Temporary Works Coordinator – About The Role and The Required Training

What does a Temporary Works Coordinator do?

Safety, efficiency and structural integrity on construction sites are the responsibility of a number of professionals. One such role is the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC). But, and perhaps oddly, it’s an often overlooked one, although temporary works involve high-risk activities, whatever the size of the site, and they’re a vital part of any construction scheme. Here, we take a closer look at what this indispensable job involves.

What is a TWC responsible for?

Temporary Works Coordinators oversee and manage the non-permanent structures, systems and processes that are key to a project’s success. That could include, among other things, scaffolding, falsework, formwork and shoring. Essentially, the TWC acts as a bridge between the design, planning and execution phases so that temporary structures stay safe and functional,  meet all relevant legislation, are properly coordinated and integrated seamlessly into the scheme’s overall design.

TWCs implement the contractor’s procedures for controlling temporary works on site, prepare an appropriate temporary works design, and implement it in accordance with relevant specification and drawings.

It’s not a legal requirement to have an on-site TWC. But it is industry best practice, as outlined in British Standards BS5975. And it’s particularly important on projects with complex non-permanent structures.

It’s different to the role of Temporary Works Supervisor, which involves hands-on supervision of temporary structures and their assembly. (However, in some cases, the same person may do both jobs, although the responsibilities will remain separate.)

Roles and responsibilities

• Effective communication – this is clearly vital; TWCs need to talk to a range of stakeholders about a variety of issues
• Documentation – keeping thorough records throughout a project is important to provide an extensive overview of a scheme’s non-permanent structures
• Regulation and compliance – including with all key health and safety and industry standards
• Risk assessment – looking at risks temporary structures could pose, and working to minimise them
• Design and planning coordination – liaising with a broad range of professionals including contractors, engineers and designers
• Stopping work if for any reason it is not satisfactory or unsafe

What experience and qualifications does a TWC need?

A TWC must have the right training, experience and qualifications to suit the complexity of the project on which they’re working.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a TWC would ideally have prior experience of similar temporary works, have a degree or HND in civil or structural engineering and, if possible, be a chartered civil or structural engineer. They also need the authority and competence to be effective.

TWCs have a certificate which is renewable every five years so people stay up to date with the latest industry regulations and standards. Renewal is via refresher training. (The same applies to Temporary Works Supervisors.)

TWC Training We Offer

At Pragmatic Consulting, we offer a two-day Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) course for Temporary Works Coordinators. We’ve developed this with the HSE and the Temporary Works Forum, among other organisations, while BuildUK has endorsed it. The assessment at the end of the course includes four mandatory exercises plus a 45-minute exam. Successful completion leads to a recognised qualification, valid for five years.

We offer a similar one-day training course for Temporary Works Supervisors, covering the role plus its responsibilities and aimed at improving knowledge of the job and the temporary works environment.

What’s the difference between the TWSTC (Supervisor) and TWCTC (Coordinator) courses?

A Temporary Works Coordinator can be appointed as a supervisor or Coordinator and as delegates gain a recognised qualification, which is valid for five years 5 years, it gives room for progression.

A Temporary Works Supervisor can only be a supervisor however, if during the 5 years delegates wish to progress, they would be required to then complete the additional 2-day TWCTC course. Find out more here.

Contact us to learn more about this training and to book your place – we’ll also gladly answer any questions you may have.

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