How Jumpform Formwork Stairs Supported Two Sydney Projects

Jumpform formwork stairs provide stair-based access between a moving jumpform and its working deck as heights and interfaces change through a build. Two Sydney projects used AdjustaStairs in different configurations. At Darling Square, Lendlease needed access back down to a formwork deck across a 3.6-metre height difference as the lift shafts progressed. At Nepean Hospital, BKH and CPB needed a 600 mm-wide route between the jumpform and deck for workers carrying tools or materials. Both projects replaced ladder-based access with purpose-selected stairs: a retractable flight for Lendlease and a 600 mm-wide adjustable flight for BKH and CPB.

Two Jumpform Projects With Different Access Constraints

Darling Square was a Lendlease mixed-use development in Sydney, comprising three towers above a common podium. The towers ranged from 8 to 40 storeys, and the building core lift shafts progressed using a jumpform. Crews needed a route from the jumpform back down to the formwork deck across a vertical difference of 3.6 metres. Pasted markdown

At Nepean Hospital, BKH was the formwork contractor on the CPB project. The changing height between the formwork deck and jumpform had traditionally been accessed by an extension ladder. Workers also needed to carry tools or materials between levels, so SafeSmart supplied a 600 mm-wide AdjustaStairs flight attached to the jumpform. Pasted markdown

The two projects solved the same access problem through different configurations. Darling Square needed stairs that could move clear when the jumpform was jumped to the next level, while Nepean Hospital needed a practical stair width and adjustment range at the jumpform interface. In each case, the access configuration was matched to the formwork system and construction sequence. Pasted markdown

Why Ladder Access Did Not Fit the Work Method

A ladder connects two points, but repeated movement with tools or materials calls for a different access method. At Nepean Hospital, a stair route with handrails gave workers a defined path between the deck and jumpform while carrying equipment. The access method matched the movement task instead of relying on the extension ladder traditionally used at that interface.

Darling Square had another constraint. Access had to coexist with installation of the formwork deck. A permanently projecting flight could interfere with that stage of the cycle. The solution therefore needed to provide jumpform stair access when the deck was ready, then retract while the deck installation activity took place. The issue was not height alone. It was the relationship between access equipment and a workface that changed during each cycle.

Plan formwork access stairs around how often people move between levels, what they carry, the available landing area and the deck installation sequence. These inputs determine the stair width, adjustment range and connection required at the jumpform interface.

Using AdjustaStairs Across Changing Formwork Levels 

AdjustaStairs are articulating portable stairs with an adjustable angle between 32 and 48 degrees in the current Australian range. The treads remain level as the flight is set to the selected height and approach. Different step counts and widths allow the model to be selected around the measured vertical reach, available run and intended access route. 

The product was adapted to two work methods. Darling Square used a swivel bracket so the stair could retract and return to its access position. Nepean Hospital used a 600-mm-wide flight attached to the jumpform. Both configurations were designed around the available clearances, support points and upper and lower transitions. 

When planning a ladder alternative for formwork, product adjustability covers the changing height while project engineering integrates the stair with the jumpform and deck cycle. Resolving both parts early produces an access route that moves with the work method. 

Retractable Stairs at Darling Square

A Swivel Bracket Connected the Stair to the Jumpform 

At Darling Square, the AdjustaStairs flight was mounted to the jumpform on a project-specific swivel bracket. The bracket kept the stair connected to the jumpform while allowing it to change position for the next stage of the deck sequence. 

The 3.6-metre height difference established the required vertical reach. Model and connection selection also used the available run, landing geometry and jumpform interface. Measuring the full access route gives the design team the inputs needed to size the stair and its attachment together. 

Retraction Protected the Deck Installation Sequence 

When the formwork deck was being installed, the stair could retract on the swivel arrangement. After the deck setup was complete, the stair could be lowered to restore access. This sequence kept the access equipment responsive to the construction activity instead of leaving it fixed across the work area. 

After the deck was set up, the flight lowered back into position and restored stair access. Planning the parked position, movement path and return position with the jumpform supplier and project team integrates the retractable stair into the formwork method before work starts. 

Jumpform Access Stairs at Nepean Hospital

A Stair Route Supported Movement With Tools

The Nepean Hospital configuration used a 600-mm-wide AdjustaStairs flight between the jumpform and formwork deck. The width supported personnel carrying tools or materials between levels. Level treads and handrails created a defined route that matched the task more closely than the extension ladder traditionally used at that interface.

Select stair width around the number of users, the items they carry and the available clearance. Plan a separate handling method for materials that are not suited to personnel stairs. This keeps the stair focused on the access task while the wider work method manages loads and materials.

Adjustment Responded to the Changing Level

The access height between the jumpform and deck varied as the work progressed. AdjustaStairs were selected so the flight could be set to the required height rather than relying on one fixed stair geometry. For this application, the project adopted the stairs as a best practice replacement for ladders.

When the vertical relationship between the jumpform and deck changes, a stair system with the required adjustment range follows the work through successive levels. This reduces the need to redesign a fixed flight each time the access height changes.

Designing the Stair Configuration Around the Standards 

Darling Square applied AS 1657:2018 to the access requirement. Nepean Hospital applied AS/NZS 1576.1 and AS 1657. The selected stair configuration, supports, landing transitions and conditions of use determine how those requirements are met on the project. 

AS 1657 covers fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders, while AS/NZS 1576.1 sets general requirements for scaffolding. For jumpform access, the design process defines how the stair integrates with the formwork access system, how the landing transitions are protected and what documentation supports the installation. 

Provide the measured reach, available run, connection details, work sequence and expected access duty at the start of the design process. SafeSmart uses these inputs to select the stair model and develop a project-specific bracket or interface through its custom access design process where required.

How the Two Configurations Improved Access 

Darling Square Retained Stair Access Through the Deck Cycle 

The swivel-mounted configuration retracted for formwork deck installation and lowered again after the deck was set up. Lendlease retained a stair route back down to the working deck without leaving the flight as a fixed obstruction during that stage of work. 

Nepean Hospital Used a Purpose Selected Stair Route 

The BKH and CPB project used a 600-millimetre-wide flight that adjusted to the changing height. The stair-based route supported personnel carrying tools or materials between the jumpform and formwork deck. Its width and adjustment matched the access task and changing workface.

Planning Jumpform Access Around the Work Cycle 

Plan jumpform access around the construction cycle and the way crews use the route. A retractable connection clears the deck interface during installation, while a wider adjustable flight supports repeated movement with tools. The formwork system, access range and work sequence determine which configuration fits the task. 

Capture the vertical reach, available run, proposed attachment, retracted position and landing interfaces early. Where the level changes through the build, map the full range instead of providing one nominal height. These inputs separate the standard AdjustaStairs configuration from the bracket design and site work required at the jumpform interface. 

Resolve access before the jumpform cycle is finalised. This gives the formwork contractor, builder and access supplier one coordinated route and installation sequence. On both Sydney projects, early planning allowed the stair configuration to follow the changing workface. 

Plan Jumpform Formwork Stairs for Your Project 

Request an access review by sending SafeSmart the jumpform layout, measured level range and proposed deck sequence. SafeSmart can select the AdjustaStairs model, design the project-specific connection and outline the drawings and approvals required before installation.