Basic Scaffold Inspection Course

The Basic Scaffold Inspection course is delivered over three days of theory and practical training.

The three days are designed to give a substantial and detailed look at scaffolding inspection health and safety.

The three day Basic Scaffold Inspection course is suitable for any person who conducts scaffolding inspections as part of their occupation.

The course will provide you with vital knowledge needed to conduct your inspections safely. The improved knowledge of understanding scaffolding components, inspection procedures and forms of scaffold systems will assist you in protecting yourself and others.

The qualification is also a training requirement for the CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection card. This card will allow you to legally conduct your role on construction sites.

To be accepted into the course, you must have prior knowledge and experience working with scaffolding structures.

You must also hold at least one of the following to attend the course:

• A current CISRS Scaffolder, Advanced or Supervisor card.
• An expired or current CISRS Basic Inspection card that you are looking to renew. 

If you do not hold a suitable CISRS card

You will need to submit your CV with references and qualification information, along with a cover letter from your employer confirming your awareness and experience of scaffold structures. They will also need to confirm that you have a minimum of two years of experience working in your role.

There are also some health and safety requirements

You must have completed a CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within two years before attending the course. Alternatively, you should hold an accepted health and safety exemption within two years of the course such as:

• NEBOSH Construction Certificate
• SMSTS
• SSSTS
• IOSH Managing Safely
• CCNSG National Safety Passport

This course is accredited by the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS). CISRS is the UK’s leading training scheme for scaffold qualifications.

On completion of the course, you will receive a certificate 6-8 weeks after the end date and will be able to apply for the CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection card. To apply for your card, you must complete the Health, Safety and Environment test or provide a valid exemption.

This course is delivered at a CISRS approved training centre.

Public Classroom Courses

Basic Scaffold Inspection courses are available to attend in selected locations across the country. The course is delivered in a training hanger approved by CISRS. You can book our live Basic Scaffold Inspection course dates on our website, or you can speak to one of our team members over the phone.

In-house Courses

We are also able to arrange in-house Basic Scaffold Inspection training courses. The courses can be arranged at one of our training venues or on a site of your choice, providing it is suitable to deliver the practical elements.

The course is ideal if you have a large group of operatives who need to be trained all at once, especially if the training is delivered at your venue, as they won’t need to travel. Each in-house course is priced individually depending on location and delegate numbers.  To get a quote, fill in the enquiry form on this page.

How often should a scaffold be inspected?

• Upon handover
• Before first use
• At intervals not exceeding 7 days
• After any event that may jeopardise strength or stability of the scaffold (adverse weather, unauthorised access, collision, new excavations or a change in ground conditions etc.)
• After any alterations/modifications

Who is authorised to inspect a scaffold?

• A trained and competent person; usually competence is proven by a person attending a CISRS Basic inspection or advanced inspection course.
• Any scaffolder who has refreshed their card (2 day CPD) will now be permitted to inspect any scaffold structure that is within their competence.
• So, a part two (basic scaffolder – blue CISRS card) can inspect TG20 compliant (basic structures) and an advanced scaffolder (gold card) can inspect bespoke scaffolds and advanced structures.

How does scaffolding stay up?

Scaffolding can either be freestanding (independent) where the scaffold will be braced or tied into a building façade or structure. The method of stabilising the structure will be shown on the TG20 Compliance sheet or bespoke design.

It usually involves using masonry/drilled in anchor ties, these have to be independently inspected and ‘pull-tested’ to prove their strength. The person carrying out the pull-test must have had specific training to do so.

How long can scaffolding be left up?

It is all based on a risk assessment. The period that a scaffold remains in a safe condition is dependent on many factors (e.g. the environment, location, exposure, external influences, abuse, duration and frequency of use).

Due to the temporary nature of all scaffolding  structures, there comes a time when the integrity of all its components (due to corrosion and other types of deterioration) cannot be guaranteed and a decision should be made to fully assess and possibly renovate or dismantle the structure and re-erect with serviceable and recently inspected tubes, fittings and boards etc. (NASC SG41.20).