Understanding Temporary Works Requirements in the Construction Industry

This article delves into the significance of temporary works in the construction industry, exploring their definition, regulations, importance and best practice.

What are Temporary Works?

The definition of temporary works in terms of the Construction Regulations means any falsework, formwork, support work, scaffold, shoring, or other temporary structure.

Temporary works encompass a broad spectrum of structures, supports, and systems erected during the construction process to facilitate the building of permanent structures. These temporary installations include scaffolding, formwork, shoring, falsework, temporary access roads, and more.

Their primary purpose is to provide support, stability, and safety for construction activities until the permanent structure reaches sufficient strength to bear its load independently.

The Importance of Temporary Works:

Temporary works are integral to the success of construction projects for several reasons:

• Safety: They provide crucial support and stability, minimising the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of workers, contractors and the public.

• Efficiency: Well-designed temporary works streamline construction processes, enabling projects to proceed smoothly and on schedule.

• Cost-effectiveness: Properly executed temporary works reduce the need for rework, saving both time and money.

• Structural Integrity: Temporary works support the construction of permanent structures, ensuring their structural integrity during the building phase.

• Compliance: Adhering to temporary works regulations ensures legal compliance, shielding construction firms from penalties and liabilities.

Best Practices in Temporary Works Management:

To effectively manage temporary works in the construction industry, stakeholders should implement the following best practices:

• Competency Assessment: Ensure that personnel involved in designing, installing and supervising temporary works possess the requisite skills, qualifications and experience.

• Risk Assessment: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with temporary works and implement suitable control measures.

• Collaboration: Foster open communication and collaboration among project stakeholders, including designers, engineers, contractors and safety professionals, to address temporary works challenges effectively.

• Quality Assurance: Maintain rigorous quality control measures throughout the design, installation, and dismantling phases of temporary works to uphold safety standards and regulatory compliance.

• Documentation: Keep detailed records of temporary works designs, inspections, approvals, and modifications to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitate accountability.

Legal Aspects

In South Africa, temporary works must comply with legal requirements and standards to ensure safety and regulatory compliance on construction sites. Listed below are key legal aspects and requirements related to temporary works in South Africa:

• Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations: The OHSA is the primary legislation governing health and safety in workplaces, including construction sites. It imposes duties on employers, contractors, and workers to ensure a safe working environment, including the provision and maintenance of safe temporary works.

• Construction Regulations: These regulations under the OHSA specifically address safety requirements in the construction industry. They outline duties regarding temporary works design, installation, inspection, and maintenance to prevent accidents and injuries.

• South African National Standards (SANS): Relevant SANS codes provide guidelines and standards for temporary works, covering aspects such as design criteria, materials, construction methods and safety considerations.

• Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA): ECSA is responsible for the accreditation and registration of engineering professionals. Design and certification of certain temporary works may require involvement and approval by ECSA-registered engineers.

• Design and Certification: Temporary works must often be designed, certified, and periodically inspected by competent engineers to ensure they meet safety standards and are fit for purpose throughout the construction phase.

• Risk Assessment and Management: Employers and contractors are required to conduct risk assessments for temporary works, identifying hazards and implementing controls to mitigate risks to workers and others affected by the construction activities.

• Training and Competence: Workers involved in erecting, dismantling and working on temporary works must receive appropriate training and have the necessary competence to perform their tasks safely.

• Documentation and Records: Proper documentation, including design calculations, drawings, inspection reports, and certifications, must be maintained to demonstrate compliance with legal requirements and standards.

It is essential for construction companies, engineers and all stakeholders involved in temporary works to stay up to date with current regulations, standards and best practices to ensure the safety and legality of their operations in South Africa.

Temporary works are indispensable components of construction projects in South Africa, serving as essential support structures that ensure safety, efficiency and compliance. By adhering to regulatory requirements and implementing best practices in temporary works management, stakeholders can mitigate risks, enhance project outcomes and contribute to the sustainable development of the construction industry.

Neil Enslin

Head: Occupational Health and Safety

Sources:

• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Construction Regulations
• CESA
• SANS Codes and practices