Who is competent to inspect a scaffold?
Who can supervise scaffolding?
How is competence recognised for the supervision of scaffolding?
What is the process for renewing my CISRS card?
Is a CISRS Scaffolding Labourer allowed to work on a scaffold structure, handling materials, whilst the job is being erected, dismantled or altered?
Are their any specific qualifications required to be a scaffolder?
What are the differences between the CISRS cards?
Does a labourer working for a scaffolding company need a CISRS card?
How much do CISRS courses cost?
Are there any grants available for training?
I have achieved S/NVQ Level 3 qualification, am I entitled to a CISRS card?
I have lost my CISRS card/Certificate, how can I obtain a replacement?
I have been trained as a scaffolder in another country; do I qualify for a CISRS card?
Q: Who is competent to inspect a scaffold?
Legislation specifies that anyone carrying out an inspection must be competent to do so. To be competent that person must have the necessary training, knowledge and experience.
As a minimum the NASC would recommend:
a) A CISRS Scaffolder cardholder would be deemed competent to inspect the scaffold structures that are covered in the CISRS Part 1 & Part 2 courses provided their employer can demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge and experience.
b) A CISRS Advanced Scaffolder cardholder would be deemed competent to inspect the scaffold structures that are covered in the CISRS Part 1, Part 2 & Advanced courses provided their employer can demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge and experience. The contents and overall objectives of the CISRS courses can be found in the CAP 609 General Information Booklet Appendix A-C page 26-30.
CISRS
c) A CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor cardholder would be deemed competent to inspect the basic scaffold structures that are covered in the CISRS Part 1 and Part 2 courses provided their employer can demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge and experience. If they also hold an Advanced Scaffolders card, then they would be deemed competent to inspect advanced structures. The content and overall objectives of the CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor course can be found in the CAP 609 General Information Booklet pages 16-17.
CISRS
d) A person who has been on a Basic Scaffold Inspection Course * (min. two days) would be deemed competent to inspect a basic scaffold structure provided their employer can demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge and experience and they have passed the knowledge test at the end of the course. This course is suitable for: Management/Supervision who are responsible for inspecting scaffolds and completing reports in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Note: If candidates who have attended the Basic Course want to inspect more complex scaffolds, then they will need to complete the Advanced Course after they have gained sufficient experience inspecting Basic Scaffolds on a regular basis.
e) A person who has been on an Advanced Scaffold Inspection Course * (min. two days) would be deemed competent to inspect more complex scaffold structures provided their employer can demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge and experience and they have passed the knowledge test at the end of the course. This course is suitable for: Experienced Scaffold Inspectors, Management/Supervision who are responsible for inspecting, commissioning and handing over scaffolds, and completing reports in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
f) Persons who are required to carry out inspections of System Scaffolds must, in addition to the basic scaffold inspection course, have product knowledge of the system to be inspected. This may be sought via CISRS approved training providers, the manufacturer/supplier or as an absolute minimum by obtaining an using the information provided in the official product user guide. This would also apply to CISRS Scaffolder and Advanced card holders, however they could be deemed competent to inspect system scaffold if they already have system product endorsements on the rear of their cards.
CISRS are considering developing short duration system product inspection courses which could then be added as endorsements on the rear of the inspection card.
* Several CISRS approved training centres already offer Basic and Advanced Inspection training (both 2 days duration) Note: Any competent person who is not carrying out scaffold inspections on a regular basis would need to consider additional refresher training To download a copy of this statement please click here
CISRS have developed the Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme (SITS) 2 day Basic and Advanced courses are available and are aimed at those who are responsible for carrying out statutory scaffold inspection on site. Upon successful completion of the above courses the delegate is eligible to apply for the CISRS Inspection card.
Click here for the application forms
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Q: Who can supervise scaffolding?
When considering the direct supervision of a scaffolding gang i.e. a working foreman, leading hand etc, the operative in this role must be qualified to the grade of CISRS Scaffolder as a minimum requirement.For more complex scaffold structures, a CISRS Advanced Scaffolder must undertake direct supervision of the gang. Supervision of a Scaffolding project/site as a whole (liaising with client, deploying operatives, estimating, inspection, pricing, H&S issues etc) must also be carried out by a competent person, however this may not necessarily be a CISRS qualified Scaffolder. The 5 Day CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor training course is available from CISRS Approved Centres. It is aimed at scaffolding contractors first-line supervision i.e. Contract Supervisors, Foremen and Non-Working Charge hands. Upon successful completion of the above course the delegate is eligible to apply for the CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor Card. A Supervisory level Construction Skills H&S test (or equivalent) is required.
Click here for the application forms
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Q: How is competence recognised for the supervision of scaffolding?
The UK Contractors Group (UKCG) have recently published some general guidance for the expected level of competence to be in place for persons in an active supervisory role on construction sites upon which their members have a principal contractors role from January 2010. A copy of the guidance is available at;
UK Contractors Group (UKCG): Home
The guidance outlines a syllabus which includes the basic fundamental aspects of health and safety within the construction related work place and the guide goes on to say that attendance of any such course to deliver the syllabus must be of at least two days duration. The guidance also states that supervisors will need to demonstrate having attended training which includes an understanding of behavioural issues, leadership and effective intervention skills. This training must include delivering effective presentations (e.g. tool box talks), role-play, have a form of testing and successful candidates must be issued with a certificate to demonstrate a suitable standard has been achieved. The NASC would like to inform members that there are several courses commercially available that meet the criteria and also confirm that the established 5 day CISRS Supervisors Course meets all of the above requirements fully for members employees that have already attended this training or plan to in the future. The details of the CISRS Supervisors Course can be found within current CAP609 Guidance, available at;
CAP609 General Information Booklet | CISRS - the industry recognised scaffold training scheme
The NASC would also like to clarify the role of a Supervisor as one of a person or persons that hold a non working or visiting role to the site(s) where scaffold operatives are working and to ensure aspects of safe working and quality control.
A supervisors role is not regarded as being one of a charge hand (or leading hand) that simply acts as the senior tradesman of any scaffold gang. To download a copy of this statement please click here
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Q: What is the process for renewing my CISRS card?
All existing cardholders will be required to renew their cards in line with the scheme. Cards are required to be renewed at the following frequencies:
Scaffolding Labourer Card valid for 5 years. Initial Trainee Cards are valid for 18 months within which time a trainee must commence CISRS training and undertake a minimum of Part 1 Training course.
Trainee Cards can be renewed for a further 18 month period if the trainee has completed a Part 1 course. They would be expected to complete their Part 2 and VQ Level 2 within this second 18 month period.
Scaffolder Cards are valid for 5 years
Advanced Scaffolder cards are valid for 5 years
Scaffolding Supervisor Cards are valid for 5 years
Card holders are required to renew their cards by completing the relevant application form and level of ConstructionSkills H&S Test (or equivalent) within 2 years of renewal.
Click here for the application forms
Renewal notices will be sent to the last known address approximately 3 months prior to the card expiry date.
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Q: Is a CISRS Scaffolding Labourer allowed to work on a scaffold structure, handling materials, whilst the job is being erected, dismantled or altered?
A labourer is allowed to work on a scaffold structure during erection, dismantling or alteration, however he must only be involved with the handling of the materials and not actually be erecting or dismantling the structure.
*Please note that the Labourer must only be working from a section of the scaffolding that is fully boarded and fitted with double handrails and toe boards.
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Q: Are their any specific qualifications required to be a scaffolder?
The CISRS scheme is the industry-recognised qualification for Scaffolding. There are 5 categories of card:
Labourer This entails taking a ConstructionSkills H&S test and an application form endorsed by your employer. The card last 5 years and must be renewed with a current ConstructionSkills H&S test.
Trainee This entails taking a ConstructionSkills H&S test and completing an application form endorsed by your employer. This initial card lasts 18 months and within this time frame the operative must commence their formal training and complete a minimum of CISRS Part 1 Course (2 weeks off site training at a CISRS approved provider. This will allow the operative to apply for a 2nd Trainee card which will last a further 18 months in which time the operative must complete their CISRS Part 2 (2 weeks off site training at a CISRS approved provider) and their Level 2 Access and Rigging Operations S/NVQ.
Scaffolder When the operative has completed all of the above and have a current ConstructionSkills H&S test they are entitled to apply for his CISRS Scaffolder card.
Advanced Scaffolder Once the operative has held their Scaffolder card for a 12 month period, they will then attend their Advanced course (weeks off site training at a CISRS approved provider), complete their Level 3 Access and Rigging Operations S/NVQ, complete a further ConstructionSkills H&S test and can then apply for their Advanced card.
Supervisor This entails completing the CISRS 5 Day Supervisory Course and completing the ConstructionSkills Supervisory H&S test.
When employing scaffolders you would ideally want the workforce to be made up of a reasonable ration of the above categories, the types of works they can carry out is outlined in the course content which is covered on this website.
Some brief pointers:
Trainee scaffolders cannot work on their own they must be directly supervised by a qualified scaffolder working alongside them as part of a squad.
Advanced Scaffolder are only required in a squad if the works carried out is of an Advanced nature (i.e. complex design work, hanging scaffolds, support scaffolds etc).
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Q: What are the differences between the CISRS cards?
A trainee scaffolder should not be carrying out any scaffolding works unless directly supervised by a qualified scaffolder. During the period of time that the operative holds the trainee card they should attend the CISRS Part 1 Scaffolders course. This is a 2 week off site course carried out by an approved CISRS training provider,
The course includes
H&S Awareness
SG4 Harness Training
Interpretation of simple drawings
Independent Scaffolds
Putlog scaffolds
Birdcage scaffolds
Static Tower
Alteration to scaffolds
50 question Test paper
The operative then must return to industry for a minimum of 6 months to apply (under supervision) the skills they have attained. They must then attend CISRS Part 2 Scaffolders Course. This again is a 2 week off site course carried out by an approved provider. The course includes
SG4 Harness training
Scaffolds with prefabricated beams
Protective fans
Pavement Gantry
2.5 Tonne Loading Bay
Roof Saddle
Splay Scaffold
Roof Edge Protection
Alterations to scaffolds
50 question test paper
The operative must return to industry for a minimum of 6 months. In this time they must collate work based evidence in order to complete S/NVQ Level 2 in Access and Rigging Operations. The operative returns to the centre for an VQ portfolio assessment, they then take the ConstructionSkills H&S test and if successful will be issued with a CISRS Scaffolders Card (*The word Basic has been dropped since June 2006). This scaffolder can now be deemed competent to erect, dismantle or alter the range of works as outlined above. This covers around 80% of the range of scaffolding works carried out in construction. An operative must hold a CISRS (Basic) Scaffolders card for a period of 12 months (this is being extended to 3 years) prior to attending a CISRS 2 week off site Advanced Course at an approved training provider click here for list).
The course includes:
SG4 Harness training
Hanging Scaffold
Cantilever Drop
2 way Shoring/dead shore
Temporary roof scaffold
Ramps
Risk Assessments
Method Statements
Testing of ties
The operative then must return to industry for a minimum of 6 months to collate work based evidence in order to complete S/NVQ Level 3 Access and Rigging Operations. The operative returns to the approved provider for a VQ assessment, they then take the ConstructionSkills H&S test and if successful will be issued with a CISRS Advanced card. This scaffolder can now be deemed competent in the range of works covered in all 3 courses.
CISRS would point out that it is not considered necessary to have an Advanced Scaffolder working in every squad of scaffolders. If the work is in the range of tasks covered in the Part 1 or Part 2 then there is no reason why a (basic) scaffolder cannot supervise the works.
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Q
oes a labourer working for a scaffolding company need a CISRS card?
Even though this employee may never leave the floor he should still apply for a CISRS Labourer card. In order to apply he should ring CISRS helpline for an application form 0844 815 7223 and will need to complete a ConstructionSkills H&S test (tel 0344 944 4488) and complete the employer declaration/Labourer application form. When completed, the form will be returned with a photograph of the operative, proof of the H&S test, and a cheque made payable to ConstructionSkills for 26.50.
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Q: How much do the CISRS courses cost?
The price may vary slightly from centre to centre and regionally so you will have to ring around, however, a rough average cost for a Part 1, 2 and Advanced would be around 850 per course. When booking a course you should ask if the booking fee includes S/NVQ registration as if this is not the case extra charges will be made later.
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Q: Are there any grants available for the training?
There is very little funding available for an individual however there are several streams of funding for the employer to subsidise their operatives training. ConstructionSkills do offer training grants to those companies who pay ConstructionSkills Levy. These work out at 17.50 per day Pt1, Pt2 Adv x 10 days = 175.00 per course 275 achievement grant for S/NVQ Level 2 275 achievement grant for S/NVQ Level 3 Several of the centres provide extra funding through train to gain and so may be able to offer courses at discounted prices or even free in some instances.
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Q: I have achieved S/NVQ Level 3 qualification, am I entitled to a CISRS card?
No, there are 3 elements needed to obtain a CISRS card, CISRS practical training, S/NVQ and ConstructionSkills H&S test.
CISRS Scaffolder cards are only issued when the operative has undertaken the relevant CISRS training Part 1 and Part 2, achieved the S/NVQ Level 2 in Access and Rigging Operations and passed a ConstructionSkills H&S test To reach Advanced they must carry out all of the above plus the CISRS Advanced course, S/NVQ Level 3 in Access and Rigging Operations and passed the ConstructionSkills H&S test.
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Q:I have lost my CISRS card/Certificate, how can I obtain a replacement?
You will need to contact the CISRS approved centre at which the training was undertaken, and request them to issue a Copy/replacement certificate. There may be an administration fee for this service. Usually you will need a certificate to apply for a card, if you are on the CISRS database already CISRS can accept that you have done the training, if you are not and you can no longer produce a certificate you need to contact the centre at which you did your training. If the centre cannot provide a duplicate or confirm the training took place, CISRS cannot issue a card. If the applicant has copies of joining instructions for the course or perhaps proof of grant payment for the training or some possible evidence that the training took place CISRS might be able to accept this on an appeal basis, however the applicant must make an appeal with the evidence in writing to:
CISRS, 4th Floor, 12 Bridewell Place, London, EC4V 6AP
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Q: I have been trained as a scaffolder in another country; do I qualify for a CISRS card?
CISRS do not recognise training that was not carried out at a CISRS approved centre, therefore you need to register as a CISRS trainee, including taking the ConstructionSkills H&S test (go to
CITB - ConstructionSkills and book on line or ring 0344 994 4488) they will require an employer to sign their Trainee card application.
The initial trainee card will last for an 18 month period within that time the operative must commence their training and carry out a minimum of CISRS Part 1 if they wish to renew their trainee card for a further 18 month period. They would then be required to complete CISRS Part 2, Level 2 VQ and another ConstructionSkills H&S test prior to be issued with a CISRS Scaffolder card.
