The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme

      
      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

       Q: Could you please advise what the difference between Trainee, Basic and Advanced scaffolder levels are,        including what they are permitted to do, and what qualification and experience they should have?

       A: 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 he
       has attained.

       He 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 he/she 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, he/she then takes the H&S safety 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 an VQ assessment, he/she then takes the 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 can not supervise the works.

     Q:We are looking to recruit a scaffold labourer to assist our scaffolding team. The employee will never be
     required to leave the floor and will be involved in all areas of scaffold labouring. Does he need to have a
     CISRS card and if so at what level?

     This operative should apply for a CISRS Labourer card. In order to apply he should ring CISRS helpline for an application
     form 0870 417 7223 and will need to complete a CSCS H&S test (tel 0870 600 4020) 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 CITB for £23.50

      CISRS Helpline   0870 4177223      Email  enquiries@cisrs.org.uk