How Temporary Is Temporary And Does It Matter?

A recent review of HSE News bulletins and trade headlines to see if we had missed anything important, other than the start of new CDM Regulations, over Easter, has shown the high number of times the phrase Temporary Works has been used. This got me thinking, what are they and how long do they have to be there before they become permanent? In fact, the first thing I found is that time is not really an issue at all, rather it is the reason for them being that which is important.

“Temporary works are the parts of a construction/demolition project that are needed to enable the permanent works to be built/demolished. Usually they are removed after use - ie access scaffolds, props, shoring, excavation support, falsework and formwork, etc. Sometimes they are incorporated into the permanent works - ie. haul road foundations and crane or piling platforms may be used for hardstanding or road foundations.” HSE Website.

This can be one of the reasons why Temporary Works continue to create so many problems on sites across the country. For example, that one acrow prop may only be needed for one day, but it may be even more important than the scaffold that is there for the week.

The legal requirement is that the “party in control must ensure that work is allocated and carried out in a manner that does not create unacceptable risk of harm to workers or members of the public.”

On projects with relatively simple Temporary Works needs, you may choose not to appoint a Temporary Works Co-ordinator. However, you must still make sure that Temporary Works are properly managed to ensure safety. Heras fencing, hoarding, ramps, footpath crossings, scaffold, site cabins are all classed as temporary works and need to be managed accordingly.

Further details on coming Temporary Works training will be released shortly, in the meantime if you have any questions please give us a call or send an email to stuart@demolishdismantle.co.uk