SAFETY ALERT

SAFE USE OF BRACES

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Date Issued: 19 June 2026

Issued By: Shisham Stanley Group – Dean Messina, Director

Applies To: All personnel installing or handling push-pull braces and tilt panel props on site

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What Happened

During a precast panel installation, a brace spindle bent and then broke while trying to be moved into position. Investigation found that the brace had been attached to the panel at approximately a 30-degree angle across the panel’s face, rather than vertical with the panel.

The brace was forced in a direction that it was not designed to and did bend and break without warning when forced.

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Why This Is Dangerous

• A brace fixed outside its intended operating axis can bend and break suddenly, without warning if forced.

• A damaged brace can result in loss of support to a precast panel, creating a serious risk of the panel becoming unstable.

• Side loading of this kind can damage the spindle mechanism even if the brace appears to be functioning normally beforehand.
   

Required Action – All Installers

• Visually inspect braces before each use, and immediately remove from service any brace showing signs of bending, deformation, or damage.

• Before fixing the brace in position, check that it is correctly aligned with the panel’s intended operating axis – ensure the brace can move freely across the face of the panel by not over-tightening the fixing bolt.

• Never force a brace into position. If the brace does not move freely into position, release the fixing bolt on the panel, stop and reassess – do not apply side load to make it fit.

• Use the spindle only along its designed axis of movement. Do not force the brace to achieve the correct position.

• Use the product safely at all times, and remain aware of your surroundings and any personnel working in the area.

• Report any brace breakage, near miss, or suspected damage to your site supervisor and to Shisham Stanley Group immediately.
   

Reminder

Braces are engineered to operate safely within their designed axis of movement. Installing or forcing a brace outside of this axis places excessive and unintended loads on the spindle and can lead to damage or breakage. All installers must follow correct brace alignment and installation procedure at all times.