What Is Temporary Works? Meaning, Examples and Who Manages It

Everything You Need to Know

Temporary Works is a term that is often used in the construction industry - but what does it mean? Here is everything you need to know, including why it is important to take part in the CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course to equip yourself or your team members with all the necessary knowledge.

What are Temporary Works?

Temporary works are the parts of a construction project that are needed to build the permanent structure but do not remain once it is finished. The scaffold you stand on, the formwork that holds wet concrete, the props supporting a floor during alterations, the sheet piling holding back an excavation: all temporary works. They carry structural load or protect people during construction, which is why they are treated with the same engineering seriousness as the permanent design.

Common examples include:

• Scaffolding and temporary access platforms
• Formwork and falsework for concrete
• Excavation support, trench boxes and sheet piling
• Propping and shoring during demolition or refurbishment
• Hoardings, fencing and temporary site accommodation foundations
• Crane bases and piling platforms

In the UK, the recognised code of practice for managing temporary works is BS 5975, which sets out the procedures and the key roles: the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) who manages the process, and the Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) who oversees implementation on site.

First of all, what are temporary works? The term refers to any part of a construction project that is needed to enable the permanent works to be built, and they are usually removed after they are served their purpose. Although they are not part of the finished building, they are crucial to the construction process. Examples include:

• Scaffolding
• Shoring
• Formwork
• Falsework
• Excavation support
• Props

These all require careful design, planning, and execution to ensure they meet safety standards. Temporary Works can pose significant risks if not properly managed, so adhering to health and safety regulations at every stage is vital.

The Role of Temporary Works in Construction

Without Temporary Works, it would be impossible to build safely and efficiently, especially in large-scale projects. They must be designed and erected with as much care as permanent structures. If these are poorly planned or implemented, the consequences can be severe, leading to accidents and delays - as well as the increased costs that come with those.

Given the importance and complexity of Temporary Works, ensuring that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities is essential. This is where training becomes invaluable.

The CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course

The CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course is designed to support those with responsibility for TW with the knowledge and skills required to manage them safely. The course has been designed for those who have responsibility for managing all forms of temporary works on site and places a big emphasis on the ‘4 C’s’: communication, coordination, cooperation and competency. Those who complete the course successfully will:

• Understand the need for and duties of a temporary works coordinator
• Understand the role of others on site
• Have a detailed knowledge and understanding of BS 5975 with respect to this role

The course is valid for 5 years, and to retain your qualification you will need to take a refresher course before it expires.

Why Quality Training Matters

In an industry as high-risk as construction, ensuring that temporary works are handled properly is nothing short of essential. We are here to ensure that individuals overseeing Temporary Works have the competence and confidence to do so effectively. This will reduce risks and ensure that construction projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Talk to Us

Temporary Works are an integral part of construction, and that’s why training all the way from their construction to overseeing them is vital. To find out more about how you and your team could benefit, please get in touch with our team today.

If temporary works sit in your remit, we run the CITB Temporary Works Coordinator course (also available as a live online TWC course) and the Temporary Works Supervisor course, with weekend and weekday dates. Not sure which role fits? Read our guide to the difference between a TWC and a TWS.