## Role and Responsibilities of a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)

The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is a crucial role appointed by the Principal Contractor (PC) or Contractor to ensure the safe and efficient management of all temporary works on a construction project. The TWC acts as the single point of contact for all temporary works matters, coordinating activities and communication between various parties.

## Key Responsibilities

1. Appointment and Competence: The TWC must be formally appointed by the PC/Contractor and possess the necessary competence, experience, and understanding of the company's Temporary Works Procedure (TWP) and relevant standards (e.g., BS 5975).

2. Procedure Implementation: Ensure the company's TWP is understood, implemented, and adhered to by all personnel involved in temporary works, from design to execution and removal.

3. Design Management:

• Confirm a Temporary Works Designer is appointed for each specific temporary works item.
• Ensure a clear and adequate design brief is prepared.
• Confirm that temporary works designs are appropriate, checked, verified, and formally approved.
• Manage any design changes through a controlled process.

4. Planning and Execution Control:

• Ensure risk assessments and method statements for temporary works are prepared, reviewed, and understood by site teams.
• Coordinate site inspections and monitoring during erection, use, and dismantling.
• Manage the Permit to Load and Permit to Strike systems, ensuring all necessary checks and approvals are in place before loading or dismantling temporary works.
• Verify that correct materials and components are used as per design.

5. Communication and Liaison:

• Act as the central communication hub for all temporary works issues.
• Liaise extensively with the Permanent Works Designer regarding interfaces between temporary and permanent structures.
• Communicate with site management, supervisors, operatives, and other contractors.

6. Documentation and Records:

• Maintain a comprehensive Temporary Works Register for all temporary works on site.
• Keep accurate records of design briefs, calculations, design checks, approvals, inspection reports, permits, and any modifications.
• Ensure documentation is accessible and up-to-date throughout the project lifecycle.

## Authority

The TWC must be given sufficient authority and resources by the PC/Contractor to effectively carry out their duties, including the power to stop unsafe temporary works if necessary. They are responsible for ensuring a safe system of work for temporary works is established and maintained.

## BS 5975: Code of Practice for Temporary Works

BS 5975 is the UK national standard providing recommendations and guidance for the procedural control and design of temporary works on construction sites. Its primary aim is to ensure the safety of personnel and the integrity of permanent works by establishing a robust management system for all stages of temporary works.

Key Principles and Scope

The standard applies to all forms of temporary works, from simple scaffolding to complex falsework and excavation support. It emphasises a systematic approach to managing temporary works, ensuring they are properly conceived, designed, installed, used, maintained, and dismantled safely. BS 5975 is a code of practice, meaning it provides recommendations for good practice, which are often treated as best practice in the industry.

Core Roles and Responsibilities

BS 5975 defines several critical roles:

• Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC): The central figure, responsible for the overall coordination and management of temporary works procedures on site. They ensure compliance with the company's temporary works procedure and BS 5975.
• Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS): Assists the TWC, often overseeing specific temporary works operations.
• Designer: Responsible for the safe and compliant design of temporary works.
• Erector/Contractor: Responsible for the safe installation and dismantling.

The Temporary Works Procedure

The standard outlines a comprehensive temporary works procedure that every organisation undertaking temporary works should adopt. Key elements include:

• Appointment of TWC/TWS: Formal appointments are crucial.
• Design Brief: A critical document initiated by the TWC, detailing the requirements, constraints, and scope for the temporary works design. This ensures the designer has all necessary information.
• Design: Carried out by a competent person, meeting the requirements of the design brief.
• Design Check: An independent check of the design is mandatory. BS 5975 defines three categories of checks (Category 1, 2, 3) based on complexity and risk.
• Erection/Installation: Must follow the design and method statement.
• Inspection and Supervision: Regular checks throughout the lifecycle.
• Permit to Load/Strike: Formal authorisation documents issued by the TWC, confirming the temporary works are safe to load or dismantle, respectively.
• Temporary Works Register: A central record maintained by the TWC, documenting all temporary works on site, their status, and associated documentation.

Importance and Compliance

Adherence to BS 5975 is crucial for demonstrating compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). It provides a framework for managing risks associated with temporary works, which are often critical to project success and safety. The latest version is BS 5975:2019+A1:2023.

## Statutory and Legal Requirements for Temporary Works (GB)

Managing temporary works safely in Great Britain is governed by a robust legal framework, primarily stemming from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA). This Act places general duties on employers, employees, and others to ensure health, safety, and welfare.

The most critical legislation for temporary works in construction is the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). CDM 2015 defines specific duties for various duty holders throughout a project's lifecycle, including planning, managing, and monitoring health and safety risks. Temporary works are integral to construction and fall squarely within the scope of these regulations.

Key CDM 2015 duty holders and their relevance to temporary works:

• Client: Must appoint competent Principal Designer (PD) and Principal Contractor (PC), and provide pre-construction information relevant to temporary works.
• Principal Designer (PD): Must plan, manage, and monitor health and safety during the pre-construction phase, eliminating or reducing risks, and providing information to the PC. This includes considering temporary works requirements early on.
• Principal Contractor (PC): Holds primary responsibility for planning, managing, and monitoring health and safety during the construction phase. The PC must appoint a competent Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) and ensure a suitable temporary works procedure is in place, often based on BS 5975.
• Designers (including Temporary Works Designers): Must eliminate or reduce risks through their designs and provide information about residual risks.
• Contractors: Must plan, manage, and monitor their work to ensure safety, cooperating with the PC and others.

Other vital regulations include:

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR): Requires employers to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments and implement effective control measures.
• Work at Height Regulations 2005: Applicable to many temporary works involving work at height, such as scaffolding and falsework.
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): Relevant for equipment used in temporary works.

A fundamental principle across all legislation is competence. All duty holders must ensure that individuals and organisations they appoint are competent to undertake their roles. While BS 5975:2019 is a British Standard and not statutory law, it provides the industry-recognised best practice for managing temporary works and is often a contractual requirement, helping duty holders demonstrate compliance with their statutory duties under CDM 2015 and HSWA.

## Key Roles and Competencies in Temporary Works

Effective management of temporary works relies on clearly defined roles and the competence of individuals fulfilling them. This ensures safety, compliance with standards like BS 5975, and successful project delivery. Each role carries specific responsibilities and requires appropriate knowledge, skills, experience, and authority.

## Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)

The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is the central figure responsible for managing and coordinating all temporary works activities on a project. They must be formally appointed in writing by the contractor responsible for the temporary works. Key responsibilities include ensuring a robust temporary works procedure is followed, managing the flow of information, ensuring designs are appropriate, and coordinating checks and inspections. A TWC must have a thorough understanding of BS 5975, strong organisational and communication skills, and sufficient authority within the organisation to fulfil their duties.

## Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)

The Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) assists the TWC, typically providing on-site supervision and checking of temporary works. While not always required, a TWS is often appointed on larger or more complex projects. They act under the direction of the TWC, ensuring that temporary works are erected, maintained, and dismantled according to the design and safe systems of work. The TWS must be competent in understanding the temporary works design and instructions, identifying potential issues, and communicating effectively with the TWC and site operatives.

## Temporary Works Designer

The Temporary Works Designer is a competent person or organisation responsible for producing the design for the temporary works. This involves interpreting the Design Brief provided by the TWC, performing calculations, selecting appropriate materials, and producing drawings and specifications. The designer must possess relevant structural engineering expertise, knowledge of applicable standards (e.g., Eurocodes), and typically holds professional indemnity insurance. Their design must be safe, buildable, and economical.

## Other Key Roles

Other critical roles include the Principal Contractor, who holds overall responsibility for health and safety on site; the Permanent Works Designer, who provides essential information about the permanent structure; and the Erector/Contractor, responsible for the safe installation, maintenance, and removal of the temporary works according to the design.

## Competence

Competence is paramount for everyone involved in temporary works. It is defined as having sufficient knowledge, skills, experience, and personal attributes to undertake a task safely and effectively. Organisations must ensure that all personnel, from the TWC to site operatives, are competent for the roles they perform. This often involves formal training, assessment, and ongoing professional development.

## The Temporary Works Process Overview

Temporary Works (TW) are any part of a construction work that is not a permanent part of the final structure but is required to enable the permanent works to be built. They are critical for safety, structural integrity, and project delivery. A robust Temporary Works Process is essential to manage the risks associated with their design, installation, use, and removal. This structured process ensures compliance with legal requirements, particularly the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).

## Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Principal Contractor (PC): Overall responsibility for health and safety on site, including the management of TW. Appoints a competent Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC).
• Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC): The central figure, appointed by the PC, responsible for the overall coordination of all TW on a project. This includes ensuring a robust procedure is followed, designs are adequate, and works are safely executed and removed.
• Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS): May be appointed by the TWC to assist in the day-to-day supervision and inspection of TW on site.
• Designer: A competent person or organisation responsible for producing the TW design, ensuring it meets the design brief and relevant standards.
• Erector/Contractor: Responsible for constructing, using, and dismantling TW strictly in accordance with the approved design and method statement.

## The Temporary Works Procedure

The TW process follows a systematic approach, often referred to as a "Permit System":

1. Request for TW: Site teams identify a need for TW and submit a request to the TWC.

2. Design Brief: The TWC ensures a clear, comprehensive Design Brief is developed, detailing loads, ground conditions, interfaces, and specific requirements.

3. Design: A competent designer produces the TW design.

4. Design Check: The design is independently checked by another competent person (Category 1, 2, or 3 check, depending on complexity and risk).

5. Issue for Construction: The TWC reviews the design, check, method statement, and risk assessment, then formally issues the design for construction.

6. Construction: TW are erected strictly according to the approved design and method statement.

7. Inspection & Approval: The TWC (or delegated competent person) inspects the erected TW against the design. If satisfactory, a Permit to Load is issued, authorising the use of the TW.

8. Use: The TW are used as intended.

9. Dismantling/Striking: A safe method statement for striking is followed. The TWC issues a Permit to Strike before removal commences.

10. Removal: TW are safely removed from site.

## Essential Documentation

Key documents in the process include the Design Brief, Design Drawings and Calculations, Design Check Certificate, Method Statement, Risk Assessment, Inspection Records, Permit to Load, and Permit to Strike. These documents form an auditable trail, demonstrating due diligence and compliance.

## Risk Management and Control for Temporary Works

Risk management is fundamental to ensuring the safety and stability of Temporary Works (TW). Given their temporary nature, often complex interactions with permanent works, and potential for significant harm or collapse, a robust approach to managing risks is essential. The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) plays a pivotal role in overseeing this process for all TW on site.

Understanding Risk

Risk is defined as the likelihood of a hazard causing harm and the severity of that harm. A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. For TW, hazards can range from design errors and inadequate ground conditions to incorrect erection procedures and adverse weather.

The Risk Management Process

The systematic approach to managing risks involves:

• Identify Hazards: What could go wrong? (e.g., collapse, overload, incorrect installation, ground failure, high winds).
• Assess Risks: Evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm from identified hazards. Who might be harmed and how?
• Evaluate Risks: Determine if the existing controls are sufficient or if further measures are required to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
• Control Risks: Implement measures to eliminate or reduce risks. The Hierarchy of Control should be applied:

1. Eliminate: Remove the hazard entirely (e.g., design out the need for TW).

2. Substitute: Replace the hazard with a safer alternative.

3. Engineer: Implement physical controls (e.g., stronger design, bracing, propping).

4. Administrative Controls: Safe systems of work, method statements, permits, training, supervision.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Last resort, protects the individual.

• Record Findings: Document significant findings of risk assessments and the controls implemented (e.g., in the Temporary Works Register, method statements).
• Review and Revise: Regularly check if controls are effective, especially if conditions change, new information emerges, or after incidents.

TWC's Role in Risk Management

The TWC is responsible for ensuring the Temporary Works Procedure is followed. This includes:

• Coordinating the identification and assessment of risks associated with TW.
• Ensuring appropriate control measures are specified by designers and implemented by contractors.
• Facilitating effective communication between all parties involved in TW (designer, erector, site team).
• Confirming that Permits to Load and Permits to Dismantle are issued only after all necessary checks and controls are in place.

Common Temporary Works Risks

Key risks often encountered include:

• Design deficiencies: Errors, omissions, or inadequate design assumptions.
• Ground conditions: Unforeseen or unstable ground.
• Overloading: Exceeding the design capacity of the TW.
• Incorrect installation: Deviations from design drawings or method statements.
• Weather effects: Wind, rain, frost impacting stability or materials.
• Interface issues: Conflicts with permanent works or adjacent structures.
• Lack of competence: Inadequate skills or knowledge of personnel.

## Documentation and Records for Temporary Works

Effective documentation and record-keeping are fundamental to the safe and compliant management of temporary works (TW). They provide a clear audit trail, ensure legal compliance, facilitate communication between all parties, and demonstrate due diligence throughout the project lifecycle. The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) plays a crucial role in managing this information flow, ensuring all necessary paperwork is in place, accurate, and current.

## The Temporary Works Register (TWR)

The Temporary Works Register (TWR) is the central, live document for all temporary works on a project. It is the TWC's responsibility to establish and maintain the TWR, ensuring it accurately reflects the status of every item of TW. The TWR records details such as the TW item, its location, design brief reference, design check category, designer, checker, inspection dates, and overall status (e.g., installed, in use, removed). It is a critical tool for tracking progress and ensuring all necessary checks and approvals are completed before, during, and after the use of temporary works.

## Key Documentation Stages and Essential Documents

Documentation is required at every stage of a temporary works project:

• Briefing Stage: The Temporary Works Design Brief is paramount. It clearly defines the requirements, scope, loads, site conditions, and interfaces for the TW designer. A well-prepared brief prevents misunderstandings and ensures an appropriate design.
• Design and Check Stage: This involves the Temporary Works Design (drawings, calculations, specifications) and the Temporary Works Design Check Certificate (TWCert), which formally confirms the design has been independently checked to the required category (e.g., Cat 2, 3).
• Erection and Inspection Stage: Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) detail safe erection and dismantling procedures. Temporary Works Inspection and Check Certificates (TWIC) are used to record inspections before, during, and after erection, confirming the TW has been built correctly and is safe to use.
• Operational Stage: A Permit-to-Load or Permit-to-Strike may be required, formally authorising the application of loads or removal of TW, respectively, after final inspection.
• Dismantling and Handover: Records of dismantling and, where applicable, Handover Certificates for TW that become part of the permanent works, or for the site being clear of TW.

## Record Keeping and Control

All documentation, including competency records for personnel involved, must be readily accessible, accurate, and current. Version control is essential, especially for design documents and the TWR, to prevent work being carried out to outdated information. Records should be retained for the project's duration and often beyond, in line with company policy and legal requirements (e.g., CDM Regulations), providing a full audit trail of all decisions and actions related to temporary works.

## Common Types of Temporary Works

Temporary Works (TW) are essential structures that facilitate the construction of permanent works but are not part of them. They are critical for safety, efficiency, and quality on site. A Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) must understand the common types to effectively manage their design, installation, use, and removal.

Excavation Support

Supporting excavations is vital to prevent collapse and protect personnel. Common types include:

• Trench Boxes: Pre-fabricated steel boxes inserted into excavations to provide a safe working space.
• Sheet Piles: Interlocking steel sections driven into the ground to form a continuous wall, often used for deeper or larger excavations.
• Shoring Systems: Timber, steel, or hydraulic props used to support excavation sides, often in conjunction with walings and poling boards.
• King Post Walls: Steel columns (king posts) driven into the ground, with infill panels (e.g., concrete or timber) placed between them as excavation proceeds.

Formwork and Falsework

These are critical for concrete construction:

• Formwork: The mould into which wet concrete is poured to achieve the desired shape of a permanent structure (e.g., slabs, beams, columns, walls). Materials include timber, steel, and proprietary systems.
• Falsework: The temporary structure that supports the formwork until the concrete gains sufficient strength to be self-supporting. This often involves a system of props, beams, and bracing.

Scaffolding

Used extensively for access, support, and protection:

• Access Scaffolding: Provides safe working platforms for personnel and materials at height.
• Support Scaffolding: Designed to carry heavy loads, such as during demolition or as part of falsework.
• Protection Scaffolding: Used to protect the public or workers from falling debris.
• Types include tube and fitting scaffolding (versatile, bespoke) and system scaffolding (pre-fabricated components, quicker erection).

Propping and Shoring

This category involves supporting existing structures or elements:

• Propping: Individual props (e.g., acrow props, system props) used to support beams, slabs, or walls temporarily during alterations or repairs.
• Shoring: More extensive support systems, often involving raking shores or flying shores, to brace unstable walls or structures.

Access and Working Platforms

Beyond scaffolding, these include:

• Mobile Scaffold Towers: Freestanding, movable working platforms.
• Loading Platforms: Cantilevered or supported platforms for material delivery to different levels.
• Working Platforms for Plant: Engineered ground surfaces to support heavy machinery like cranes or MEWPs, ensuring stability and preventing overturning.

Crane Bases and Lifting Accessories

• Crane Bases: Specially designed foundations or enhanced ground bearing areas to safely support static or mobile cranes, distributing their immense loads.
• Outrigger Pads: Used under crane outriggers to increase the bearing area and reduce ground pressure, preventing subsidence.

Understanding these common types is fundamental for a TWC to ensure all temporary works are adequately designed, installed, inspected, and maintained, adhering to safety standards and project requirements.