Temporary Works Safety is required on most construction projects, but understanding what temporary works are and how to manage them adequately is technically challenging.  The Code of practice used for temporary works procedures is BS 5975:2019 and defines temporary works (TW) as:  “Those parts of the works that allow or enable the construction of protecting, support or provide access to the permanent works and might or might not remain in place at the completion of the works.”

A simpler definition could be a structure or item of plant that is not self-supporting and could pose a safety hazard if it fails.  Temporary works are the elements of construction that are needed to facilitate the construction of the permanent works and will, most often, be removed once construction is complete. Examples of where Temporary Works Safety comes into focus include the following non-exhaustive list:

• Hoarding and Barriers
• Scaffolding, Bridge Beams and Towers
• Propping and wall support systems
• Shoring, trench boxes and excavation support
• Falsework, formwork and
• Cranes foundations and fixings
• Traffic Plans and traffic Signage and lighting
• Temporary anchorage points, temporary edge protection, etc

There may be times when temporary works are incorporated into permanent works. For example, haul road foundations may be ultimately used for permanent access roads. However, in the majority of cases, temporary works are only in place during construction. Because of this, the design of temporary works does not always get the scrutiny and diligence required but the HSA and HSE will frequently review same during site inspections.  Design Risk assessments and work sequencing can have a big influence on temporary works.

A lack of awareness or poor planning of temporary works could cause structures to fail or put workers at risk of injury. Incidents, temporary works failures and poor planning will also cause project delays.  At the design stage, the Principal Designer in the UK and/or the Project Designer Design Phase (PSDP) in Ireland, along with the design team, should identify expected temporary works for the project. Based on this information, the Principal Contractor (in the UK) or the PSCS (in Ireland) should create a Temporary Works Register to monitor and manage all the temporary works required for the project.

The Temporary Works Coordinator

To manage the various elements, it is necessary that a competent person is in place to plan, organise, develop and control all temporary works. While it is not a legal requirement, it is good practice to appoint a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) under the relevant standard BS 5975:2019.

On small projects, with simple temporary works needs, a TWC is not essential however, it is necessary to ensure a safe system of work at all times, and that all involved are suitably trained.  Often, the temporary condition can be managed by using a particular method and sequence to carry out work, i.e. if the structure and the site can be kept in a safe condition and safe access throughout the process, then plant, equipment and non-permanent works may be minimised or not required.

This means that permanent works designers play a critical role in determining the number of temporary works a project will require. Selecting a build method, sequence, system of work, associated equipment and a suitable workforce involves making decisions based on a large number of variables.

Temporary Works Process

All temporary works must be designed carefully and subjected to a detailed and written Risk Assessment. However, in many cases, this is a standard design or specification from a product manual. e.g. standard scaffolds or hoarding systems. However, there are many unique items, and bespoke bridge beams,  scaffolds or hoardings, where a design is required. For a temporary works design to be developed, it is essential that there is coordination between the Temporary Works Designer and Permanent Works Designer, with this process aided by the Principal Designer and/or the PSDP.

Temporary Works Design Cert (TWDC)

All temporary works should have a TWDC in place that has been signed by the Temporary Works Designer and/or the PD/PSDP to confirm safe design of the Temporary Works feature has taken place.

EHS International Temporary Works Support

Call EHS International on +353 21 2066006 or email us on [email protected]