Temporary works code of practice is published

BSI, the business standards company has published PAS 8811 Temporary works – Major infrastructure client procedures – Code of practice. PAS 8811 gives recommendations on major infrastructure client procedures for temporary works and temporary conditions of permanent works during construction. It also covers processes, roles, responsibilities and competences, and provides example pro forma documentation.

PAS 8811 was sponsored by High Speed Two (HS2) Limited and the Temporary Works Forum (TWf), and defines major infrastructure client responsibilities with regards to temporary works. It also recommends a common set of procedures for use by UK major infrastructure clients. BSI engaged with a number of construction industry stakeholders to identify areas in which it was felt that the industry could benefit from further standardization. 

Procedural controls for temporary works are covered in BS 5975:2008+A1:2011, Section 2 and are widely used across the industry. Whilst this standard provides the basis for contractors’ procedures for temporary works, it does not provide explicit guidance for clients. Consequently, client organizations have tended to develop individual requirements resulting in a variety of approaches which have created confusion and complexity particularly with respect to approval and compliance, with adverse impact on administrative costs and programme.

Ant Burd, Head of the Built Environment sector at BSI, said: “The aim of PAS 8811 is threefold: to establish a unified approach to client involvement in temporary works across all stages; to eliminate unnecessary procedures and conflicts in order to achieve clarity; and to minimize delays during compliance and approvals processes and other necessary procedures.”

PAS 8811 was developed using a consensus-based collaborative approach with input from experts within organizations such as: AECOM, Balfour Beatty plc., Carillion Construction Ltd., CH2M, Costain, Crossrail, Groundforce, Health and Safety Executive, HS2, Highways England, Institution of civil engineers, Kier, London Underground, Morgan Sindall, Mott McDonald, National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), National Grid, Network Rail, Skanska UK Plc., TWf, Tideway and Tony Gee and Partners.

This PAS complements, and is intended to be used in conjunction with, BS 5975, Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework, expanding areas where there is limited information provided for major infrastructure client requirements.

PAS 8811 does not cover the contractual responsibilities of clients, suppliers or contractors. Where there are relevant existing standards or industry documents, this PAS refers to these and is not intended to replicate existing material.

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