Scaffolding Inspection Awareness

Scaffolding inspection should be undertaken by a competent person whose combination of knowledge, training and experience is appropriate for the type and complexity of the scaffold. For example, the construction sector may assess competence using a Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) approved card.

Alternatively, an individual may have received unaccredited training in inspecting a specific type of system scaffold from a manufacturer/supplier. Finally, a non-scaffolder, such as an experienced site manager or health and safety practitioner, who has attended an awareness level course like this, could be deemed competent to inspect a basic scaffold structure.

What is scaffolding inspection awareness training?

Scaffolding inspection awareness training is a course that aims to equip those who attend it with the knowledge to enable them to understand how to inspect basic scaffolding structures in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations, codes and best practices.

Can training be completed online?

Delegates can complete scaffolding inspection awareness training online. The online version of the course is hosted and delivered by a live trainer using video conferencing software such as Zoom, Teams or Webex. It can be delivered via these platforms in a highly interactive way using visuals such as pictures and video content to communicate key training messages. The content used in this course lends itself perfectly to online delivery.

For example, many slides contain photos of scaffolding hazards and instances of poor practice taken from local building sites. These training resources help to highlight the importance of scaffolding inspection and what an inspector may face.

What is included within scaffolding inspection training course content?

Scaffolding inspection awareness training is a comprehensive course covering many topics including:

• Four major scaffolding hazards

• Reasons why accidents happen

• Statistics

• Planning for working at height.

• Competence and capability of scaffolders and scaffolding inspectors

• Tagging systems

• Managing risk

• PPE and collective protection

• Regulations codes and best practice

• Scaffolding Categories (System scaffolding, Bespoke scaffolding & Standard scaffolding)

• Common materials and components

• Loading

• Methods of access

• Scaffolding Safety

• Inspection

• Handover

• Scaff tags

How is the course assessed?

Delegates are assessed via a 20-question multiple-choice question paper and must achieve a minimum score of 15 out of 20 to obtain a pass.

How long does the training take?

Scaffolding inspection awareness training is a six-hour course, typically delivered over one full day. However, there is an option to split delivery into two shorter three-hour sessions, should this be a preference. Hosting the course within a business’s premises for a private group can be advantageous as the session can be tailored to suit the specific needs of those in attendance. In addition, should the business premises have access to erected scaffolding, this provides an excellent opportunity for the collective application of the inspection theory.

Who needs it?

This awareness-level course is aimed at those responsible for safety on a construction site. The training is ideal for managers or supervisors to equip them with the fundamental knowledge to identify scaffolding-related hazards. However, even individuals with qualifications such as those certified by NEBOSH or IOSH would benefit from this training as the course content delves deeper into scaffold structures, components, installation, and inspection requirements.

Why is scaffolding inspection training necessary?

Working from or around scaffolding presents significant risks. This risk is increased by construction operatives who disregard safety by adopting unsafe working practices that jeopardise the safety of the scaffolding structures. Therefore, it is essential to have appropriately trained personnel to carry out inspections. Importantly, having these individuals follow a structured inspection regime can help identify the factors contributing to the likelihood of working at height and scaffolding-related accidents.

What should be included in a scaffolding inspection report?

The scaffold inspection report should note any defects or matters that could give rise to a risk to health and safety and any corrective actions taken, even when those actions are taken promptly, as this assists with the identification of any recurring problem. The report may include damage, deterioration, missing parts, substandard components or construction and unsafe working practice.

How often should scaffolding be inspected?

Regular statutory inspections of the scaffolding should occur at least every seven days or after any event likely to have affected the scaffold’s stability. The responsibility for the 7-day inspection lies with the contractor or user, not the scaffolder or scaffolding contractor. This course provides an ideal training route for those who need to upskill appropriately experienced personnel in scaffolding inspection techniques.