Shuttering/Formwork Carpenters

Role Purpose

Fabricate, install, align, and strike formwork and falsework for foundations, columns, walls, beams, slabs, stairs, and parapets as per approved drawings, method statements, and Sharjah Municipality requirements—delivering safe, high-quality concrete shapes on programme while accounting for weather and traffic/logistics constraints.

Key Responsibilities

1) Planning & Preparation

• Read IFC/shop drawings and pour layouts; confirm dimensions, levels, chamfers, keyways, construction joints, and surface class/finish.

• Arrange materials (timber, plywood, H20/beams, steel/aluminum panels, props, ties, walers, clamps, form liners, release agents) and set up safe laydown/cutting areas.

• Coordinate with Survey for setting-out (datums/levels/offsets) and with Steel Fixers for cover/clearances.

2) Fabrication & Installation

• Build/assemble conventional and system formwork (timber/ply/steel/aluminum) to size; install falsework (props/shores) to specified spacing and capacities.

• Erect formwork to correct line, level, plumb, and rigidity with proper bracing and tie systems; fix chamfers/fillets and form liners where required.

• Provide openings/box-outs, sleeves, rebates, and edge forms; coordinate with MEP for penetrations and embedded items.

• Apply release agents uniformly; prevent contamination of rebar and construction joints.

3) Pre-Pour & Coordination

• Conduct pre-pour checks with Site Engineer/QA-QC: dimensions, alignment, tightness, support to avoid blowouts, reinforcement cover, kickers, and access for vibration.

• Secure working platforms, guardrails, and edge protection; maintain clear pump access and pour routes.

4) Striking (De-shuttering) & Protection

• Strike forms to method statement and approved times (cube strength/engineer instruction); avoid shock or damage to green concrete.

• Repair/patch minor defects to agreed procedures; protect arrises and surfaces from impact.

• Clean, repair, and stack reusable panels; segregate damaged components.

5) Quality & Documentation

• Work to ITPs and method statements; present work for MIR/WIR inspections.

• Achieve specified tolerances and surface classes; record as-built dimensions for stairs, parapets, and edges as requested.

6) HSE

• Use guards and LOTO around power tools; manage dust and noise; ensure safe lifting/handling of panels.

• Comply with scaffolding/MEWP rules, fall protection, and housekeeping standards; maintain safe access and exclusion zones.

Weather & Traffic Considerations (Sharjah/UAE)

• Heat & Humidity:

  • Schedule heavy lifting/erection and striking in early morning/evening; comply with MOHRE summer midday break.

  • Shade and cool metal/aluminum panels to prevent burns and excessive thermal expansion; pre-wet timber/ply to reduce rapid moisture loss from fresh concrete.

  • Apply release agents more frequently in hot, dry conditions; extend curing/protection of exposed arrises.

• Dust/Sand:

  • Keep contact surfaces clean before pour; cover stored panels/timber; protect fresh concrete from wind-blown sand.

• Occasional Rain/Coastal Effects:

  • Inspect sole plates/prop bases after rain; prevent slip on decks; use corrosion-resistant fixings where specified.

• Traffic & Logistics:

  • Plan off-peak or night deliveries for beams/panels; coordinate SRTA/Police permits for roadside crane setups or pump booms.

  • Stage materials close to work fronts without overloading slabs; provide banksmen for off-loading and internal movements.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5–8 years formwork/shuttering carpentry (UAE/GCC preferred) on RC buildings.

• Skilled with timber/ply and system formwork (aluminum/steel panels, H20 beams, props/ties).

• Able to read drawings/levels; strong knowledge of tolerances, bracing, falsework spacing, and safe striking times.

• Basic English for coordination; Arabic/Urdu/Hindi an advantage.

Tools & Equipment (Typical)

Circular/mitre saws with guards, drills/drivers, nail guns (as allowed), wrenches/spanners for ties, levels/laser, clamps, crowbars, props/shores, lifting tackles, measuring tapes, PPE (helmet, gloves, boots, eye/ear protection, harness).

Core Competencies

• Dimensional accuracy (line/level/plumb) & neat workmanship

• Safe erection/striking and temporary works awareness

• Interface coordination with rebar, MEP sleeves, and concrete team

• Time management and housekeeping

• Preventing blowouts, leaks, and honeycombs through tight, well-braced forms

KPIs

• First-time pass on pre-pour inspections; tolerances within spec.

• Zero formwork failures/blowouts; minimal grout loss.

• Strike and re-use cycles achieved to programme; low damage rate on panels/props.

• Zero lost-time incidents; full compliance with midday break and site traffic plan.