New mandatory CISRS training course introduced

“Change is on the cards”…CISRS has introduced a mandatory New Entrant Trainee and Scaffolding Labourer course into the scheme.

The new must-have CISRS training makes it a requirement for any new entrant Scaffolding Trainee or Scaffolding Labourer to complete a CISRS one-day course before a card will be issued. This will go live from September 1^st 2013.

The new training 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 will be required to make an application to CISRS to deliver this course, and will have their eligibility assessed before being allowed to conduct the courses.

To accompany the new courses, a training and assessment package will be available for applicants – including a Power Point presentation, Manual handling DVD, a bank of test questions, practical exercises, certificates and other material to assist with the training course.

The CISRS New Entrant Labourer course will include:

• Relevant Regulations and Codes of Practice
• General Responsibilities
• Basic Scaffold Terminology (Components & Application)
• Servicing of Equipment, Tube, Fittings etc.
• Boards & Stock – Quality Control
• Health, Welfare, Hygiene & Housekeeping
• Electrical Safety
• Fire Prevention & Control
• Noise & Vibration
• Work at Height
• Accident Prevention & Reporting
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Site Transport Safety (Including Loading & Unloading)
• Equipment & Tools
• Manual Handling (Including a practical element)
• Lifting Equipment Using a Rope & Wheel
• Questions/Test Paper

Operatives wishing to apply for the New Entrant Trainee/Scaffolding Labourer card must also pass a CITB  – Construction Skills Health, Safety and Environment Test (or possess a recognised exemption). Applicants should apply for their card within two years of the test date or they will have to complete another test.

CISRS scaffolding labourers will be required to repeat this course on a five yearly cycle – as refresher training prior to renewing their card. 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, whilst also making sure existing operatives are up to date. And prioritising safe practices at work can only be a positive move. This also helps the scaffolding sector meet the UKCG requirement that every operative must have received some formal training before being allowed onto their sites.” 

Further information on the new courses will be available in the coming weeks at the CISRS website – www.cisrs.org.uk. And for further details about the new CISRS cards, information and dates on courses available or to find out about CISRS, please visit www.cisrs.org.uk or email [email protected].