A new one-day scaffolding awareness course is set to launch at a range of training centres across the UK later this year.
The course, which is open to any workers who have cause to work on scaffolding and those wanting to better understand scaffolding – including bricklayers, painters, electricians and plumbers – has been created by the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS).
It aims to provide attendees with a greater understanding and appreciation of the potential dangers of working at height on scaffolds and enable them to identify the core components of a safe scaffold.
Upon successful completion of the course, delegates will be issued with a CISRS Scaffolding Awareness certificate.
Laura Weekes, CISRS administrator said, “This classroom-based course will give tradesmen a basic understanding of what compliant scaffolding looks like and guidance on how they can work at height safely.
“We’re looking to offer this course at training centres nationwide from this summer onwards.”
The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has welcomed the introduction of the course. Stephen Allen-Tidy, NASC health and safety advisor commented, “The NASC is committed to promoting the highest standards of safety within the industry. Through the publication and dissemination of a wide range of industry-recognised safety and technical guidance – including SG4:15 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations – we continue to drive safety standards upwards.
“This is clearly evidenced in our annual NASC Safety Reports. The 2018 edition saw accidents and injuries recorded by NASC members, collectively employing more than 16,000 scaffolding operatives, fall to an all-time low – with just 89 incidences occurring on-site throughout 2017.”
He added, “Through the introduction of the scaffolding awareness training course the scope of safety training efforts is being extended beyond scaffolding operatives, helping to ensure that all workers who set foot on a scaffold can carry out the tasks they require safely.”
• For more information, visit www.cisrs.org.uk
