Effective immediately, there is now a pre-qualification requirement that the delegate/employer must ensure they can provide evidence of a minimum of two years relevant industry experience prior to attending the basic SITS course.

Aimed at anyone responsible for carrying out statutory scaffold inspections on basic scaffolding structures in accordance with the Working at Height Regulations 2005 – as well as scaffolders wishing to expand their knowledge –  the basic SITS course is one of the most intensive courses within the CISRS scheme, which entails three full days at an accredited training centre to complete.

The popular SITS courses are attended all across the UK by site managers, agents, engineers and health and safety professionals alike – covering the fundamental requirements for legal, safe and compliant scaffolding. The courses include practical inspection, theory, report writing, fault finding as well as an update on the latest NASC safety and technical guidance.

CISRS Scheme Manager, Dave Mosley said: “Scaffold inspection is such an important area with far-reaching effects and we feel that those attending the course should be able to verify that they have at least a rudimentary knowledge of scaffolding prior to attending training. They also need to be aware of the responsibility that comes with inspecting scaffolds – hence the pre-qualification change to two years relevant work experience.

“In the past, companies would send staff on scaffold inspection courses very early within their career in order to gain some basic knowledge about scaffolding. CISRS feel that in reality a scaffolding awareness/introduction to scaffolding course is more suitable, until they have more of a working knowledge of scaffolding on site.”
As a result of the changes to the Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme, potential delegates will be required submit a CV, employer endorsement and/or proof of prior training at the point of booking a course.

CISRS are considering the possibility of putting together a short duration scaffolding awareness course, for entry level training purposes.

CISRS has now set up specific CPD page on it’s website in a response to some of misinformation being circulated around the sector.

The aim of the webpage is to provide background information surrounding the introduction of the new scheme, why CISRS has concluded that CPD is necessary, proposed course content whilst also answering some of the questions that have been raised by concerned scaffolders and employers. The Industry has had a mixed response to the announcement however there are many across the wider industry who have welcomed the idea.

“Following the publication of the Industrial Strategy for Construction in 2013, the construction industry has refocussed its efforts on ensuring the workforce is appropriately qualified. Continuous professional development (CPD) is an effective method of ensuring all construction workers keep up to date with the latest developments and processes. CSCS welcomes the introduction of CPD as part of the renewal process for a CISRS card, further reinforcing the highly skilled reputation of UK scaffolders.”

Graham Wren, chief executive, Construction Skills Certification Scheme

Much of the initial opposition to the introduction of CPD appears to be cost and who will pay for the course, rather than the principle of CPD itself. CISRS are currently in discussions with CITB to see if any additional funding can be sourced to help offset the costs of the CPD programme.

CPD for Scaffolders has not been driven by Training Providers and cannot be described as a “Knee Jerk” reaction. It is an agenda that has been pushed by wider industry for many years, particularly the HSE in the case of scaffolding. CISRS and ASITO have been convinced it is the right thing to do for our safety critical sector.

"'HSE Inspectors sometimes come across scaffolders on site who are not up to date on current accepted practices with respect to safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding. This is an issue that is easily resolved through CPD and HSE welcomes the introduction of this into the CISRS scheme. This brings the scheme into line with many other construction trades and it will have a very positive effect, particularly for those who may not have received any formal training in many years. It should help employers demonstrate that their operatives have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their duties under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015."

Ray Cooke, head of Construction Sector Safety Unit, Health & Safety Executive

CISRS understands that there will always be a reaction to changes within a sector, but is hoping to dispel some of the myths that have emerged in recent weeks.

The web page - http://cisrs.org.uk/cpd-2017/ - will be updated regularly and a Frequently Asked Questions section is currently being put together.

For a full a list of approved CISRS training providers, further details about CISRS card courses, OSTS news, training changes following the introduction of SG4:15 and TG20:13, information and dates on courses available or to find out more about CISRS, visit www.cisrs.org.uk or email enquiries@cisrs.org.uk for more assistance.