Focus on safety training for new scaffolders

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has introduced a new initiative, which requires trainees and scaffolding labourers to undertake a ‘new entrant’ safety training course.

The scheme will go live from 1 September, after which any scaffolding trainee or scaffolding labourer new to the industry must complete a CISRS one-day course before a CISRS scaffolding labourer card will be issued as proof of their competency.

The course will cover a range of areas, including:

• regulations and codes of practice;
• general responsibilities;
• basic scaffold terminology;
• servicing of equipment;
• health, well-being and hygiene;
• electrical safety ;
• fire prevention and control;
• noise and vibration;
• work at height;
• accident prevention and reporting;
• PPE; and
• manual handling;

The new courses will be carried out at CISRS-approved centres across the UK. Alternatively, the courses can be run ‘in-house’ by a suitably qualified member of staff — assuming the facilities exist to carry out the training.

Any scaffolding company wishing to do in-house training must apply to the CISRS to do so; their eligibility will be assessed before being allowed to conduct the courses.
To accompany the new courses, a training and assessment package will be available for applicants and will include a slide presentation, manual handling DVD, test questions and practical exercises, certificates and other material.

Existing CISRS Scaffolding Labourer cardholders will be required to complete the course upon expiry of their current card and prior to a new card being issued as part of a new ‘CISRS Scaffolding Labourer Refresher Training’ scheme.

CISRS training manager David Mosley said: “These new compulsory courses are a very welcome addition to the CISRS Scheme — teaching all new entrants and labourers the basics of the industry and how to keep safe when working with scaffolding and access solutions, while also making sure existing operatives are up to date.”

For more information, visit www.cisrs.org.uk