Temporary Works Supervisor

Overview

This course complements the Temporary works coordinator training course (TWCTC) and is designed to provide training for those undertaking the role of temporary works supervisor (TWS), as defined in BS 5975:2019.

The role can be defined by relating it to four clauses within BS 5975:2019.

1. (Clause 12.2.1.) The TWS, where appointed, should be responsible to the principal contractor’s temporary works coordinator (PC’s TWC) or the temporary works coordinator (TWC), as appropriate. The TWS should assist the PC’s TWC or TWC, as appropriate, in the supervision and checking of the temporary works.

2. (Clause 12.2.2.) A TWS should only be authorised to issue a permit to proceed (for example, to load or unload) if the designated individual (DI) of their organisation and the PC’s TWC are satisfied that: a. the individual TWS is competent and has been given appropriate authority in respect of that individual, and b. the risk classification (6.2.3) has been identified as low or very low.

3. (Clause 12.2.3.) The role of the TWS is to provide on-site support to the PC’s TWC or TWC for the control of temporary works. The TWS should not be responsible for the design or checking the design of temporary works but should be responsible for implementing the PC’s or contractors’ procedure for the control of temporary works.

4. (Clause 12.2.4.) However, appointing someone to be the TWS should not prevent them from carrying out the design or checking designs if they are considered competent to do so.

The rationale for the TWSTC is to set and raise standards across the industry, and to enable a transferable knowledge base between employers to avoid unnecessary supplementary training.