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BSI announces new guidance for all aspects of temporary works

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BSI has updated BS 5975:2019 – Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework, to give recommendations for temporary structures on building sites, with practical guidelines for design, specifications, construction and the use and dismantling of falsework.

This is a significant revision of sections 1 and 2 of the standard, BS 5975:2008+A1:20111 , last amended in 2011. Drafted by an expert committee2 , it provides recommendations for safety and control around the various procedures and responsibilities of personnel involved for all construction projects. This includes the addition of procedures for clients, designers and suppliers and provides recommendations for education and training as well.

Over the last decade, within the construction industry, there have been major changes to working practices, in particular the growth of sub-contracting across the vast majority of construction works. Subcontracting was previously the practice for specialisms, such as structural steelwork, but now it is employed across most works. As the sector has evolved it has become necessary for BS 5975 to reflect all types of working practices. The standard has also been updated to align with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the procedures now allow other contractors to plan and manage their own temporary works while ensuring that the principal contractor retains overall responsibility.

Ant Burd, Head of Built Environment at BSI, said: “This is a significant revision of an important standard that seeks to reflect changes in working practices and Health and Safety regulation within temporary construction and falsework. It offers procedural guidance to all organisations and personnel involved, to ensure competence in construction projects, from principal Ccontractors and clients through to designers and trainers.

“The standard gives clear instructions and guidance to help companies be properly prepared for site investigations and compliant with current regulation.”

Further information on BS75:2019 – Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework can be found here.

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