft) deep, and of any length.

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CONCRETE FORMWORK AND FALSEWORK

Specifications 20.17 (1) The employer must ensure that a set of plans and specifications meeting
and plans the requirements of CSA Standard S269.1-1975, Falsework for
Construction Purposes and CSA Standard CAN/CSA-S269.3-M92,
Concrete Formwork is prepared for the formwork for each job and for all
items of concrete work, the failure of which could cause injury.
(2) Erection drawings and supplementary instructions for concrete formwork,
falsework and reshoring must be certified by a professional engineer and
available at the site during erection, use and removal of the concrete
formwork, falsework and reshoring.
(3) The following types of concrete formwork require erection drawings and
supplementary information certified by a professional engineer:
(a) flyforms;
(b) gang forms;
(c) jump forms;
(d) vertical slip forms;
(e) formwork more than 4 m (13 ft) in height;
(f) suspended forms for slabs, stairs and landings;
(g) beam forms;
(h) single sided forms over 2 m (6.5 ft) in height;
(i) cantilever forms;
(j) bridge deck forms;
(k) shaft lining forms;
(l) tunnel lining forms;
(m) forms so designated by the designer of the structure.
Supervision 20.18 (1) A qualified supervisor experienced in the construction of temporary
support structures must supervise the erection and use of formwork and
falsework.
(2) Workers must be properly instructed on the hazards that they may be
exposed to and on the precautions to be taken while around or on
formwork and falsework.
Erection 20.19 (1) Erection drawings and supplementary instructions must clearly show all
drawing information necessary to accurately and safely assemble the concrete
information formwork, falsework and reshoring to the design requirements.
(2) The documents required by subsection (1) must include at least
(a) erection drawings showing sufficient plan and section views and
connection details, enlarged where necessary, to clearly describe
the formwork and permit accurate assembly,
(b) the quality and grade of materials to be used for the components
and their connection,
(c) an accurate description of proprietary items, including fittings, to
permit field identification,
(d) the load bearing capacity required of the material upon which the
sills are to be placed and, where necessary, details of procedures to
be used to develop and maintain the required capacity,
(e) the minimum dimensions of sills or other foundation members,

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(f) construction, erection and dismantling procedures which require

special attention including, where applicable, handling multi-use
formwork panels,
(g) details of supports necessary to maintain lateral stability and resist
sidesway and racking, specifying the materials, dimensions and
locations of external braces, ties, and other support devices,
(h) where structural components connect together, the connections
detailed to prevent accidental displacement or rotation of the
components,
(i) the reshore plan where applicable,
(j) details of the form or mould into which concrete will be placed,
(k) sufficient load and deflection information to permit a professional
engineer to understand the design of the concrete formwork and
falsework,
(l) the requirement for outstanding field design and detailing where
applicable, and
(m) the sequence, method and rate of load placement to prevent
overloading of any part of the formwork.
Responsibility 20.20 (1) A professional engineer must be responsible for all field designs, details
for design and changes including the effect they may have on the original design.
(2) Field designs and changes must be documented as required by section
20.19 and must be available at the site before and during placement of
concrete or other significant loading of the formwork or falsework.
Continuity of 20.21 The employer, or if the formwork affects workers of more than one employer,
engineering the owner or principal contractor, must ensure continuity of design,
construction and inspection in the event of a change of professional
engineers, or if the separate work of 2 or more professional engineers is
involved.
Equipment 20.22 (1) Equipment, materials and hardware which cannot be identified as
requirements meeting the standards specified in the professional engineer's drawings
and specifications must not be used.
(2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003.]
Concrete 20.23 (1) Protruding ends of reinforcing steel which are hazardous to workers
placing must be removed or effectively guarded.
hazards
(2) If a worker is required to be underneath the formwork during a concrete
pour or placement of another significant load, the worker must be
restricted from the areas where the loads are placed.
(3) If loads such as bundles of reinforcing steel are being placed on the
formwork, or if concrete has just been placed on the formwork, workers
must be restricted from the area under those portions of the formwork
until it can be assured that the formwork will withstand the load.
(4) Placement of concrete or other loads must stop if any weakness, undue
settlement or excess distortion of formwork of a type listed in section
20.17 (3) occurs, and may only restart after the formwork has been
repaired or strengthened as specified by a professional engineer.
(5) Loads must not be applied to uncured concrete structures except as
permitted by the erection drawings and supplementary instructions.

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Flyform 20.24 (1) Erection drawings must be detailed to show

drawings
(a) a plan view, a longitudinal section, and a cross section for each
type of flyform panel, and
(b) the weight, the calculated position of the centre of gravity and the
position of the pickup points for each type of flyform panel.
(2) The design on the erection drawings and supplementary instructions for
a flyform panel must provide that as soon as a flyform panel is landed
on a supporting surface, before anyone climbs or walks on the panel,
and before reinforcing steel or concrete is placed on the panel, the
panel must
(a) be able to resist a minimum horizontal load of 3.6 kN (800 lbs)
applied in any direction on the top edge,
(b) have a minimum safety factor against overturning about any
possible axis of
(i) 1.6 when dead load plus most severe live load configuration
plus horizontal loads are considered, and
(ii) 2.0 when dead load plus most severe live load configuration
or dead load plus horizontal loads are considered,
(c) have a minimum safety factor of 1.5 against the panel sliding along
the supporting surface, and
(d) have flyform legs placed as necessary to attain the required safety
factor against overturning.
(3) If any of the requirements of subsection (2) cannot be obtained for a
panel, the panel must, before being unhooked from the crane or hoist,
be secured to the permanent structure or an adjacent panel in a manner
specified by the formwork designer.
(4) When all flyform panels have been assembled to form a continuous
piece of concrete formwork, the concrete formwork and falsework must
meet the requirements of section 20.17 (1).
Flyform 20.25 (1) The erection drawings and supplementary instructions for flyforms must
handling show a step by step procedure for all phases of each cycle of assembly,
flying, use, dismantling and reuse of each flyform panel, including
special procedures for non-typical floors.
(2) If any flyform panel is not inherently stable for all possible conditions of
load, special notation on the flyform design documents must draw
attention to the procedure for obtaining stability.
(3) The erection drawings and supplementary instructions required by
subsections (1) and (2), including special procedures required for non-
typical floors, must be made available to workers involved in any part of
the assembly, flying, use, dismantling and reuse of each flyform panel.
Inspections 20.26 (1) Immediately before placement of concrete or other intended loading, the
employer must ensure that the concrete formwork and falsework is
inspected and an engineering certificate is issued by a professional
engineer, which
(a) indicates the specific areas inspected,
(b) certifies that the concrete formwork and falsework has been
erected in accordance with the latest approved erection drawings
and supplementary instructions, and
(c) certifies that specified reshoring is in place.

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(2) The certificate required by subsection (1) must be available at the site
for inspection by an officer.
(3) If a gang form is being reused on the same jobsite with any modification
to the gang form design or method of erection, subsection (1) applies in
relation to the reuse of the gang form.
(4) If a gang form is being reused on the same jobsite without modification
to the gang form design or method of erection certified under subsection
(1), immediately before placement of concrete or other intended
loading, the employer must ensure that the gang form is inspected by a
qualified person who
(a) confirms that the gang form has been erected in accordance with
the latest approved erection drawings and supplementary
instructions, and
(b) documents the inspection and the confirmation under paragraph
(a), including the specific location at which the gang form is being
reused and the date of inspection.
(5) The documents required by subsection (4)(b) must be available at the
site for inspection by an officer.

CONCRETE FALSEWORK AND FORMWORK

Definitions 20.16.1 In sections 20.17 to 20.26:

“specified formwork” means formwork of a type listed in section 20.17 (1) (a) to (n);

“worksite specific plans” means the worksite specific application drawings and any associated
specifications and supplementary instructions.
Application 20.16.2 Sections 20.17 to 20.26 apply only to cast-in-place concrete.

Worksite 20.17 (1) The employer must ensure that worksite specific plans are
specific plans prepared for the following types of formwork and any associated
required for falsework or reshoring:
specified
(a) flyforms;
formwork
(b) ganged forms;
(c) jump forms;
(d) vertical slip forms;
(e) formwork over 4 m (13 ft.) in height;
(f) suspended forms for beams, slabs, stairs and landings;
(g) single sided, battered or inclined forms over 2 m (6.5 ft.) in
height;
(h) cantilever forms;
(i) bridge deck forms;
(j) shaft lining forms;
(k) tunnel lining forms;
(l) formwork into which concrete will be pumped through an
injection port below the upper concrete surface;
(m) formwork over 3 m (10 ft.) in height into which self-
consolidating concrete will be placed;
(n) formwork designated by the designer of the structure.
(2) The employer must ensure that a professional engineer certifies
the following in accordance with section 20.18:

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(a) the worksite specific plans;

(b) any changes to the worksite specific plans.
(3) The employer must ensure that certified worksite specific plans
are available at the worksite during erection, use and dismantling
of the formwork, falsework and reshoring.
(4) The employer must ensure that any changes to the certified
worksite specific plans are available at the worksite
(a) as soon as practicable, and
(b) before the inspection required for placement of concrete or
other intended loading of the formwork, falsework and
reshoring.
(5) The employer must ensure that the formwork, falsework and
reshoring are erected, used and, if applicable, dismantled in
accordance with up-to-date certified worksite specific plans.
Certification of 20.18 For the purposes of section 20.17 (2), a professional engineer must
worksite certify that the worksite specific plans, and any changes to the
specific plans worksite specific plans, meet the requirements of
by professional
(a) CSA Standard S269.1-16, Falsework and formwork,
engineer
(b) section 20.20 of this Regulation, and
(c) if the worksite specific plans are prepared for flyforms and any
associated falsework or reshoring, sections 20.21 (1) and (2)
and 20.22 (1) and (2) of this Regulation.
Continuity of 20.19 In the event of a change of professional engineers or if the separate
engineering work of 2 or more professional engineers is involved, the continuity of
design, construction and inspection of formwork and any associated
falsework or reshoring must be ensured by
(a) the employer, or
(b) the owner or prime contractor, if the formwork, falsework or
reshoring affects workers of more than one employer.
Information for 20.20 (1) In order to be certified under section 20.18 (b), worksite specific
worksite plans must, subject to subsection (2),
specific plans
(a) clearly show all information necessary to accurately and safely
erect, use and, if applicable, dismantle the formwork, falsework
and reshoring, and
(b) include the following information:
(i) sufficient plan view, section views and connection details,
enlarged where necessary, to clearly describe the
formwork, falsework and reshoring and permit accurate
erection;
(ii) the quality and grade of materials to be used for the
components and their connection;
(iii) an accurate description of proprietary items, including
fittings, to permit field identification;
(iv) the load bearing capacity required of the material upon
which sills are to be placed and, where necessary, details
of procedures to be used to develop and maintain the
required capacity;
(v) the minimum dimensions of sills or other foundation
members;

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(vi) erection, use and dismantling procedures which require

special attention including, where applicable, handling
multi-use formwork panels;
(vii) details of supports necessary to maintain lateral stability
and resist sidesway and racking, specifying the materials,
dimensions and locations of external braces, ties and
other support devices;
(viii) where structural components connect together, the
connection details to prevent accidental displacement or
rotation of the components;
(ix) details of the form or mould into which concrete will be
placed;
(x) the maximum concrete slump that the form or mould is
able to withstand;
(xi) sufficient load and deflection information to permit a
professional engineer to understand the design of the
formwork and falsework;
(xii) the sequence, method and rate of load placement to
prevent overloading of any part of the formwork or
falsework.
(2) If any information cannot be provided to meet the requirements of
subsection (1), the worksite specific plans must include special
notation of the information that is incomplete and that will require
further design.
Application 20.21 (1) Application drawings for flyforms must be detailed to show
drawings and
(a) a plan view, a longitudinal section and a cross section for each
supplementary
type of flyform panel, and
instructions for
(b) the weight, the calculated position of the centre of gravity and
flyforms
the position of the pickup points for each type of flyform panel.
(2) The design on the application drawings and supplementary
instructions for a flyform panel must provide that, as soon as the
panel is landed on a supporting surface, before anyone climbs or
walks on the panel and before placement of concrete or
reinforcing steel on the panel, the panel must
(a) be able to resist a minimum horizontal load of 3.6 kN (800 lbs.)
applied in any direction on the top edge,
(b) have a minimum safety factor against overturning about any
possible axis of
(i) 1.6 when dead load plus most severe live load
configuration plus horizontal loads are considered, and
(ii) 2.0 when dead load plus most severe live load
configuration or dead load plus horizontal loads are
considered,
(c) have a minimum safety factor of 1.5 against the panel sliding
against the supporting surface, and
(d) have flyform legs placed as necessary to attain the required
safety factor against overturning.
(3) If any of the requirements of subsection (2) cannot be obtained for
a panel, the employer must ensure that the panel, before being
unhooked from the crane or hoist, is secured to the permanent
structure or an adjacent panel in a manner specified by the
designer of the formwork.

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Flyform 20.22 (1) Application drawings and supplementary instructions for flyforms
handling must show a step by step procedure for all phases of each cycle of
assembly, flying, use, dismantling and reuse of each flyform panel,
including special procedures for non-typical floors.
(2) If any flyform panel is not inherently stable for all possible
conditions of load, special notation on the flyform application
drawings and supplementary instructions must draw attention to
the procedure for obtaining stability.
(3) The employer must ensure that the application drawings and
supplementary instructions required by subsections (1) and (2),
including special procedures required for non-typical floors, are
made available to workers involved in any part of the assembly,
flying, use, dismantling and reuse of each flyform panel.
Supervision 20.23 The employer must ensure that
(a) a qualified supervisor supervises the erection, use and
dismantling of formwork, falsework and reshoring, and
(b) workers are instructed in
(i) the hazards that they may be exposed to, and
(ii) the precautions to be taken while around or on formwork,
falsework and reshoring.
Equipment 20.24 The employer must ensure that equipment, materials and hardware
requirements used in the erection, use and dismantling of formwork and any
associated falsework and reshoring meet the requirements specified in
the worksite specific plans.
Concrete 20.25 (1) The employer must ensure that protruding objects that create a
placing risk of injury are removed or effectively guarded.
hazards
(2) During placement of concrete or other significant loads on the
formwork, a person must be restricted from the areas underneath
where the loads are placed.
(3) After placement of concrete or other significant loads on the
formwork, a person must be restricted from the areas underneath
where the loads were placed until it can be confirmed by a
qualified person that the formwork is withstanding the loads.
(4) Placement of concrete or other loads
(a) must stop if any of the following occurs:
(i) weakness;
(ii) undue settlement;
(iii) excess distortion of specified formwork or any associated
falsework or reshoring;
(iv) other similar unanticipated or dangerous condition, and
(b) may only restart after the formwork, falsework or reshoring has
been repaired or strengthened as specified by a professional
engineer.
(5) Loads must not be applied to uncured concrete structures except
as permitted by the worksite specific plans.
Inspections 20.26 (1) Subject to subsection (4), immediately before placement of
concrete or other intended loading of specified formwork and any
associated falsework or reshoring, the employer must ensure that

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(a) the formwork, falsework and reshoring are inspected by a

professional engineer, and
(b) the professional engineer issues a certificate, which
(i) indicates the specific areas inspected, and
(ii) certifies that the formwork, falsework and reshoring have
been erected in accordance with up-to-date worksite
specific plans.
(2) The certificate required by subsection (1) must be available at the
worksite for inspection by an officer.
(3) If ganged forms are being reused on the same worksite with any
modification to the design or method of erection of the ganged
forms, subsection (1) applies in relation to the reuse of the ganged
forms.
(4) If ganged forms are being reused on the same worksite without
modification to the design or method of erection of the ganged
forms certified under subsection (1), immediately before
placement of concrete or other intended loading of the ganged
forms, the employer must ensure that the ganged forms are
inspected by a qualified person who
(a) confirms that the ganged forms have been erected in
accordance with up-to-date worksite specific plans, and
(b) documents the inspection and the confirmation under
paragraph (a), including the specific location where the ganged
forms are being reused and the date of the inspection.
(5) The documents required by subsection (4) (b) must be available at
the worksite for inspection by an officer.

EXPLANATORY NOTES:

The collapse of concrete formwork, falsework and reshoring is a significant worksite hazard. When plans
and construction methods do not account for loads imposed, these temporary support structures can
collapse during erection, use or dismantling. Fatalities, serious injuries and near miss incidents
associated with the erection, use and dismantling of concrete formwork and falsework have occurred in
B.C.

Sections 20.17 – 20.26 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (“OHSR”) currently state
requirements for the erection, use and dismantling of concrete formwork, falsework and reshoring.
Section 20.17 lists specific types of formwork requiring erection drawings and supplementary instructions
certified by a professional engineer.

Inspections and investigations by WorkSafeBC have identified formwork not erected or used in
accordance with the required erection drawings and supplementary instructions. Furthermore, there are
currently no requirements in the OHSR for plans to address the loads imposed on formwork due to self-
consolidating concrete (a product exerting greater pressure on formwork than regular concrete), the
properties of the concrete mix, or the method of concrete placement.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to ensure the safe erection, use and dismantling of concrete
formwork, falsework and reshoring. Overall, the proposed amendments intend to clarify the
responsibilities of employers and professional engineers.

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Proposed renumbering and change of heading:

The heading above proposed sections 20.16.1 – 20.26 is revised to “Concrete falsework and formwork”.
This clarifies the proposed requirements only apply to falsework insofar as it is used for concrete
placement. Also, sections 20.17 – 20.26 are re-sequenced to more accurately reflect the typical workflow
of design and construction of cast-in-place concrete structures.

Proposed amendments to section 20.1:

Section 20.1 contains definitions for terms used throughout Part 20 of the OHSR. The proposed
amendments revise the definition of the term “formwork” and add new definitions for the terms
“application drawings” (also known as erection drawings), “falsework” and “reshoring”.

Proposed section 20.16.1:

This proposed new section provides definitions for two new terms introduced in proposed sections 20.17
– 20.26: “specified formwork” and “worksite specific plans”.

Proposed section 20.16.2:

This proposed new section states sections 20.17 – 20.26 apply only to cast-in-place concrete. Other
concrete applications, such as shotcrete, are beyond the scope of the proposed amendments.

Proposed section 20.17:

Proposed subsection (1) requires worksite specific plans (defined in proposed section 20.16.1 as the
worksite specific drawings and any associated specifications and supplementary instructions) to be
prepared for the types of formwork listed in paragraphs (a) to (n). This ensures plans from one site are not
used on a different site without consideration of the specific circumstances. Given the hazards involved,
the list has been revised to incorporate: formwork into which concrete will be pumped through an injection
port below the upper concrete surface, battered and inclined forms over 2 m (6.5 ft.) in height, and
formwork over 3 m (10 ft.) in height into which self-consolidating concrete will be placed.

The new requirement for worksite specific plans for formwork into which self-consolidating concrete will
be placed was revised from 2 m (6.5 ft.) in height to 3 m (10 ft.) following public consultation. This change
was based on feedback received relating to financial impacts on industry and the limited availability of
engineers to certify the required plans.

Further, the proposed “gang forms” are renamed “ganged forms” to clarify the proposed regulations apply
to the assembly of ganged forms rather than to just a single panel.

Proposed subsection (2) states it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the worksite specific plans, as
well as any changes to them, are certified by a professional engineer. Further details on this obligation
are prescribed in proposed section 20.18.

Proposed subsection (3) embodies the current requirement in section 20.17(2) to ensure plans are
available at the worksite during erection, use and dismantling of formwork, falsework and reshoring.

Proposed subsection (4) requires any changes to the worksite specific plans to be available at the
worksite as soon as practicable, and before the pre-pour inspection.

Proposed subsection (5) incorporates a new requirement for the employer to ensure the formwork,
falsework and reshoring are erected, used and dismantled in accordance with up-to-date plans. This
ensures the worksite specific plans are followed.

Finally, housekeeping amendments were made to Policy Item R20.17-1 RE: Construction, Excavation
and Demolition - Concrete Formwork and Falsework - Specifications and Plans in order to reflect the
proposed amendments to section 20.17.

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Proposed section 20.18:

The proposed amendments specify a professional engineer must certify the worksite specific plans and
any changes to them meet the requirements of CSA Standard S269.1-16, Falsework and formwork and
proposed section 20.20. In the case of flyforms, the plans also need to be certified to meet the
requirements of proposed sections 20.21(1) and (2) and 20.22(1) and (2).

The reference to CSA Standard S269.1-16, Falsework and formwork replaces the 1975 version of the
standard and CSA Standard CAN/CSA S269.3 M92, Concrete Formwork. This better reflects current
industry practice while maintaining worker safety.

Proposed section 20.19:

This proposed section incorporates the requirements of current section 20.21 to ensure the continuity of
engineering.

Proposed section 20.20:

Like current section 20.19, this proposed section requires plans to clearly show all information necessary
to accurately and safely erect, use and dismantle formwork, falsework and reshoring. It also sets out a list
of specific information required in the worksite specific plans.

The proposed amendments include a new requirement to specify in the plans the maximum concrete
slump the form or mould is able to withstand. The amendment originally proposed required the plans to
specify the properties of concrete mix the form or mould was able to withstand. This requirement was
revised based on public consultation feedback. Industry needs to be able to adjust concrete mixes on
short notice to address changes in weather and other site-specific issues. The changes provide more
flexibility to adjust to changing site conditions while still ensuring the formwork is not overloaded by
concrete exceeding the maximum permissible slump specified by the professional engineer. Concrete
slump is the key property affecting the lateral pressure exerted on formwork.

Proposed subsection (2) states if any information cannot be provided, then the plans must include special
notation of the incomplete information requiring further design. The language originally proposed was
“field design”. Based on feedback received during public consultation, and for further clarity, the term
“field designed” was replaced with “further design”. This proposed requirement addresses situations
where it is not possible for the professional engineer to specify at the time some of the site-specific
information required by subsection (1). This would typically include information dependent on conditions
at the construction site such as, for example, ground conditions. Any further design will need to be
certified under section 20.18.

Proposed sections 20.21 and 20.22:

The requirements in current sections 20.24 and 20.25 are substantially retained in proposed subsections
20.21 and 20.22.

Proposed section 20.23:

The supervision and worker instruction requirement in current section 20.18 are substantially retained in
proposed subsection 20.23.

Proposed section 20.24:

This proposed section replaces current section 20.22 of the OHSR and states the employer must ensure
equipment, materials and hardware used in the erection, use and dismantling of formwork, falsework and
reshoring meet the requirements specified in the worksite specific plans.

Proposed section 20.25:

This proposed section clarifies the requirements stated in current section 20.23 relating to concrete
placement hazards.

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IN THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION

Proposed subsection (1) provides it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure protruding objects creating
a risk of injury are removed or effectively guarded. This proposed requirement addresses risks created by
steel reinforcement bars, anchor bolts and any other protruding objects.

Proposed subsections (2) and (3) expand the current requirements restricting worker access to areas
underneath formwork during and after the placement of concrete or other intended loading to apply to all
persons. Furthermore, the access restriction after placement stated in proposed subsection (3) remains in
place until a qualified person confirms the formwork is withstanding the loads. The term “qualified” is
defined in section 1.1 of the OHSR as being knowledgeable of the work, the hazards involved and the
means to control the hazards, by reason of education, training, experience or a combination thereof.

Proposed subsection (4) specifies under which circumstances the placement of concrete or other loads
must stop: when there is weakness, undue settlement, excess distortion, or other similar unanticipated or
dangerous condition. The phrase “or other similar unanticipated or dangerous condition” was added
following public consultation based on feedback received.

Finally, proposed subsection (5) ensures loads are only applied to uncured concrete structures as
permitted by the worksite specific plans.

Proposed section 20.26:

The proposed amendments to section 20.26 intend to clarify the pre-pour inspection requirements of the
OHSR. Notably, proposed subsection (1) includes inspection of the reshoring as well as certification the
reshoring has been erected in accordance with up-to-date worksite specific plans. In proposed subsection
(3), the term “gang form” is replaced with “ganged forms” to clarify the inspection requirements apply to
the assembly of ganged forms rather than to just a single panel.

The term “other intended loading” used in subsection (1) is explained in OHS Guideline G20.26
Inspections. It refers to loads such as trusses, beams, and similar elements which require temporary
support until they can be tied in and secured to perform as an effective structural system, and be self-
supporting.

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 PREVENTION MANUAL

RE: Construction, Excavation and Demolition – ITEM: R20.17-1

Concrete Formwork and Falsework Falsework and Formwork –
Specifications and Plans

BACKGROUND

1. Explanatory Notes

Section 20.17 sets out the requirements for specifications and plans for concrete
formwork and falsework falsework and formwork.

2. The Regulation

Section 20.17:

(1) The employer must ensure that a set of plans and specifications meeting
the requirements of CSA Standard S269.1-1975, Falsework for
Construction Purposes and CSA Standard CAN/CSA-S269.3-M92,
Concrete Formwork is prepared for the formwork for each job and for all
items of concrete work, the failure of which could cause injury.

(2) Erection drawings and supplementary instructions for concrete formwork,

falsework and reshoring must be certified by a professional engineer and
available at the site during erection, use and removal of the concrete
formwork, falsework and reshoring.

(3) The following types of concrete formwork require erection drawings and
supplementary information certified by a professional engineer:

(a) flyforms;

(b) gang forms;

(c) jump forms;

(d) vertical slip forms;

(e) formwork more than 4 m (13 ft) in height;

(f) suspended forms for slabs, stairs and landings;

(g) beam forms;

(h) single sided forms over 2 m (6.5 ft) in height;

(i) cantilever forms;

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(j) bridge deck forms;

(k) shaft lining forms;

(l) tunnel lining forms;

(m) forms so designated by the designer of the structure.

(1) The employer must ensure that worksite specific plans are
prepared for the following types of formwork and any
associated falsework or reshoring:

(a) flyforms;

(b) ganged forms;

(c) jump forms;

(d) vertical slip forms;

(e) formwork over 4 m (13 ft.) in height;

(f) suspended forms for beams, slabs, stairs and landings;

(g) single sided, battered or inclined forms over 2 m (6.5 ft.)

in height;

(h) cantilever forms;

(i) bridge deck forms;

(j) shaft lining forms;

(k) tunnel lining forms;

(l) formwork into which concrete will be pumped through

an injection port below the upper concrete surface;

(m) formwork over 3 m (10 ft.) in height into which self-

consolidating concrete will be placed;

(n) formwork designated by the designer of the structure.

(2) The employer must ensure that a professional engineer

certifies the following in accordance with section 20.18:

(a) the worksite specific plans;

(b) any changes to the worksite specific plans.

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(3) The employer must ensure that certified worksite specific

plans are available at the worksite during erection, use and
dismantling of the formwork, falsework and reshoring.

(4) The employer must ensure that any changes to the certified
worksite specific plans are available at the worksite

(a) as soon as practicable, and

(b) before the inspection required for placement of concrete

or other intended loading of the formwork, falsework
and reshoring.;

(5) The employer must ensure that the formwork, falsework and
reshoring are erected, used and, if applicable, dismantled in
accordance with up-to-date certified worksite specific plans.

POLICY

Occasionally a portion of formwork and falsework concrete falsework and

formwork may be designed as part of a sales or rental subcontract by a scaffold
and shoring supplier, or designed as part of the permanent structure by the
design engineer for the structure.

Generally, the "partial designs" supplied in such cases are certified by a

professional engineer, but do not contain all the information and instructions
required by section 20.20(1) of the Regulation. Typically, documents are
deficient in the area of section views, packing, blocking, and form details.
Reshoring, where required, is either not specified or not referenced. There may
also be a statement in such documents indicating or implying the documents do
not satisfy the requirements of the Regulation without further detailing.

These documents are not acceptable unless additional detailing and

documentation, certified by a professional engineer, are available at the site for
the portions of the design not covered by the "partial designs" referred to above.

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the erection drawings and

supplementary instructions are complete and comply with the Regulation.
Worksite specific plans must be complete and comply with the Regulation.
Under section 20.20(2), if any information required by subsection (1) cannot
be provided, the worksite specific plans must include special notation of
the information that is incomplete and that will require field design.

An "inspection certificate" issued by an engineer prior to pour, based on

incomplete erection drawings and supplementary instructions worksite specific
plans, is not valid.

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Officers will order concrete placing stopped if the inspection certificate is not
available at the site or is not valid.

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 1, 2001

AUTHORITY: s. 20.17, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
CROSS REFERENCES: s. 20.1816.1 – 20.26, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
HISTORY: Housekeeping changes were made on [date] to reflect the
[date] changes to the Occupational Health and Safety
Regulation (“OHSR”).
Housekeeping changes effective September 15, 2010 to delete
practice reference and make formatting changes.
Housekeeping changes were made on March 1, 2005 to reflect
the October 29, 2003 changes to the Occupational Health and
Safety Regulation (“OHSR”). This Item originally replaced Policy
No. 34.28(6) of the former Prevention Division Policy and
Procedure Manual.
Effective October 29, 2003, the reproduction of section 20.17(1)
of the OHSR in this Item was revised to reflect its amendment.
This Item results from the 2000/2001 “editorial” consolidation of
all prevention policies into the Prevention Manual. The POLICY
in this Item merely continues the substantive requirements of
Policy No. 34.28(6), as they existed prior to the Effective Date,
with any wording changes necessary to reflect legislative and
regulatory changes since Policy No. 34.28(6) was issued.
APPLICATION: This policy applies to certified plans and specifications for
formwork and falsework concrete falsework and formwork on
and after April 1, 2001.

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