Temporary Works Permit

An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.

What a temporary works permit is

A temporary works permit is a controlled authorisation tied to a temporary structure such as propping, falsework, formwork, edge protection or trench support, confirming that it has been designed, erected and checked before it is loaded, used or removed. Temporary works carry their own collapse risk, so each key stage is controlled.

This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides how temporary works are controlled and what the permit must record.

Purpose

• Authorise loading, use or removal of temporary works at the right stage.
• Confirm a competent check of the works against the design.
• Control the sequence so nothing is loaded or struck too early.
• Record that the temporary works were checked and signed off.

Who completes it

• An authorised issuer working with the temporary works coordinator.
• The supervisor leading the work, who accepts the conditions.
• A competent person checks the works against the design.
• The employer decides who is competent to design, check and authorise.

When it is used

• Before temporary works are loaded, brought into use or struck.
• At the key stages where premature loading or removal would be dangerous.
• For a stated period or stage, until the next check.
• Whenever the employer’s system designates the works as permit-controlled.

Typical fields

• Permit number, temporary works reference and design reference.
• The stage being authorised — load, use or strike.
• Competent-person check confirming it matches the design.
• Limits, loads and the sequence to be followed.
• Issuer and acceptor signatures, and a stage sign-off.
• Example fields only — adapt to the works and the applicable law.

Common mistakes

• Loading temporary works before the competent check is complete.
• Striking formwork or props before the permanent works can stand alone.
• Building temporary works that do not match the design.
• No clear sequence, so stages are done out of order.

Document workflow

A temporary works permit is typically raised under the permit to work system against a temporary works design after a risk assessment, and is closely linked to an excavation permit where trench support is used and a scaffold erection permit for access structures.

See the related documents below for what is commonly required before, used with and completed after a temporary works permit.

Retention (high level)

Completed temporary works permits are usually kept for a period afterwards alongside the design and check records, in line with the employer’s obligations and data-protection duties. This page does not state a period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

Temporary works permits are commonly completed, signed and stored as PDFs alongside the design and check records. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the permit official or guarantee compliance.

Employer checklist

• Require a design and a competent check for temporary works.
• Control loading, use and striking at the right stages.
• Appoint a temporary works coordinator where appropriate.
• Keep permits, designs and check records together as evidence.

Worker notes

• Do not load or strike temporary works without a valid permit.
• Follow the sequence and the loads the permit specifies.
• Stop and report any sign the works do not match the design.

Country considerations

Rules and standards for temporary works vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.

Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.

Who is responsible

The employer is responsible for safe temporary works, the competence of designers and checkers, and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not authorise any works and does not transfer responsibility.