Falsework must be designed to carry all vertical, horizontal and inclined loads imposed upon it by the structure it is supporting including construction operations and wind loading. Particular care is needed to make sure that falsework has adequate lateral stability.

Falsework design should be undertaken by an experienced Temporary Works Designer.

Where proprietary equipment is used, the recommendations of the equipment manufacturers should be followed.

Guidance on the loadings on and design of falsework are given in BS EN 12812: Falsework – Performance requirements and general design,  BS 5975:2008 + A1 2011 Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework and ‘Formwork – a guide to good practice’ published by the Concrete Society.