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Temporary works are the parts of a construction project that allow the permanent works to be built, protect or support them, or provide access to them. They might be removed at the end, or left in place. When temporary works fail, the results can be catastrophic, which is why they need the same care as the permanent structure.
Examples of temporary works
- Scaffolding, including access and support scaffolds
- Formwork and falsework for concrete
- Propping and back-propping
- Excavation support, such as trench boxes, sheet piling and shoring
- Crane, piling rig and tower crane bases and working platforms
- Needling and façade retention
- Hoardings, fencing and signage structures
- Haul roads and temporary ramps
- Dewatering and cofferdams
The law
There are no separate temporary works regulations. The duties come from CDM 2015, which requires structures under construction to be kept stable, including through temporary works, and requires excavations, cofferdams and demolition to be planned and supported safely. Temporary works designers have the same duties as any other designer under CDM. The British Standard BS 5975 is the recognised code of practice for managing temporary works.
The temporary works roles
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Designated individual (DI) | A senior person in the organisation responsible for making sure a temporary works procedure is in place and followed. |
| Temporary works coordinator (TWC) | Coordinates all temporary works on the project, keeps the register, makes sure designs are checked, and issues or authorises permits to load and to strike. |
| Temporary works supervisor (TWS) | Assists the TWC on site, supervising particular temporary works where the TWC delegates it. |
| Temporary works designer (TWD) | Designs the temporary works, taking account of the loads, ground conditions and how they will be built and removed. |
| Temporary works designer’s coordinator (TWDC) | Coordinates temporary works design within a design organisation. |
Design check categories
BS 5975 grades temporary works designs by how independent the design check should be. The more complex or novel the design, the more independent the checker.
| Category | Typical use | Who checks |
|---|---|---|
| Category 0 | Standard solutions and simple works | Can be checked within the site or design team |
| Category 1 | Simple designs | Another member of the design team |
| Category 2 | More complex designs | A checker independent of the design team |
| Category 3 | Complex or innovative designs | A checker from an independent organisation |
Permits to load and to strike
Many temporary works are controlled by permits issued by the TWC or TWS:
- Permit to load: confirms the temporary works have been checked and can take load, for example before concrete is poured onto falsework.
- Permit to strike or dismantle: confirms it is safe to remove temporary works, for example once concrete has gained enough strength.
Most temporary works failures happen during loading or removal, so these permits are among the most important checks on site. Our guide to permits to work explains how permit systems work more generally.
The temporary works register
The TWC keeps a register of every item of temporary works on the project, showing its design, design check, status, who is responsible and the permits issued. It is the quickest way to see what is in place and what is about to change.
Common causes of failure
- Temporary works altered on site without the designer or TWC knowing
- Props removed too early to make room for other trades
- Loads higher than designed, such as stacked materials on a scaffold
- Ground conditions different from those assumed in the design
- No clear person in charge, so checks fall between contractors
Training that helps
The CITB Temporary Works Coordinator course trains people to take on the TWC role, with a TWC refresher to keep it current. Site supervisors can take the Temporary Works Supervisor course. Our scaffold tags guide covers inspection of one of the most common types of temporary works.
Where this fits in SMSTS and SSSTS
Temporary works and who to consult before altering them are tested on both papers. Our free SMSTS mock test and SSSTS mock test let you check your knowledge before the course or a refresher, and you can email yourself the results sheet at the end.
When you are ready, the five day SMSTS course is for site managers and the two day SSSTS course is for supervisors. If your certificate is due, the SMSTS refresher and SSSTS refresher keep it current.
Frequently asked questions
What are temporary works?
Parts of the works that allow or enable construction of, protect, support or provide access to the permanent works. They may or may not remain in place when the project is finished.
Who can alter temporary works?
Nobody should alter temporary works without the agreement of the temporary works coordinator or supervisor, and the designer where needed.
Is a temporary works coordinator a legal requirement?
The law requires temporary works to be designed, managed and checked so structures stay stable. Appointing a TWC under BS 5975 is the recognised way to do that, and most principal contractors require one.
What is a permit to strike?
A permit issued by the TWC or TWS confirming it is safe to remove temporary works, such as falsework once concrete has gained enough strength.
Read the source
BS 5975:2019, Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework; the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulations 9 and 19 to 22; HSE guidance on temporary works; and Temporary Works Forum guidance. Facts checked on 6 October 2026.
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