Do you understand the need for Temporary Works training in the electrical industry?

Do you understand the need for Temporary Works training in the electrical industry? Here the team at Pragmatic Consulting look at why it could be a very valuable investment.

Temporary Works (TW) refers to essential structures and equipment used during the construction, maintenance, or demolition of a project. Common examples include scaffolding, formwork for concrete, excavation supports, and access scaffolding.

TW may also be used for site setup (e.g. hoardings, access roads, etc.) and safety measures like guardrails and floor opening covers. Specialised sectors, such as tunneling, marine, power transmission, and rail, also rely on TW for specific needs.

The importance of managing Temporary Works

A significant portion of a project’s cost can often be attributed to TW. While minimising TW can be desirable, in most projects, it is essential and unavoidable.

Effective management of TW is critical to reducing safety and commercial risks, which can arise at various stages, from design and erection to inspection and dismantling.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights the importance of managing TW. Although there’s no legal requirement to follow British Standard 5975, the standard offers a widely recognised best practice approach to TW management, particularly for medium and large projects.

The key role in this process is the Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC), whose responsibility is to ensure TW is carried out safely and without posing risks to workers or the public.

Key roles in Temporary Works: TWC and TWS

Industry best practice has long emphasised the need for formal procedures to manage TW.

The roles of the Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC) and Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS), first introduced in 1975 and 2008 respectively, are now integral to effective TW management. These roles are essential to what is known as the Procedural Control of Temporary Works, as outlined in BS5975-1:2024.

The TWC, typically a senior managerial role, is responsible for ensuring all relevant procedures are followed throughout the project’s lifecycle, from design to completion.

This includes ensuring designs are appropriately checked and that as-built TW structures conform to the agreed specifications. While the TWC may not always be site-based, they must ensure a competent TWS is on-site to manage day-to-day operations.

The TWS, often a site engineer or supervisor, plays a hands-on role in inspecting and overseeing TW to ensure compliance with the design. There must always be a TWC or TWS present on-site whenever TW is in use, and both roles carry significant responsibility, requiring formal appointments by the contractor.

Training and certification

The CITB’s courses for TWC and TWS, initiated in collaboration with the Temporary Works Forum (TWf ) about a decade ago, are now a staple within the construction industry.

Course updates in 2023 were developed with input from HSE and industry experts, and for many contractors, successful completion of these courses is mandatory before being considered for either role.

The courses focus on the Procedural Control of TW rather than the technical aspects, with core principles including CITB’s 3Ps (People, Process, Product) and 4Cs (Communication, Co-ordination, Co-operation, Competence) emphasised throughout the curriculum. These principles are critical in ensuring the safe management of TW.

Although passing the final exam is a key requirement for certification, it does not in itself confer competency. Competency is determined by the employing company, and delegates must also have practical experience.

Courses are enriched with real-world examples provided by trainers with decades of experience, ensuring that delegates leave with a clear understanding of how to manage TW in practice and on-site.

The role of the trainer

At Chris Bennion Consultancy, our trainer brings over 45 years of experience in all aspects of TW, having worked as a TW Designer, Design Checker, Engineering Manager, and TWC across various sectors of the construction industry. As a member of the TWf and co-author of the TWf’s Sample Procedure TWf2019.03, which is recognised by both HSE and CITB, our trainer is uniquely positioned to provide delegates with valuable insights and practical knowledge.

Essential for managing risks

CITB’s Temporary Works courses are essential for ensuring that those in the roles of TWC and TWS are equipped to manage the inherent risks of TW in construction. With certification valid for five years and a mandatory refresher course (TWCTC-R) required to maintain qualification, the industry continues to prioritise the safe and efficient management of TW.

The CITB’s Site Safety Plus suite of training courses includes three key programs designed to improve the management of Temporary Works on construction sites: