Industry Survey: Management of Formwork Structure and Scaffold Components 

The WSH Council (Construction and Landscape) Committee is seeking feedback from industry on the management of formwork structure and scaffold components (collectively termed “temporary works components”) in the construction industry.  

“Temporary works components” in this survey refers to all elements primary and ancillary to the complete system of formwork structures or scaffolds, including frames, modular components, tubes, braces, adjustable base and u-heads, runners, walers, tie rods, anchors and any connectors and fittings. 

This survey seeks to identify potential gaps in the management of traceability and reusability for temporary works components, and to explore good industry practices that could be adopted. 

We thank you for your support and feedback. This survey will close on 31 May 2024.

*The information you provide above is subjected to the WSH Council’s Personal Data Policy.

Questions
The terms below are defined as follows and apply:
• Traceability – ability to trace back a material to its original source as delivered from the mill, through proper identification and quality assurance system.
• Reusability – ability of the used material to be reused and to perform adequately as anticipated in the design. 

1) When purchasing new or used temporary works components, please indicate if your company obtains or do not obtain documents relating to:
i. Traceability (e.g. manufacturer information, product marking, heat/batch mill certificates etc)
ii. Technical specifications (e.g. material properties, material standards, design criterion etc)
iii. Instruction manuals (e.g. assembly instructions, parts schedules etc)
iv. Factory production control (e.g. documentation of inspection, testing and control of raw materials, production equipment etc)
v. Production conformity testing (e.g. in-house QA/QC tests, 3rd party tests etc) from the manufacturer/supplier?   
2) Does your company carry out reusability assessment of temporary works components (eg. inspect for damage, corrosion, classify fit/unfit-for-use/reuse)? 
3) Does your company have procedures to conduct batch testing of temporary works components at local SAC-SINGLAS laboratories to verify the performance of new materials (or reusability of reused materials) to local standards such as SS580, SS280 Parts 1 and 2, SS659, or to specifications indicated by the manufacturer? 
4) When purchasing new or used temporary works components does your company obtain documented procedures with criterions for inspection, maintenance, cleaning, repair, disposal and storage from the manufacturer/supplier? 
5) Does your company develop and document your own procedures with quantifiable criteria for inspection, maintenance, cleaning, repair, disposal and storage? 
6) Are there designated person/s (e.g. engineers, supervisors or site checkers) in your company to carry out the above (1 – 5) checks? 
7) If you are sub-contractor using new or used temporary works components in a construction worksite, do main contractors require documents supporting:

i) Traceability (e.g. manufacturer information, product marking, heat/batch mill certificates etc) 
ii) Technical specifications (e.g. material properties, material standards, design criterion etc)
iii) Instruction manuals (e.g. assembly instructions, parts schedules etc)
iv) Factory production control (e.g. documentation of inspection, testing and control of raw materials, production equipment etc); 
v) Production conformity testing (eg. in house QA/QC tests, 3rd party tests etc)  
8) If you are a sub-contractor using new or used temporary works components in a construction worksite, does the main contractor require documented procedures with criterions for inspection, maintenance, cleaning, repair, disposal and storage from the manufacturer/supplier? 
9) Does your company have a system to ensure adequate instruction, information and training are provided to persons and their supervisors before they use temporary works components? 

10) Is your company familiar of your duties as an Employer, Principal or Occupier with respect to temporary works components and their safe use? 
11) Does your company think the quality of material and workmanship for temporary work components affects workplace safety and health?

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