Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Works
Temporary works in construction are essential components that facilitate the building of permanent structures. They are often removed once their purpose is served, although in some cases, they can become part of the permanent works. Examples of temporary works include:
Hoarding and Scaffolding: These provide protection and safe and access for workers during the construction process.
Propping and Shoring: These support structures temporarily, especially during the excavation and construction phases.
Falsework and Formwork: Falsework supports structures like arches and bridges during construction, while formwork is the mold used to give the concrete its final shape.
Excavation Support: This includes structures like trench boxes that support the side walls to prevent soil collapses.
Cranes and Crane Bases: Essential for supporting the lifting equipment during the lifting operation of materials and components during construction.
Site Clearing: Involves removing vegetation, debris, and existing structures to prepare the site for construction.
Demolition: The process of dismantling existing structures that are no longer needed or that occupy the construction site.
Mass Grading and Fine Grading: These processes involve leveling and preparing the ground before construction begins.
Managing temporary works effectively is crucial for safety and efficiency on construction sites. This includes careful planning, design, and coordination, often under the guidance of a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
For those working in roles related to temporary works, gaining in-depth knowledge and skills is essential. We offer a range of courses designed to enhance understanding and competencies in temporary works. These courses cover various aspects, including safety, planning, and management, providing valuable insights and practical skills for professionals in the construction industry. You can explore these courses and find the one that best suits your needs.
Under the CDM regulations, temporary works include engineered solutions designed to support or protect structures, equipment, or excavation sides during construction or to provide access. These works need to be planned and managed, and may involve appointing a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) to ensure designs are properly prepared, checked, and erected on site. The TWC role can vary in complexity based on the project, sometimes requiring a chartered engineer. For more detailed information, you can visit the HSE website.
In the UK, the salary for Temporary Works Coordinators varies across different sources. According to data from Jooble as of February 7, 2024, the average salary is around £59,159 per year, with the range typically falling between £57,229 and £61,083. Another source, Talent.com, provides a slightly lower median annual salary of £52,500, with the range extending from £43,696 to £75,000. These figures suggest that there's a broad spectrum of potential earnings for Temporary Works Coordinators in the UK, likely influenced by factors such as location, experience, and the specific demands of the job.
For those looking to enhance their skills or pursue a career as a Temporary Works Coordinator, We offer a CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course (TWCTC). This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the role effectively, covering the legal aspects, duties, responsibilities, and the safe management of temporary works in construction. For more information and to enroll in the course, you can visit Essential Site Skills - CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course (TWCTC).
The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) plays a pivotal role in construction projects, overseeing the safety and compliance of temporary structures. Their responsibilities include managing the design, erection, and dismantling of these works, coordinating between various teams, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. The TWC must possess the authority to halt operations if safety standards are compromised and is often involved in planning construction sequences to prevent damage to the temporary works. This role typically requires expertise in engineering or construction management. For an in-depth understanding, you can refer to the HSE's guidelines on managing temporary works.
Under the CITB Site Safety Plus Scheme, refresher courses are essential to maintain certification validity. Typically, courses like TWCTC, SMSTS or SSSTS demand refreshers every five years. This ensures professionals stay current with evolving practices and regulations. It's crucial to check the CITB's official guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information on refresher course requirements. For more details, refer to the CITB scheme rules here.
At Essential Site Skills, we offer a range of refresher courses to help professionals maintain their certifications under the CITB Site Safety Plus Scheme. It's important to note that if the refresher course is not completed before the expiration of an existing certificate, delegates will be required to retake the full course. This ensures that all professionals are up-to-date with the latest safety practices and regulations. For more information on the courses we offer, please visit Essential Site Skills.
Refresher courses are intended for individuals who have previously completed the full course and whose certifications are nearing expiration. These courses are designed to update their knowledge with the latest industry standards and regulations. It's important for professionals to enroll in a refresher course before their current certification expires to avoid having to retake the full course. For eligibility details and support in booking your CITB refresher course, contact us.
Don’t forget, you can verify your certification status and expiry date using the CITB online card checker. The CITB online card checker is a valuable tool for professionals in the construction industry to verify the status and expiry date of their certifications. This platform allows individuals to ensure their qualifications are current, facilitating compliance with industry standards and job site requirements.
Taking a CITB refresher course is advisable if your certification is nearing expiration or if there have been significant updates in industry standards and regulations. It ensures your skills and knowledge remain current, maintaining compliance and enhancing safety on job sites. It also reinforces your commitment to professional development, potentially opening up more job opportunities. Check your certification status using tools like the CITB online card checker to determine if you need a refresher.
For personalised support and to schedule your training, feel free to reach out to us at Essential Site Skills.
The current British standard for temporary works, BS 5975:2019, is the Approved Code of Practice that provides comprehensive recommendations and procedural controls for the design, specification, and implementation of temporary works in construction projects. We offer the CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course (TWCTC), which is specifically designed to cover key aspects of this standard. The course aims to give attendees a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities under BS 5975:2019, including the importance of communication, coordination, cooperation and competency for the overall management of the temporary works processes. By completing this course, participants will gain the necessary skills to ensure that temporary works are properly identified, managed and carried out safely and efficiently, in line with the current British standards. For more details on how this course can help you or your team understand and apply BS 5975:2019 in your projects, contact us.
In construction, temporary works can broadly be categorised into three main types:
Access Works: This includes access scaffolding, stair towers, ladders, temporary haul road and over bridges and other structures that provide temporary access to parts of the construction site. These structures are essential for ensuring that workers can safely reach and work on different parts of the construction project.
Support Works: These are structures used to support or hold something in place temporarily during construction. Examples include flying and raking shoring schemes, formwork for concrete, backpropping, and trench supports systems. Support works are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the construction works until the permanent structure can support itself.
Protection Works: These temporary structures are designed to protect the construction works and the workers. Examples include weather protection systems, Hoarding and fencing, LPS screens, barriers, and edge protection systems. Protection works ensure safety on site and can also protect the project from environmental factors.
Understanding these types of temporary works is essential for those involved in construction, as they play a significant role in the safety, efficiency, and success of construction projects.
Temporary works in construction pose various risks, primarily due to their temporary nature and the critical roles they play in supporting permanent structures until completion. Key risks include:
Structural Failure: Improper design, construction, or overloading of temporary works can lead to collapses, endangering workers and potentially causing damage to the permanent structure.
Environmental Impact: Temporary works can be susceptible to environmental conditions such as wind, rain, and ground conditions, which can compromise their integrity if not properly accounted for in their design and construction.
Safety Hazards: The construction, use and dismantling of temporary works present various safety hazards, which could include falls from height, struck-by falling objects, overloading of the temporary and permanent works which create unwanted incidents, and potential accidents.
Coordination and Communication Errors: Miscommunication or lack of coordination between project teams can lead to incorrect assembly or use of temporary structures, increasing the risk of failure occurring.
Compliance and Legal Issues: Failure to comply with regulations and industry good practice for temporary works can result in legal penalties, project delays, and increased costs.
Mitigating these risks involves thorough planning, designing, checking and inspection, and management of temporary works, adhering to relevant standards and regulations, and ensuring effective communication and coordination among all project stakeholders.
The most common cause of temporary works failure is often attributed to inadequate planning, design, and execution. This encompasses a range of issues including:
Poor Design: Insufficient or incorrect design calculations and drawings that do not adequately account for loads, forces, or environmental conditions can lead to structural inadequacies.
Lack of Competent Supervision: The absence of skilled supervision during the erection, alteration, and dismantling of temporary works can result in improper installation, which may not conform to the design intentions.
Communication Breakdown: Failure in effective communication among the project team members, including designers, engineers, and on-site workers, can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the design and its specifications.
Inadequate Inspection and Maintenance: Insufficient regular inspections and maintenance of temporary structures to identify and rectify potential issues before they lead to failure.
Addressing these issues through rigorous design processes, competent supervision, effective communication, and regular inspection and maintenance is key to preventing failures in temporary works.
The 4Cs in temporary works refer to a framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of temporary structures in construction. They are:
Competence: This involves ensuring that all individuals involved in temporary works, from design to dismantling, are adequately qualified and experienced. Competence encompasses the knowledge, skills, attitudes and experience necessary to perform roles effectively, such as Temporary Works Designers, Coordinators, and Supervisors.
Communication: Effective communication is vital across all stages of temporary works management. This includes correct, clear, concise, and timely sharing of information between all parties involved, ensuring everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the specifics of the temporary works designs and implementations.
Cooperation: Cooperation among all parties involved in the construction project, including contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and designers, is essential. It ensures that temporary works are integrated seamlessly into the overall project plan, with all stakeholders working together towards common safety and project goals.
Coordination: Implementing robust control measures involves establishing clear procedures and protocols for the planning, design, execution, and removal of temporary works. Control measures include risk assessments, method statements, and regular inspections to ensure the temporary works are fit for purpose throughout the project lifecycle.
Adhering to the 4Cs framework helps in mitigating risks associated with temporary works, ensuring their safety, reliability, and effectiveness throughout the construction process
The roles of a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) and a Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) are both crucial in managing temporary works in construction projects, but they have distinct responsibilities:
Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC):
Oversight Role: The TWC has an overarching role in managing and coordinating all aspects of temporary works on a project.
Communication Hub: Acts as the central point of communication between designers, engineers, project management, and the construction team regarding temporary works.
Planning and Strategy: Involved in the planning phase, ensuring that the temporary works are integrated into the overall project plan effectively.
Risk Management: Responsible for identifying potential risks associated with temporary works and ensuring that appropriate control measures are in place.
Compliance and Standards: Ensures that all temporary works comply with relevant standards, regulations, and best practices.
Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS):
On-Site Management: The TWS has a more hands-on, site-based role, directly overseeing the physical aspects of the temporary works and is accountable to the TWC.
Implementation: Responsible for ensuring that the temporary works are constructed, altered, and dismantled in accordance with the approved designs and methodologies.
Safety Checks: Conducts regular inspections and checks on the temporary works to ensure their integrity and safety throughout the project.
Communication with TWC: Reports to the TWC, providing updates and feedback on the status, issues, or concerns related to the temporary works on-site.
Team Coordination: Coordinates the work of the on-site team involved in the temporary works, ensuring they understand their roles and comply with safety procedures.
In summary, the TWC has a broader, strategic role focused on coordination, planning, and compliance, while the TWS has a more focused, on-the-ground role, ensuring the safe and accurate implementation of temporary works according to the project specifications.
For professionals looking to enhance their expertise in managing temporary works, we deliver the full suite of CITB temporary works courses. These courses are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the roles of TWC and TWS effectively. Whether you're looking to assume the responsibilities of a coordinator or a supervisor, we can help you determine which course best aligns with your career goals and project requirements.
To become a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC), certain qualifications and competencies are typically required to ensure that individuals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage temporary works safely and effectively. These qualifications often include:
Relevant Experience: A background in construction, engineering, or a related field, with a solid understanding of construction processes and safety practices in the context of their abilities.
CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course (TWCTC): This course is specifically designed for those looking to take on the role of a TWC. It covers the essential aspects of temporary works coordination, including legal aspects, duties, types of temporary works, and the procedural controls to be implemented.
Health and Safety Qualifications: A sound understanding of health and safety is crucial, often demonstrated through qualifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety or IOSH Managing Safely, although specific requirements can vary by employer.
Professional Membership: Membership in professional bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) can be beneficial, though not always mandatory.
Continual Professional Development (CPD): Engaging in CPD activities related to temporary works and construction management helps in keeping skills and knowledge up to date.
Site Management Experience: Experience in site management roles can be advantageous, as it provides practical insight into the complexities of construction projects and temporary works.
For those interested in pursuing a role as a TWC, we offer the CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course, and the Temporary Works Refresher Course, among other relevant courses. These training programs are designed to equip individuals with the requisite knowledge and skills for effective temporary works coordination. To find out more about how these courses can help you meet the qualifications for a TWC, please visit contact us for further information.
The CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course (TWCTC) is a comprehensive program designed for professionals responsible for coordinating all aspects of temporary works in construction projects. This course is essential for those in roles such as project managers, site managers, and supervisors, who are involved in the planning, procurement, and management of temporary works.
Key aspects covered in the TWCTC include:
Overview of Temporary Works: Introduction to various types of temporary works and their significance in construction projects.
Legal and Safety Framework: Detailed insight into the legal responsibilities and safety requirements related to temporary works, emphasising the need for compliance with regulations such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).
Role of the Temporary Works Coordinator: In-depth exploration of the duties, responsibilities, and importance of the Temporary Works Coordinator in ensuring safe and efficient management of temporary works.
Risk Management: Strategies for identifying, assessing, and managing risks associated with temporary works to ensure the safety of all project stakeholders.
Communication and Coordination: Techniques for effective communication and coordination among all parties involved in temporary works, including designers, engineers, contractors, and other site personnel.
BS 5975:2019 Code of Practice: Guidance on adhering to the BS 5975:2019 code of practice for temporary works procedures, which is a key reference for best practices in the industry.
As a UK leader in delivering temporary works training, we have a wealth of experience in providing high-quality education and support to professionals in the construction industry. Our involvement in piloting the new temporary works refresher course showcases our commitment to staying at the cutting edge of training developments. For individuals looking to enhance their qualifications and competencies in temporary works coordination, this course is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights and skills.
For more details, you might find our blog helpful: What is a Temporary Works Coordinator in Construction Projects.
To become a Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS), individuals typically need a combination of relevant experience, specific training, and sometimes professional qualifications related to construction and engineering. The key requirements often include:
Relevant Experience: Practical experience in construction, engineering, or a related field is crucial. This provides a foundation of understanding in construction processes, safety practices, and the complexities of temporary works.
CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC): This course is tailored for those looking to take on the role of a TWS. It covers the roles and responsibilities of a TWS, the types of temporary works commonly used, and the safety and risk management processes involved in supervising temporary works.
Health and Safety Qualifications: A solid background in health and safety is essential for a TWS. This can be demonstrated through qualifications such as the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety or IOSH Managing Safely.
Understanding of Temporary Works Procedures: Knowledge of the procedures and best practices for the management, use, and dismantling of temporary works is important. This can be gained through experience and specific training courses.
Continual Professional Development (CPD): Engaging in CPD activities helps in keeping up to date with the latest industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to temporary works and construction safety.
Site Experience: Hands-on experience in supervising construction sites or specific aspects of temporary works can be beneficial, providing practical insights into the challenges and considerations of managing temporary works on-site.
For professionals aiming to fulfil the role of a TWS, we offer the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course, among other relevant training options. These courses are designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for effective supervision of temporary works in construction projects. To explore how these training programs can help you meet the qualifications for a TWS role, please view our Temporary Works suite of courses or reach out to us for more information.
The CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC) is a specialised training program designed for individuals who are responsible for supervising temporary works in the construction industry. This course aims to provide supervisors with a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities, ensuring that temporary works are carried out safely and efficiently.
Key aspects covered in the TWSTC include:
Understanding of Temporary Works: It provides a comprehensive overview of various types of temporary works used in construction and the importance of managing them effectively.
Legal and Safety Responsibilities: The course emphasises the legal obligations and safety responsibilities of a Temporary Works Supervisor, highlighting the critical role they play in preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Risk Management and Control Measures: Participants learn about identifying risks associated with temporary works and implementing appropriate control measures to mitigate these risks.
Effective Communication and Coordination: The course underscores the importance of effective communication and coordination with other construction professionals, including engineers, designers, and the Temporary Works Coordinator, to ensure that temporary works are integrated seamlessly into the overall construction plan.
Procedural Compliance: It covers the procedural framework for temporary works, as outlined in the BS 5975 code of practice, ensuring that supervisors are equipped to follow best practices and company procedures.
The TWSTC is ideal for those currently in a supervisory role or aspiring to become Temporary Works Supervisors. This course equips participants with the knowledge and skills required to oversee temporary works safely and confidently.