Temporary Works Procedural Control: Good Practice Guideline (GPG)

The newly established Temporary Works forum (TWf) have developed the following draft guidance document to the New Zealand Construction Industry, providing a consensus view on how to execute good procedural control of the risks posed by temporary works throughout their lifecycle.

This approach is based heavily on international best practice, most notably Section 2 of the British Standard BS5975.

The GPG was initially issued for a 6 week consultation period which closed on the 07 January, 2019. Based on the feedback received, the consultation period has now been extended to 06 March, 2019.

It should be noted, that the GPG attached has not changed from that first issued on 23 November, 2018.

Comments received thus far can be summarised generally as follows –

1. General grammar and editorial comments.
2. The use of BS5975 terminology against otherwise undefined New Zealand terminology (Permit to Excavate etc.).
3. Consistency of terminology across the document.
4. Request for further consultation with those who were otherwise unaware of the purpose and development of this document.
5. Additions to the list of common temporary works examples.
6. The duties of the Clients Engineers towards SiD should not be limited by the GPG.
7. Guidance on determining competency of designers.
8. Compatibility/substitution of these documents with other forms (Pre-pour checks etc.).
9. Whether this document is truly scalable for small projects and small contractors that do not have consistent access to competent Engineers where design is required.
10. The 22 Key Principles can be more concise with the use of sub-groups.
11. Paperwork and procedure is not a substitute for staff competence.
12. Is there a benefit to having a standard procedure across the industry? Should all companies continue to determine their own approach to managing temporary works risk?

Furthermore, it should also be noted to the reader that CHASNZ have now been included in the development of the GPG and the TWf will be seeking endorsement from CHASNZ prior to publication.

Any comments must be sent by email as per the format below. Only comments received in this format will be considered.

Please send your comments by email to twf@sesoc.org.nz. The closing date is 06 March, 2019.

When commenting on this GPG, please note:

1. This document is developed as a practical “good practice” guide for all PCBU’s working with or around temporary works. It is not a New Zealand Standard although we will be seeking endorsement from CHASNZ amongst other industry bodies.
2. Comments should either improve or maintain the documents ability to be relevant, practical, effective and scalable for all projects, for all contractors.
3. This document is intended to be complimentary and non-contradictory to other New Zealand Industry guidance.
4. If you return a comment but do not want the company you represent to be included on the “acknowledgements” page, please state this in your email.