The new Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme (SITS) is endorsed by the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) and leads to the new CISRS competence card for scaffold inspection.
The new qualification aims to raise standards within the industry by providing a uniform approach to qualifying scaffold inspectors, therefore ensuring the safety of the workforce. It has been welcomed by the industry, which has the highest proportion of reported injuries caused by falls from a height, which account for 17% of accidents compared with 8% in other industries (Health and Safety Executive).
NCC Access Manager, Allen Robertson, said: “Each year construction workers and members of the public are injured as a result of inadequate scaffolding. That’s why it is essential that the industry has qualified competent inspectors to ensure scaffolding remains structurally sound while in use.
“SITS will provide the industry with a scheme that has both the quality and the rigour to provide competent scaffold inspectors. It will help improve safety whilst reducing business costs as a result of poorly constructed or poorly maintained scaffold. We encourage scaffold inspectors to book onto one of our courses now to ensure they obtain the new qualification to inspect.”
Those attending the training are required to have some awareness and prior experience of scaffold structures. Each course will include legislation and technical guidance on areas such as tubes, boards and fittings, scaffolding terminology, practical inspection and reports.
The new course must be delivered at a CISRS approved centre, such as the National Construction College, which is the largest construction training provider in Europe.
Delivered by CISRS approved instructors, the course is available at a range of venues and locations throughout the UK. The course may also be delivered on company premises, subject to meeting scheme criteria.
The College offers a wide range of scaffolding and access courses for workers throughout their careers, including Scaffolding Part 1 and 2, Scaffold Safety Inspection, Experienced Worker Practical Assessment and NVQ Level 2 and 3 Practical Assessment.
As the direct training division of ConstructionSkills, NCC offers outstanding training to young apprentices and adult students for a wide range of specialist courses, which are delivered by experienced instructors at first class training facilities. The College’s venues throughout the country provide training for up to 30,000 people per year. For more information about the Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme, CISRS card or other training courses available at NCC please call 0344 994 4433.
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