Temporary Works

This Temporary Works Awareness course gives a practical understanding of what temporary works are, why they’re critical to build safety, and how quickly things can go wrong if they’re not properly controlled. It follows the full temporary works lifecycle under UK standards to show how good planning, design, installation and inspection prevent failures.

• Defines temporary works as structures/systems used during construction but not in the finished build
• Includes examples: scaffolds, formwork, propping, excavation supports, edge protection, hoardings, temporary access routes
• Explains why they’re high risk: hidden loads, changing conditions, unauthorised changes, risk of sudden collapse
• Follows the BS 5975 control process and UK legal framework
• Emphasises early planning, clear design briefs, robust design and independent checks
• Stresses competent installation, inspection, permits and strict change control
• Covers Permit to Load / Permit to Strike, loading limits and exclusion zones
• Looks at routine and event-driven inspections and deterioration from weather, settlement or impact
• Sets out emergency actions and near-miss reporting
• Shows how learning from incidents prevents repeat failures