Temporary Works Coordinator: How Does it Work?
Temporary works are critical, yet often high-risk, elements of almost every construction project. From scaffolding and falsework to excavations and shoring, their safe design, installation, and dismantling are paramount to preventing catastrophic failures. That’s where the role of the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) becomes indispensable. But what exactly does this role involve, and how do you get qualified as a Coordinator?
The Critical Role in Construction Safety
The role of a TWC is pivotal in construction safety management. They act as the central point of contact for all temporary works on a project, ensuring a robust system is in place from conception to completion. This includes coordinating the design, checking, erection, use, and dismantling of temporary structures. Their involvement helps to ensure compliance with legal requirements, particularly the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), and industry best practices such as BS 5975:2019. The TWC is key to preventing collapses, and costly delays, related to temporary works.
What Does the Temporary Works Coordinator Course Cover?
The Coordinator course, typically a two-day programme, is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and understanding to fulfil this critical role effectively. The syllabus covers:
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Understanding the responsibilities under CDM 2015 and other relevant legislation.
- The Role of the TWC: Their duties, responsibilities, and authority.
- The BS 5975:2019 Standard: A detailed look at the code of practice for temporary works.
- Risk Management: Identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures specific to temporary works.
- Temporary Works Procedures: Planning, design, independent checking, erection, dismantling, and inspection.
- Common Temporary Works: Scaffolding, falsework, formwork, excavations, shoring, crane bases, and piling.
- Communication and Coordination: The importance of effective liaison between all parties involved in temporary works.
Practical Application and Responsibilities
The training places significant emphasis on the practical application of temporary works management. Participants learn how to establish a register, manage design briefs, ensure proper independent checks are carried out, control the erection and dismantling sequences, and oversee inspections. They also learn about coordinating with designers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that all works are safely integrated into the overall construction project. The TWC is responsible for ensuring that procedures are followed, not necessarily for carrying out the work itself, but for managing the process rigorously.
The Temporary Works Coordinator’s Role in Action
The TWC is responsible for communicating all relevant information to site teams, ensuring competence of personnel, overseeing the safe installation and removal of structures, and maintaining comprehensive records. Their authority stems from a clear understanding of the project’s temporary works requirements, and the ability to halt work if safety is compromised. It’s a role that demands meticulous organisation, and strong communication.
Conclusion (Temporary Works Coordinator: How Does it Work?)
The TWC role is fundamentally about safeguarding critical, often complex, temporary structures on a construction site. The training works by providing individuals with a deep understanding of the legal requirements, industry standards, and practical procedures necessary to manage these works effectively. By establishing clear processes and diligently overseeing every stage from design to dismantling, the TWC is crucial in preventing failures, and ensuring the safety and success of construction projects.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
