New Training: Temporary Works Coordinator
We’re excited to announce our new two-day Temporary Works Co-ordinator Training Course (TWCTC)! This course is designed for individuals responsible for managing all types of temporary work on-site. It aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the Temporary Works coordinator role and the temporary works environment, helping them manage these critical activities safely and effectively.
New Training: Temporary Works Coordinator | ACT
What is ‘Temporary Works’?
The law says any temporary structure must be designed, installed and maintained to withstand any foreseeable loads which may be imposed on it and that it be only used for the purposes for which it was designed, installed and maintained.
Temporary works such as scaffolding, excavations, cofferdams and caissons must be inspected by a competent person on a regular basis. (HSE)
What is a ‘Temporary Works Co-Ordinator’?
A key approach to managing temporary works effectively is to appoint a Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC), who is responsible for ensuring that temporary works are properly designed, thoroughly checked and safely installed on site.
The TWC should be formally appointed and have sufficient authority to perform the role, including the ability to stop work if it does not meet the required standards. They may also provide guidance on construction sequencing, work methods, and the selection of equipment to prevent damage to or compromise of the temporary works.
On complex projects, the TWC is often a chartered civil or structural engineer with the necessary experience and training, typically based on site. For simpler projects, the main contractor may fulfil this role, seeking engineering advice where appropriate. (HSE)
Temporary Works Co-Ordinator Training
The development of these courses was supported by a number of organisations, including the Temporary Works Forum and the Health and Safety Executive.
Temporary works are safety- and business-critical and require careful coordination. An accepted way of achieving this is through the adoption of the management process outlined in BS 5975:2024, which introduces the temporary works coordinator (TWC) as a key figure. This course explains the role and its overall management context.
Temporary works on both smaller and larger sites can be high-risk activities. Therefore, understanding the essentials of good risk and safety management, as outlined in BS 5975:2024, is relevant for projects of all sizes.
The course emphasises the importance of communication, coordination, cooperation and competency (the '4Cs'), risk management, safety and business relations, allowing the (TWC) to:
understand the need for and duties of a temporary works co-ordinator
understand the role of others
have a detailed knowledge and understanding of BS 5975 concerning this role
Certification for these courses are valid for 5 years. To remain certified in this area, you will need to retake the course before the expiry date.
Important notes
The main aim of these courses is to focus on the process of co-ordination of temporary works, commonly expressed through the role of the TWC.
These courses are not temporary works technical awareness courses, although there are elements of technical awareness that are signposted throughout and that must be included in the course exercises.
Attendance does not confer competency as a TWC; this comes from a mixture of education, training and experience and should be judged by an appropriate senior individual, usually referred to as the designated individual (DI).
Training is considered an essential element of TWC competence.
Book Now
We’re running a Temporary Works Co-ordinator course on the 21st to 22nd of August in Dingwall, a 15-minute drive from Inverness. Click here to book online.
Have questions?
Email alasdair@actsafe.uk or call us on 01349 793088 — we’re here to help.