BS 5975:2019

This British Standard gives recommendations and guidance on the procedural controls to be applied to all aspects of temporary works in the construction industry. It also includes guidance on design, specification, construction, use and dismantling of falsework. This standard gives guidance on permissible stress design of all falsework. The guidance also applies to the design of class A falsework¹ defined in BSEN12812, the design of which is specifically excluded from BSEN12812.

Section1 gives recommendations in relation to training and education.

Section2 gives recommendations for procedures to ensure that temporary works are conceived, designed, specified, constructed, used and dismantled all in a safe and controlled manner suitable for all construction projects. These procedures include clauses relating to all roles involved in temporary works: clients, permanent works designers, temporary works designers, contractors (including construction management organizations), suppliers and manufacturers.

Construction sites and methods adopted for controlling the temporary works vary. This British Standard recognizes that the extent of control measures required are greater on the larger or more complex projects, as can be encountered on major infrastructure projects, power stations, airports etc. Generally procedures are to be in accordance with this standard but additional client specific procedures might be required on major infrastructure projects.

Section3 covers the design of temporary works and in particular the design of falsework and relevant formwork. In addition Section3 covers: materials including material factors; loads and load factors; design of falsework, including both proprietary equipment and traditional scaffolding solutions; wind loading (reference to temporary and permanent stability) and reference to other British Standards for the design of structural steelwork, reinforced concrete and excavation support. Although Section3 was written for permissible stress design, the design concepts and the service loads stated are applicable to limit state design. The loads, including wind loads, are the unfactored service loads and conform to both BSEN1991‑1‑4 and BSEN12812.

The structural design element in this British Standard is additional information necessary for the structural design of falsework. It can be used in conjunction with existing structural standards.

BS EN 12812 states that design class A is only to be adopted where:

a) slabs have a cross-sectional area not exceeding 0.3 m² per metre width of slab;

b) beams have a cross-sectional area not exceeding 0.5 m²;

c) the clear span of beams and slabs does not exceed 6.0 m;

d) the height to the underside of the permanent structure does not exceed 3.5 m.