Temporary Woks background reading

Temporary Works Exam - Guidance

This exam will suit Temporary Works specialists and those who already have SKE in this area of work and are
familiar with the content of BS 5975. Other information resources on temporary works are few and far between,
but the links below may be useful.

The key document is BS 5975:2008+A1:2011 - Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the
permissible stress design of falsework.

What is BS 5975: 2008+A1:2011?

BS 5975 gives you the code of best practice for temporary structures on building sites. It gives practical
guidelines on design, specification, construction and the use and dismantling of falsework. Explained over clear
and easy-to-read sections, this standard looks at all the elements that should be taken into consideration when
erecting structural systems and building structural designs. By implementing these principles, you’ll be better
prepared for site investigations and it will be significantly easier to comply with current legislation.

How does it work?

BS 5975 takes an in-depth look at all the terms, definitions, abbreviations and symbols, as well as the latest
legislation, concerning temporary structures and falsework. This standard also gives clear guidelines on the
procedural control of temporary works, including the design, the site supervision and loading. BS 5975 defines
falsework in detail and looks at all the materials involved, such as steels, structural timber, softwoods,
hardwoods, concretes and other scaffolding components. Other topics include foundations, soil testing and
ground-water drainage.

Other information and resources:
 http://www.temporaryworks.info/twupdate.htm
 https://www.twforum.org.uk/publications/
TWf document w13.025 - library of references (from TWf website)
TWf document w13.032 - differences between temporary works and permanent works (TWf website)
TWf document 2012:01 HOARDINGS - A guide to good practice (TWf website)
 ICE publication “Temporary Works: Principles of Design and Construction” ISBN 978-0-7277-4177-6
 BS EN 12812:2008
 PAS 8812:2016
 PAS 8811 (Client’s guide to temporary works) will (hopefully) be published in 2016
 HSE SIM 02/2010/04 “The management temporary works in the construction industry” available as a
free download from the HSE website - this is also under revision at the moment to incorporate CDM
2015 and will hopefully be updated in 2016
 HSE Contract Research report 294/2001 “Investigation into aspects of falsework” - from the HSE website
 The CPA has some excellent topic specific guidance on piling, shoring, cranes, excavations etc on their
website

PDF resources:
 The Bragg Report - "Final Report of the Advisory Committee on Falsework" (known as the Bragg Report)
published in 1975, but very relevant to temporary works today
 HSE Temporary Works Management Presentation
 Temporary Works Forum Client Guide; please note that this latest version is dated December 2014, and
still refers to CDM2007.