Temporary works can affect Building Safety Regulator (BSR) approval, depending on how they interact with the permanent works, safety systems and approved design intent.
BSR is not interested in temporary works for their own sake. The regulator’s concern is whether temporary arrangements compromise fire safety, structural integrity, or the accuracy of the approved construction record.
If temporary works alter, obscure, damage, or replace elements that are part of the approved design, they become relevant to compliance.
Temporary Works Are Not Automatically Outside BSR Scope
There is a common misconception that temporary works sit entirely outside BSR oversight. This is not correct.
Temporary works matter when they:
If temporary works have any impact on safety-critical elements, BSR expects those risks to be controlled and evidenced.
Fire Safety Is the Main Sensitivity Area
Temporary works frequently interact with fire safety measures, often unintentionally.
Examples include:
If fire stopping or compartmentation is disturbed, it is treated as non-compliant until reinstated and re-evidenced. Temporary does not mean exempt.
Structural Temporary Works Can Also Be Relevant
Temporary propping, bracing, or load transfer systems can fall within BSR’s interest if they:
Where temporary works support or substitute permanent structure, BSR may expect clarity on what is temporary, what is permanent, and when the transition occurs.
Evidence and Records Still Matter
Temporary works that affect safety-critical elements must be properly recorded, even if they are later removed.
Good practice includes:
At Gateway 3, BSR assesses the final as-built condition, but they also review whether safety was controlled throughout construction.
Temporary Does Not Mean Uncontrolled
The key issue is not whether works are temporary, but whether they are planned, assessed, and controlled.
Problems arise when temporary works are:
These situations create uncertainty in the compliance record, which BSR treats as risk.
Gateway 3 Focuses on the End State — But the Journey Matters
At Gateway 3, the building must match the approved design and evidence set. Temporary works that have been fully removed and reinstated correctly should not block approval.
However, if temporary works:
They can still contribute to Gateway 3 delays or requests for clarification.
What Site Teams Should Do in Practice
To manage temporary works safely under BSR oversight, site teams should:
If there is doubt, pause and assess. Temporary convenience is never a justification for permanent compliance risk.
Key Takeaway
Temporary works can affect BSR approval if they interfere with approved fire safety, structure, or evidence.Temporary works are acceptable, uncontrolled temporary works are not. The safest approach is to treat any temporary interference with approved construction as something that must be managed, reinstated and evidenced, not ignored.
BSR is not interested in temporary works for their own sake. The regulator’s concern is whether temporary arrangements compromise fire safety, structural integrity, or the accuracy of the approved construction record.
If temporary works alter, obscure, damage, or replace elements that are part of the approved design, they become relevant to compliance.
Temporary Works Are Not Automatically Outside BSR Scope
There is a common misconception that temporary works sit entirely outside BSR oversight. This is not correct.
Temporary works matter when they:
- Interfere with approved fire stopping or compartmentation
- Load or restrain permanent structural elements
- Require removal or alteration of approved construction details
- Affect escape routes, fire strategy assumptions, or access provisions
If temporary works have any impact on safety-critical elements, BSR expects those risks to be controlled and evidenced.
Fire Safety Is the Main Sensitivity Area
Temporary works frequently interact with fire safety measures, often unintentionally.
Examples include:
- Temporary openings through fire compartments
- Removal of fire stopping for access or sequencing
- Temporary barriers affecting escape routes
- Protection systems that conceal final installations
If fire stopping or compartmentation is disturbed, it is treated as non-compliant until reinstated and re-evidenced. Temporary does not mean exempt.
Structural Temporary Works Can Also Be Relevant
Temporary propping, bracing, or load transfer systems can fall within BSR’s interest if they:
- Affect permanent load paths
- Mask incomplete permanent structural works
- Are relied upon for longer than intended
- Change the construction sequence assumed in approved designs
Where temporary works support or substitute permanent structure, BSR may expect clarity on what is temporary, what is permanent, and when the transition occurs.
Evidence and Records Still Matter
Temporary works that affect safety-critical elements must be properly recorded, even if they are later removed.
Good practice includes:
- Recording when approved elements are temporarily removed
- Evidencing reinstatement to the approved detail
- Updating inspection and test records
- Clear sequencing notes in site records
At Gateway 3, BSR assesses the final as-built condition, but they also review whether safety was controlled throughout construction.
Temporary Does Not Mean Uncontrolled
The key issue is not whether works are temporary, but whether they are planned, assessed, and controlled.
Problems arise when temporary works are:
- Installed informally without assessment
- Left in place longer than planned
- Poorly coordinated with follow-on trades
- Not reinstated or re-recorded
These situations create uncertainty in the compliance record, which BSR treats as risk.
Gateway 3 Focuses on the End State — But the Journey Matters
At Gateway 3, the building must match the approved design and evidence set. Temporary works that have been fully removed and reinstated correctly should not block approval.
However, if temporary works:
- Caused damage that was never repaired
- Led to undocumented changes
- Resulted in missing or unclear evidence
They can still contribute to Gateway 3 delays or requests for clarification.
What Site Teams Should Do in Practice
To manage temporary works safely under BSR oversight, site teams should:
- Identify temporary works that affect safety-critical elements
- Assess their impact before installation
- Protect and reinstate approved details properly
- Record removal, repair and reinstatement clearly
If there is doubt, pause and assess. Temporary convenience is never a justification for permanent compliance risk.
Key Takeaway
Temporary works can affect BSR approval if they interfere with approved fire safety, structure, or evidence.Temporary works are acceptable, uncontrolled temporary works are not. The safest approach is to treat any temporary interference with approved construction as something that must be managed, reinstated and evidenced, not ignored.
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Expert Verification & Authorship: Mihai Chelmus
Founder, London Construction Magazine | Construction Testing & Investigation Specialist |
