Perimeter Screens

References:  R Record keeping requirement | E An engineering/certification requirement | P A permit to work requirement | S A safe work method statement (SWMS) / written plan


Note: This section is to be read in conjunction with:

  • Section: Formwork
  • Section: Work at Heights – General
  • Section: Edge Protection
  • Section: Fall Injury Prevention Systems (Fall Arrest / Fall Restraint)
  • Section: Overhead Works Coordination


Informative


There are two types of perimeter screens, hydraulic screens (self climbers) and static screens (which are lifted by the crane/s)


​​​​​​​Hazards


Potential hazards include, but are not limited to:

  • Falls from heights
  • Falling objects
  • Adverse weather conditions
  • Structural collapse

Design and Planning


  • During design and planning, consideration must be given to delivery, assembly, installation, climbing/jumping, splitting and dismantle / removal and any other requirements as specified by the manufacturer / supplier. See Section: Risk Management.


E Perimeter screens must be:

  • Designed by a Qualified Person (engineer)
  • Detailed on up to date drawings/plans
  • Designed allowing for site specific conditions including the buildings profile and effect of wind loadings as the height increases.
  • Designed to provide sufficient structural redundancy such that the failure of a single fixing or connection point will not result in a catastrophic failure (see Recommended perimeter screen connection configurations - figures 2, 3 and 4).


Click on the image for an enlarged version

Click on the image for an enlarged version

Click on the image for an enlarged version

Perimeter screen configuration (inc. trailing deck positions) must be drawn to scale for typical and non-typical levels of the structure to enable review and confirmation that the assembly, installation, climbing/jumping, splitting and dismantle / removal sequence does not result in any clashes, gaps or similar.

Click on the image for an enlarged version

Click on the image for an enlarged version

​​​​​​​E Changes to the design of the perimeter screen must be authorised and signed-off by a Qualified Person (engineer).

  • Perimeter screens must:
  • Extend at least two (2) metres above the highest formwork deck
  • Have SWL signage displayed on each working deck (where installed)
  • NSW, VIC, WA - Have an identification number


Operational


S SWMS is required for perimeter screen, assembly, use, modification, and disassembly. SWMS are required to be submitted to MPX for review prior to perimeter screen activities.


R Workers involved in perimeter screen work are required to be inducted into the SWMS and trained in accordance with the manufacturers/supplier’s requirements.

  • The screen crew must include a nominated person who is responsible for the direction and coordination of the assembly components and the lifting screens. 
  • VIC – The nominated person must be suitably trained and hold as a minimum a Basic Rigging (RB) HRWL.
  • Workers involved in rigging work associated with perimeter screens must hold at least a Basic Rigging (RB) HRWL. Refer to:
  • Training and Competency schedule


R Perimeter screens and associated components must be installed and inspected in accordance with engineering /manufacturer’s specifications, refer to:

  • Plant and Equipment Schedule


E NSW, WA, VIC Critical elements (e.g. lifting points, needles) must have non-destructive testing (10% minimum) conducted prior to erection, records must be available.

  • Perimeter screen mesh must be constructed from materials in accordance with design specifications
  • The gap between the formwork/slab edge/floor and perimeter screen should be minimised as far as reasonably practicable and be protected by installing fixed plywood covers/flaps, rubber deflector shields or similar and be secured in position.


  •  Intermediate and trailing decks must be kept clean, free of debris / materials.
  • A calibrated torque wrench must be used as specified for tightening/torquing of fasteners, a rattle gun or similar must not be used, over torquing fasteners causes stress, cracking or similar – refer to manufacturer / supplier specifications
  • Prior to climbing or lifting screens:
  • Concrete slabs must be confirmed as having achieved sufficient strength
  • Any partial/or nonstandard deck that has been added to the screens must be removed


R Pre and post perimeter screen jump inspections must be completed and recorded by the formwork subcontractor and verified by MPX.

  • Perimeter screen climbing / lifting operations must be constantly observed by a spotter allocated on each level and elevation. Where issues are identified that compromise the operation, the operation must be suspended.
  • Two-way radio communications must be established between workers involved with climbing screens e.g., Supervisor, screen crew, crane crew and spotter(s).


Legal and Other Requirements


Document Control


Version 1 August 2019 – New Standard


Version 2 August 2022 – Additional handbook references included along with requirements relating to design and planning, SWMSs, and competency requirements.