Temporary Works Register

The Temporary Works Register is a document listing every item of temporary works on the project from design through to removal.
BS 5975 requires a register to be maintained as part of the temporary works management procedure on every construction project.
The register tracks each item through its lifecycle: design, check, approval, erection, inspection, permit to load, and removal.
Common register items include formwork, falsework, propping, scaffolds, temporary earth support, access platforms, and crane bases.
The Temporary Works Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the register and ensuring every item follows the correct procedure.
Items must not progress to the next lifecycle stage until the previous stage is formally completed and recorded on the register.
The register ensures no temporary works are forgotten, overlooked, or removed prematurely without proper authorisation.
Design check certificates, inspection records, and permits to load must all be cross-referenced against the register entry.
The register must be reviewed regularly and kept up to date as new temporary works are added and completed items removed.
On handover or project completion, the register confirms all temporary works have been removed or formally handed over.

Nothing forgotten	The register ensures every temporary works item is tracked — without it, items get forgotten and removed dangerously or left in place.
Lifecycle control	Each stage from design to removal must be completed in sequence — the register prevents stages being skipped or rushed.
Audit trail	The register provides documentary evidence that temporary works were properly managed — essential for HSE investigations and legal defence.

Do

Don't

Establish the Temporary Works Register at the start of every construction project.
Record every item of temporary works on the register as soon as it is identified.
Track each item through design, check, approval, erection, inspection, and removal.
Ensure the TW Coordinator maintains and updates the register throughout the project.
Cross-reference design checks, inspections, and permits to load against register entries.
Confirm each lifecycle stage is complete before progressing to the next stage.
Review the register regularly to identify items approaching removal or requiring inspection.
Add new temporary works items to the register as they arise during construction.
Confirm all temporary works are removed or handed over before project completion.
Keep the register available on site for review by the HSE, client, or auditors.

DON'T start a project without establishing the Temporary Works Register.
DON'T omit any temporary works item from the register — every item must be tracked.
DON'T skip lifecycle stages — each must be completed in the correct sequence.
DON'T allow the register to become outdated — the TW Coordinator must maintain it.
DON'T issue permits or approvals that are not cross-referenced to the register.
DON'T progress to erection without a completed design check recorded on the register.
DON'T forget to review the register — items due for inspection can be missed.
DON'T treat new temporary works as informal — add them to the register immediately.
DON'T close out the project without confirming all TW items are removed or handed over.
DON'T lose the register — it is a critical project record for audit and legal purposes.

See also: Temporary Works Awareness | Temporary Works Coordinator Role

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