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Temporary Works can be described as providing an engineered solution to support or protect the permanent works during construction. BS 5975-1:2024 clause 4.1.1.1 provides full description and examples.

More information

View topic 1.1 Examples of temporary works in our Management Guide for more information.

Examples of temporary works include:

1. Supporting or protecting either an existing structure or the permanent works during construction, modification, or demolition.
2. Provision of stability to the permanent structure during construction, pre-weakening, or demolition (e.g. propping, shoring, façade retention etc.).
3. Securing a site or providing access to a site or workplace on site or segregation of pedestrians and vehicles (e.g. hoarding, haul roads, fencing, stairs).
4. Supporting or restraining plant, materials, or equipment, including stability of water-borne craft.
5. Provision of earthworks or slopes to an excavation or supports to the side or roof of an excavation or supports or diversions to watercourse during construction operations.
6. Providing a safe platform for work activity on land or water (e.g. jetty, scaffolding, edge protection or towers)
7. Providing measures to control noise, dust, debris, fume, air quality, groundwater or any site discharges during construction or demolition (e.g. screens, bunds, de-watering, demolition debris).
8. Providing protection or support to services
9. Facilitating testing (e.g. pressure testing pipes, pile testing, pre-demolition floor load capacity testing)

More information

View topic 1.1 Examples of temporary works in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.10 defines a standard solution as comprising a suitable arrangement for which the basic design work has already been carried out and presented in a tabular or other easily assimilated form, and for which no further structural calculations are necessary. The choice of a standard solution can be influenced by such matters as availability of material and the particular experience of the supervisory and construction workforce.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 9.5.4 states the supplier should provide technical data in the form of arrangements of their equipment based on certain conditions of use. These arrangements, known as standard solutions and often presented in a tabular or readily assimilated format, should relate to the supplier’s products only.

BS 5975-1:2024 table 2 categories standard solutions as Category 0 requiring a design check to verify that the application selected suits the limits and conditions. The independence of the check should be established by the person selecting the standard solution obtaining approval from a second competent member of either the site or design team. The degree of formality should be determined by the organization. 

More information

View topic 1.3 Choice of temporary works in our Management Guide for more information.

There are many contributing factors that can cause structures to collapse. These can be attributed to the product, process and people, or the human factor. These are referred to as the 3 P’s. 

Product failures

• not built correctly (most common product cause)
• damaged component parts
• lack of design 
• overloaded
• inadequate foundations 
• lack of maintenance
• not checked prior to installation
• unauthorised modifications 

Process failures

• no procedure or inadequate procedure
• procedure not being followed (most common process cause)
• procedure not compliant with legislation or BS 5975 
• people not trained on procedure.
• no design check
• not authorised for use
• inadequate quality control
• hold points not identified (go to topic 5.4 Inspecting and testing temporary works to find a definition of a hold point)

People failures

• not appointed
• not aware of responsibilities 
• not experienced
• not trained
• lacking competency
• poor communication (most common people cause)
• the ‘human factor’ 

Communication failures

• missing information
• unnecessary information
• inaccurate information
• poor or variable quality of information
• misunderstandings
• failing to carry forward information to successive shifts

More information

View topic 1.4 The causes and consequences of failure and 2.4 Avoiding failure in our Management Guide for more information.

The Bragg Report presented its findings considering two key elements with Part 2 covering the technical reasons for the collapse and Part 3 covering the procedural inadequacies.

Click here to view the 27 principal recommendations made in the Bragg Report.

More information

View topic 2.1 The Bragg Report in our Management Guide for more information.

The following health and safety regulations and guidance applicable to the construction industry relate to the management, design and build of temporary works and those reflected in the BS 5975-1:2024 Part 1.  

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 

Regulation 3 - risk assessment 

Regulation 5 - health and safety arrangements

Regulation 7 - health and safety assistance

Regulation 7 - capabilities and training

Associated guidance  

HSG65 Managing for health and safety

HSG48 Reducing error and influencing behaviour

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 

Regulation 5 - suitability of work equipment 

Regulation 5 - maintenance

Regulation 6 - inspection

Associated guidance  

L22 Safe use of work equipment

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 

Part 4 general requirements for all constructions sites:

Regulation 19 - stability of structures  

Regulation 22 - excavations

Regulation 23 - cofferdams and caissons

Associated guidance  

L153 Managing health and safety in construction 

Provides guidance on the legal requirements for CDM 2015 to help anyone with duties under the Regulations. It describes:

• the law that applies to the whole construction process on all construction projects, from concept to completion; and
• what each duty holder must or should do to comply with the law to ensure projects are suitably planned and conducted in a way that secures health and safety. 

Work at Height Regulations  

Regulation 12 - inspection of work equipment

Regulation 13 - inspection of places of work at height

Schedule 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Associated guidance  

HSG33 Safety in roof work

BS 8539 Code of practice for the selection and use of post installed anchors in concrete and masonry

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 

Regulation 4 - strength and stability

Regulation 5 - lifting of persons

Regulation 9 - thorough examination and inspection

Associated guidance  

BS 7121 Safe use of cranes 

More information

View topic 2.3 Summary of law and guidance and topic 4.3 Design and build guidance in our Management Guide for more information.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations Part 4 states the general requirements for all constructions sites. In relation to the design and build of temporary works, the following must be considered, if applicable: 

• Regulation 8(4) - duty holders to cooperate with other duty holders
• Regulation 9 - duties of designers (includes temporary works designers)
• Regulation 11 - duties of a principal designer
• Regulation 13 - duties of a principal contractor
• Regulation 19 - stability of structures  
• Regulation 22 - excavations
• Regulation 23 - cofferdams and caissons

HSE's legal guidance L153 Managing health and safety in construction provides guidance on the legal requirements for CDM 2015 to help anyone with duties under the Regulations. It describes:

1. the law that applies to the whole construction process on all construction projects, from concept to completion; and
2. what each duty holder must or should do to comply with the law to ensure projects are suitably planned and conducted in a way that secures health and safety. 

Key elements to securing construction health and safety include:

1. managing the risks by applying the general principles of prevention; 
2. appointing the right people and organisations at the right time; 
3. making sure everyone has the information, instruction, training and supervision they need to carry out their jobs in a way that secures health and safety; 
4. duty holders cooperating and communicating with each other and coordinating their work; and 
5. consulting workers and engaging with them to promote and develop effective measures to secure health, safety and welfare.

More information

View topic 2.3 Summary of law and guidance in our Management Guide for more information.

Under Regulation 4 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are mandated to ensure that proposed risk control measures are in place and follow the general principles of prevention. 

Regulation 4 Schedule 1 states the following:

• (a) avoiding risks;
• (b) evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided;
• (c) combating the risks at source;
• (d) adapting the work to the individual, especially as regards the design of workplaces, the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and production methods, with a view, in particular, to alleviating monotonous work and work at a predetermined work-rate and to reducing their effect on health;
• (e) adapting to technical progress;
• (f) replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or the less dangerous;
• (g) developing a coherent overall prevention policy which covers technology, organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and the influence of factors relating to the working environment;
• (h) giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures; and
• (i) giving appropriate instructions to employees.

These principles are a requirement of the Management Regulations and apply to all industries, including construction. They provide a framework to identify and implement measures to control risks on a construction project, including temporary works. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 9 (for designers) and 13 (for contractors) both state that the general principles of prevention must be applied.

More information

View topic 2.4 Avoiding failure in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.3 provides a summary of control measures relating the design and execution of temporary works. These can be mitigated or controlled as follows:

Controlling design risk

1. Principal Contractor determining design specification
2. The site team completing a design brief
3. The TWC reviewing and issuing the design brief to the TWD
4. The TWD and TWC selecting an appropriate design check category referring to table 2
5. The TWDC reviewing the TWD’s design and issuing a design check certificate 

Controlling build risk

1. The site team assessing execution risks
2. The project team reviewing execution risk assessment
3. The TWC determining the implementation risk classification referring to table 1
4. Issuing permits to being into use and take out of use
5. TWS carries out quality control which includes regular monitoring, inspection and maintenance 

More information

View topic 2.4 Avoiding failure,  Chapter 4 for design risk control and Chapter 5 for  build risk control in our Management Guide for more information.

The training you need will be related the your job role. Click here to learn more about the temporary works training course that is right for you.

More information

View topic 3.2 Temporary works competency and training in our Management Guide for more information.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 8, found in L153 page 23 places general duties on any person who is responsible for appointing designers and contractors to satisfy themselves they are competent. In addition, a designer or contractor must not accept an appointment to a project unless they are competent.

The acronym SKATE is often used to help understand the key attributes that determine competency. These can be described as follows: 

• Skill -  understanding and setting the required quality standards and the ability to perform to the same standard repeatedly
• Knowledge -  understanding how to do the job and being able to demonstrate and explain what to do and how to do it to others 
• Attitude - the expected behaviours in a critical role and leading and setting an example to others 
• Training -  gaining new knowledge or skills, or maintaining existing skills through continuous personal development (CPD), gaining a new qualification, or updating an existing one  
• Experience -  gained over time by applying skills and knowledge practically and learning lessons to maintain the required standards 

More information

View topic 3.2 Temporary works competency and training in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 4.2.1 states that all those managing or influencing temporary works should have, as a minimum:

1. An understanding of the procedures outlined in BS 5975-1:2024 Section 2 
2. Up-to-date knowledge of their organization’s procedures 
3. An understanding of the principles of risk management 
4. Technical knowledge to both the role and the complexity of the work 
5. Practical knowledge relevant to the complexity of the work

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.3.2.1, and clause 8.3.4.1, states that the designated individual should be satisfied the temporary works coordinator and supervisor have the necessary competency. This requirement should also extend to all those managing or influencing temporary works in the wider project team.

More information

View topic 3.2 Temporary works competency and training in our Management Guide for more information.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 8(1)(2)(3) places general duties on any person who is responsible for appointing designers and contractors to satisfy themselves they have the organisational capability.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.1.7, states that whilst the Principal Contractor has the overall duty to safely execute temporary works, responsibilities could be delegated to contractors, that if authorised, would have a duty to safely execute temporary works within their control.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.1.7, also states that the Principal Contractor should carry out a vetting process, otherwise known as pre-qualification process. 

Whilst BS 5975-1:2024 does not suggest any specific method to use for checking organisational capability, L153 Managing health and safety in construction page 24 provides guidance summarised as follows: 

• Those making appointments will find the standard health and safety questions in PAS 91:2013 (Publicly Available Specification) Construction related procurement - Prequalification questionnaires a useful aid. 
• Designers or contractors can use the services of an independent (third party) assessor to assess their organisational capability. If they do, there are companies that provide pre-qualification assessment services, including those who are members of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) Forum.
• The Common Assessment Standard comprises an industry-agreed question set and corresponding assessment standards for the pre-qualification of suppliers. Companies apply to a Recognised Assessment Body under the umbrella of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) for the certification level that is most appropriate for their business based on a range of factors. 
• TW21.081 TWf Information Sheet No 13 Pre-qualification questionnaires provides a list of sample questions relating specifically to temporary works procedures to supplement PAS 91.  

Considerations

1. Who in your company issues pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) to designers and contractors?
2. Who in your company assesses PQQs received from designers and contractors?
3. Do you PQQs have any questions relating to temporary works procedures?

More information

View topic 3.3 Temporary works procedures in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.4.3 states that the Principal Contractor (PC) should verify the competency of temporary works designers (TWD) and temporary works design checkers (TWDC). This is usually achieved by issuing, and reviewing, a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) that could be issued and managed by technical or design team managers.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.1.6 states that a contractor’s procedures should include measures for appointing competent people into the roles of TWC, TWS, TWD and TWDC.

All those managing or influencing temporary works should be formally appointed in writing. This should extend to the wider project team. 

Principal Designer (PD)

• Appointed by the Client under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 regulation 5
• For temporary works, by the Client's DI under BS 5975-1:2024 under clause 6.3.2(a)

Principal Contractor (PC)

• Appointed by the Client under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 regulation 5
• For temporary works, by the Client's DI under BS 5975-1:2024 under clause 6.3.2(a) 

Designated Individual (DI)

• Appointed by the organisation that employs them under BS 5975-1:2024 under clause 5.1.2.1

Permanent Works Designer (PWD)

• Appointed by the DI of the organisation that employees them, and verified by the PC's or Contractor's DI under BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.2
• Has duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 regulation 8   

Temporary Works Designer (TWD) and Temporary Works Design Checker (TWDC)

• Appointed by the DI of the organisation that employees them, and verified by the the PC's or Contractor's DI under BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.1
• Has duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 regulation 8

PC's Temporary Works Coordinator (PC TWC)

• Appointed by the DI of the organisation that employees them under BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.3.2.1

Contractor's Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)

• Appointed by the DI of the organisation that employees them under BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.3.3.1

PC's or Contractor's Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)

• Appointed by the DI of the organisation that employees them under BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.3.4.2
• Appointment could be delegated to the TWC under BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.3.4.4

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works appointment letter template. This document can be used to formally appoint all of those duty holders shown above.

Need a complete temporary works document pack?

Click here to download all temporary works document templates.

More information

View topic 3.3 Temporary works procedures in our Management Guide for more information.

What are they responsible for?

Providing information and assisting the principal contractor in controlling temporary works.   

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 6.1 provides guidance on the various roles the Client could undertake and their respective duties. 

More information

View topic 3.1 Temporary works roles and responsibilities in our Management Guide for more information.

What are they responsible for?

Ensuring a coherent construction method and temporary works do not affect permanent works, sharing information that might influence temporary works and, collating information for the health and safety file. 

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 7.5 provides guidance on their duties. 

More information

View topic 3.1 Temporary works roles and responsibilities in our Management Guide for more information.

What are they responsible for?

Overall responsibility for establishing and maintaining a temporary works procedure for the site, verify the PC's TWC's, TWC's, competency and contractor's capability by reviewing their procedures for approval. 

BS 5975-1:2024 clauses 5.1.2.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.3, 8.2.4, 8.2.5 and 8.2.6 provides guidance on their duties. 

More information

View topic 3.1 Temporary works roles and responsibilities in our Management Guide for more information.

What are they responsible for?

PC's Temporary Works Coordinator (PC TWC)

Overall responsibility for coordination of all temporary works activities across the site and implementing their companies approved procedures. May be given responsiblity to verifying the PC's TWS's competency. Ensure the PC's TWS is aware of their duties for checking temporary works.

BS 5975-1:2024 clauses 10.2.3 and 10.2.4 provides guidance on their duties. 

Contractor's Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)

Single point of contact for providing and receiving information from the PC's TWC and the contractor's site team. Responsible to implementing their companies approved procedures and may be given responsiblity to verify the TWS's competency. Ensure the TWS is aware of their duties for checking temporary works. 

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 10.3.3 provides guidance on their duties. 

More information

View topic 3.1 Temporary works roles and responsibilities in our Management Guide for more information.

What are they responsible for?

Assist the PC's TWC, or TWC, in confirming the site is operating in accordance with approved procedures and for day-to-day the supervision and checking of temporary works.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 11.2.3 states that the TWS should only issue the temporary works permit if they have been authorised, usually by the PC’s TWC, or relevant TWC, AND where the implementation risk class is very low or low.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause provides guidance on their duties. 

More information

View topic 3.1 Temporary works roles and responsibilities in our Management Guide for more information.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 19(2)(a), states any temporary support or structure must be designed, installed and maintained to withstand any foreseeable load which may be imposed upon it.

Permanent works designer

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 7.3 provides a list of duties of permanent works designers. In summary, they are responsible for identifying and making provision for temporary works in their design. They should consult with the Principal Contractor through the Principal Designer.

Principal designer

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 7.5 provides a list of duties of the Principal Designer. In summary, they should verify that permanent works designers have identified temporary works in their design and their chosen methodology for construction is logical. They should verify the proposed temporary works design does not affect the permanent works. They should consult with the PC’s TWC in all matters relating to temporary works.

Temporary works designer 

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 7.4, and clauses 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5 provides details of temporary works designers responsibilities. These include:

1. Base their design on the design brief.
2. Provide details of any modifications required where requirements of the design brief cannot be fully accommodated.
3. Choose appropriate design standards and other technical guidance and provide a list of those used.
4. Identify loads that act on the temporary works.
5. If selecting a standard solution, take into full account the limitations of these designs and consult with all data and other technical guidance provided by the   manufacturer, or supplier.
6. Provide sufficient information to the TWC so the temporary works scheme can be checked and built correctly.
7. Assess the capability of non-proprietary materials or equipment for bespoke designed solutions to ensure they can resist loading conditions, and, where appropriate, arrange for testing.
8. Where the design relies upon specific site conditions for stability, or residual risks, provide data to the TWC. 

More information

View topic 4.2 Designers responsibilities  in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 9 states suppliers’ responsibilities as follows:

1. verify equipment conforms to technical data
2. verify that refurbished equipment conforms to its original design
3. inspect equipment prior to dispatch
4. provide technical data, detailed user guides, and information for safe use
5. identify critical items requiring inspection

Note that clause 9 also applies to organisations that own their own equipment.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 13.1.5 states that the PC’s TWC or TWC should verify that the guidance on the implementation of the design provided by the designer or supplier, including any relating to residual risks [see 7.1.4c) and 12.6], is incorporated into the implementation plan. The design residual risks should be addressed in the method statement.

More information

View topic 3.1 Temporary works roles and responsibilities in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.1.9, states that organisations involved in temporary works should prepare and record their own procedures to understand control or mitigates risks. A simplified temporary works procedure can be established under the following headings: 

1. Identify
2. Plan
3. Design
4. Check design
5. Build
6. Use 
7. Dismantle

More information

Go to topic 3.3 Temporary works procedures in our Management Guide for more information. 

Purpose

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 13.1.2 states that a plan covering the erection and assembly, use and dismantling including who is responsible for design supply and build should be in place. In addition, BS 5975-1:2024 clause 8.5.1.4, states that at the start of the project, temporary works protocols should be established which defines the degree of control each party has. 

Who’s responsible? 

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 13.1.2 states that the PC’s TWC, or Managing Contractors TWC, should verify that the temporary works implementation plan is in place.

What should be included?

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 13.1 describes what should be considered in a temporary works implementation plan. 

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works implementation plan template. 

Need a complete temporary works document pack?

Click here to download all temporary works document templates.

More information

Go to topic 3.4 The temporary works implementation plan in our Management Guide for more information.

Purpose

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.2 provides commentary on the purpose of the temporary works register. It allows the TWC to continuously monitor and check progress.  

Who’s responsible? 

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.2.1 states that the PC’s TWC should arrange for a temporary works register to be prepared and maintained throughout the project. 

What should be included?

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.2.3 provides a list of what should be considered in a temporary works register.  

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works register template. 

Need a complete temporary works document pack?

Click here to download all temporary works document templates.

More information

Go to topic 3.5 The temporary works register in our Management Guide for more information.

Purpose

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.2.1 summarises the purpose of the design brief. It is the starting point for all decisions relating to design. It is considered the first stage in the design risk assessment process, i.e., identifying site hazards, design considerations and reflecting actual site conditions.  

Who’s responsible? 

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 4.1.2 states that, except for very low risk temporary works, a design brief should be prepared by the site team and issued to the TWD by the TWC.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 10.2.3(d)(e)(f) states that, the PC’s TWC is responsible for confirming that a design brief is prepared, any other works that could be affected, and any constraints identified by the PWD are included. 

What should be included?

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.2.4 provides a comprehensive list of what should be considered in a temporary works design brief.  In addition BS 5975-1:2024 Annex A gives examples of what should be included in a design brief for a range of structures.

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works design brief template. 

Need a complete temporary works document pack?

Click here to download all temporary works document templates.

More information

Go to topic 3.5 The temporary works register in our Management Guide for more information.

Designs should be categorised in accordance with BS 5975-1:2024 table 2 as follows:

• Category 0 - standard solutions
• Category 1 - simple designs
• Category 2 - more complex or involved designs
• Category 3 - complex or innovative designs

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.7.1 states that, the design should be checked for concept, adequacy, correctness and conformity with the requirements of the design brief. The design check category should be determined at an early stage. 

In addition, BS 5975-1:2024 clause 7.4.1.3, states that the TWD, in consultation with the TWC, should advise the minimum category of design check. This could be influenced by a third party such as Network Rail, National Highways or others.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.7.1 states that, the proposed temporary works design should be checked by a competent person independent from those responsible for the original design. 

The competency of temporary work design checker (TWDC) should be greater, and they should have a higher level of technical and practical proficiency in line with BS 5975-1:2024 clause 4.2.1. They could be a member of the site team, or design team, or an independent company.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.7.4 states that where designs have been prepared by different individuals or organisations, the design check categories should be appropriate to that design. The following completed PC’s TWC master temporary works register example shows a range of structures, and their assigned categories. This is for illustration purposes only.

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works design check certificate template. 

Need a complete temporary works document pack?

Click here to download all temporary works document templates.

More information

Go to topic 4.4 Design checking in our Management Guide for examples of temporary works structures and their associated categories and more information about temporary works design checking.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.7.1 states that, in accordance with table 2, the design should be checked for concept, adequacy, correctness and conformity with the requirements of the design brief. The design check category should be determined at an early stage. 

In addition, BS 5975-1:2024 clause 7.4.1.3, states that the TWD, in consultation with the TWC, should advise the minimum category of design check. This could be influenced by a third party such as Network Rail, National Highways or others.

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works design check certificate template. 

Need a complete temporary works document pack?

Click here to download all temporary works document templates.

More information

Go to topic 4.4 Design checking in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.9.2 states that any proposed alterations, upgrades or additions to temporary works structures in use, or being installed on site, proposed by the site team should be referred to the relevant TWC who should refer to the relevant TWD. If an interface exists, then the matter should be referred to the PC’s TWC and where required, the Lead TWD. 

Where there is no significant change, and no interface with other works, BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.9.1 states that the relevant TWD should confirm acceptability to the relevant TWC.

Where there is significant change, or interface with other works, BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.9.2 states that the alteration should be referred by the relevant TWD to the TWDC and the design will need to be re-certified. 

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.9.1 states that changes should be recorded in writing with reference to the original design brief and issued to the designer.  Arrangements for handling design changes should be identified in the construction phase plan including protocols for handling changes where temporary works rely or impose a load on permanent works. 

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works design change request template. 

Need a complete temporary works document pack?

Click here to download all temporary works document templates.

More information

Go to topic 4.5 Design alterations in our Management Guide for more information.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 19(2)(a), states any temporary support or structure must be designed, installed and maintained to withstand any foreseeable load which may be imposed upon it.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.3 states that risk associated with construction, use and removal relate to workmanship, materials, experience and manner of use. These are collectively considered as Execution Risks and should be included as general risks, or hazards to control. When completing task-specific risk assessments and method statements, these should relate to the installation, use and removal of temporary works. 

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works execution risk assessment template. 

Need a complete temporary works document pack?

Click here to download all temporary works document templates.

More information

Go to topic 5.1 Execution risk in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.3 states that in addition to Execution Risks, risks associated with temporary works can also arise from where the structure is located. Execution risk and the consequence of failure combine to from Implementation Risk. 

The purpose of the implementation risk classification is to determine how regularly inspections are carried out during use and who can issue the temporary works permit. This should be included in the temporary works implementation plan and recorded on the temporary works register.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.3.1 states that each organization should determine the control required dependent upon the implementation risk classification with reference to Table 1 as follows: 

• Very low - no mode of failure, no impact and no injury
• Low - could collapse but no risk of injury 
• Medium - could cause fatal injury but would not cause catastrophic incident
• High - inexperienced team unfamiliar with process or equipment, could cause fatal injury and could cause catastrophic incident

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.3.3 states that the PC’s TWC should confirm the implementation risk classification where there is an interface between contractors.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 12.7.3 points out that the implementation risk classification identified in Table 1 does not relate to the design check category in Table 2. 

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works implementation plan template and click here to download a temporary works register template.  

Need a complete temporary works document pack?

Click here to download all temporary works document templates.

More information

Go to topic 5.2 Implementation risk classification in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.3 states that in addition to Execution Risks, risks associated with temporary works can also arise from where the structure is located. Execution risk and the consequence of failure combine to from Implementation Risk.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 5.1.3.1 states that each organization should determine the control required dependent upon the implementation risk classification with reference to Table 1 as follows: 

• Very low - no mode of failure, no impact and no injury
• Low - could collapse but no risk of injury 
• Medium - could cause fatal injury but would not cause catastrophic incident
• High - inexperienced team unfamiliar with process or equipment, could cause fatal injury and could cause catastrophic incident

Need a template?

Click here to download a temporary works implementation plan template and click here to download a temporary works register template.  

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Go to topic 5.2 Implementation risk classification in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 13.2.1.2 and 13.2.1.3 and 13.2.2.1 for dismantling, states that a permit to bring into use or permit to proceed beyond a hold point or take out of use should be issued to the site team prior to allowing use, and dismantling, of the temporary works. Those authorised to issue temporary works permits should be identified in the temporary works implementation plan. 

Permits should be issues in accordance with table 1 as follows:

• Very low - Authorised TWS, TWC and PC TWC
• Low - Authorised TWS, TWC and PC TWC
• Medium - Authorised TWC and PC TWC
• High - PC TWC only

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 11.2.3 states that the TWS should only issue the temporary works permit if they have been authorised, usually by the PC’s TWC, or relevant TWC, AND where the implementation risk class is very low or low.

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Go to topic 5.3 Bringing temporary works into use in our Management Guide for more information.

Purpose

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 3.1.20 provides a definition of the inspection and test plan. In summary it is required to verify that the temporary works conforms to the design output and has been constructed in accordance with the certified design. 

Who's responsible?

BS 5975-1:2024 does not state who is ultimately responsible, or has the duty, to prepare or maintain the inspection and test plan, however  BS 5975-1:2024 clause 7.1.5(b) does state that the design output should define hold points required and the criteria that will need to be achieved to allow construction to proceed. The TWD, who may also be the supplier, is usually responsible for design output. The responsibility may also require input from the project team, managing contractor, PC’s TWC, TWC and TWDC. 

What should be included?

The inspection and test plan is an inclusion in the temporary works implementation plan. This list is not specific to any temporary structure and is for illustration purposes only.

1. Description of activity requiring testing and inspecting, i.e., the hold point
2. The technical and/or procedural standards, i.e., the reference document
3. Who is responsible for carrying out the inspection and/or test
4. When the inspection or test should be undertaken
5. What equipment should be used to perform the inspection or test
6. The standards or levels that should be achieved
7. The verifying document that should be used
8. Contractor verification that it has been completed
9. Client   acknowledgement that the inspection has been completed

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Go to topic 5.4 Inspecting and testing temporary works in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 13.1.4 states that the temporary works implementation plan should identify where hold points are required and circumstances when a temporary works permit should be issued to allow progress to the next stage and who should issue it. BS 5975-1:2024 clause 3.1.18 gives a definition of a hold point.  

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Go to topic 5.4 Inspecting and testing temporary works in our Management Guide for more information.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 13.2.2.1states that a permit to take out of use should only be issued when the permanent works have been confirmed as complete or self-supporting by the site team or permanent works designer, or other appropriate quality or building control inspector. Those authorised to issue temporary works permits should be identified in the temporary works implementation plan. 

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 13.2.2.2 states that the sequence of removing temporary works should be identified in the temporary works implementation plan. The authorised person should carry out a final recorded inspection.

BS 5975-1:2024 clause 13.3 states that when the structure being supported, or an excavation has been backfilled, the temporary works should be dismantled in accordance with instructions or restrictions in the temporary works implementation plan that may have been imposed by the principal designer, permanent works designer or temporary works designer or temporary works design checker. 

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Go to topic 5.5 Taking temporary works out of use in our Management Guide for more information.