What temporary works are
HSE describes temporary works as an engineered solution used to support or protect a structure, an item of plant, the sides of an excavation or access. HSE's FAQ says temporary works are the parts of a project needed to build the permanent works. They are usually removed after use, but some stay, such as the foundations of a haul road. HSE says temporary works need the same care as permanent works.
Examples of temporary works
HSE lists these as temporary works.
| Example | Where you see it |
|---|---|
| Shoring | The sides of an excavation |
| Propping | Walls and floors |
| Falsework | Concrete pours above ground |
| Scaffolds | Access to work at height |
| Haul roads and working platforms | Plant, including cranes |
| Permanent works used for a temporary purpose | Part of the structure doing a temporary job |
| Fencing and hoarding | The site boundary |
| Welfare and office units | Site cabins |
| Earthworks | Including stockpiles that are removed later |
Source: HSE, Temporary works
The CDM 2015 duties that apply
CDM 2015 counts formwork, falsework, scaffolds and other supporting structures as structures. Anyone who prepares or changes a design is a designer, so a temporary works designer has the designer duties in regulation 9. Regulation 19 requires all practicable steps to stop a structure becoming unstable or collapsing. A temporary support or temporary structure must withstand the foreseeable loads on it. It may only be used for the purpose it was designed for.
Sources: CDM 2015, regulation 2; CDM 2015, regulation 9; CDM 2015, regulation 19
Excavations
Regulation 22 requires all practicable steps to stop an excavation collapsing, using supports or battering where needed. It also requires steps to stop people, equipment or material falling in, and to stop the excavation or nearby ground being overloaded. A competent person must inspect the excavation at the start of each shift. They inspect it again after any event that may affect its stability, and after any accidental fall of material. Work must not continue until any problem is put right.
Source: CDM 2015, regulation 22
Designing temporary works
A temporary works designer must apply the general principles of prevention. They eliminate foreseeable risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and reduce or control the risks that remain. They provide enough information with the design for others to do their work safely. HSE says not every structural engineer is a suitable temporary works designer. On more complex works, HSE says an independent party should check the design.
Sources: CDM 2015, regulation 9; HSE, Temporary works; HSE, Temporary works FAQs
BS 5975: the current edition
BS 5975 is the British Standard code of practice for temporary works. The 2024 edition splits the standard into two parts. BS 5975-1:2024 covers management procedures for the control of temporary works. BS 5975-2:2024 covers falsework design and implementation. Together the two parts replace BS 5975:2019.
Sources: BSI, BS 5975-1:2024; BSI, BS 5975-2:2024
Do you need a temporary works coordinator?
HSE says there is no legal requirement to use the job title temporary works coordinator. The legal duty sits with whoever controls the work. HSE still recommends appointing a coordinator with the authority to stop unsatisfactory work. A simpler project may not need a coordinator, but its temporary works must still be properly managed.
Managing temporary works on site
HSE's FAQ says whoever organises temporary works must manage every stage.
- Design and equipment. Choose a suitable design and the equipment to build it.
- Contractors. Appoint contractors who are able to do the work.
- Supervision. Supervise the work as the temporary works go up.
- Checks on completion. Check the temporary works once they are complete.
- Loading. Authorise loading only after the checks.
- Removal. Control when and how the temporary works come down.
Source: HSE, Temporary works FAQs
Standard solutions for simple jobs
HSE says a standard solution is fine for simple cases. HSE's examples are a tower scaffold, a scaffold built to standard tables, and a trench box for a 2 metre excavation in firm, dry ground. The conditions on site must match the assumptions behind the standard solution. HSE also says underestimated loads are a common cause of failure.
Temporary works in your RAMS
Your risk assessment and method statement should cover the temporary works your job relies on, such as propping, shoring or a tower scaffold. Set out who checks each one before it is loaded, and when it can come down.
FAQ
- What are examples of temporary works?
- HSE's examples include excavation shoring, propping for walls and floors, falsework, scaffolds, haul roads and crane platforms, fencing and hoarding, and welfare units.
- Is a temporary works coordinator a legal requirement?
- HSE says there is no legal requirement to use the job title. The duty to manage temporary works sits with whoever controls the work, and HSE recommends appointing a coordinator.
- What is the current version of BS 5975?
- The current edition is in two parts, BS 5975-1:2024 and BS 5975-2:2024, published on 31 December 2024. They replace BS 5975:2019.
- Is scaffolding temporary works?
- HSE lists scaffolds for access as temporary works. CDM 2015 also counts a scaffold as a structure.