The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) is set to introduce an alternative innovative online Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) test for scaffolding operatives in collaboration with the National Open College Network (NOCN).
Scaffmag can exclusively reveal that this new test will launch next month, marking a significant shift in how scaffolding professionals can achieve industry-recognised health and safety qualifications.
The upcoming test, designed in line with other recognised exemptions, will cover essential aspects of health, safety, and environmental practices required for obtaining a CISRS card. This card is a crucial credential for operatives in the scaffolding sector, ensuring they meet industry standards.
One of the standout features of this new test is its high-quality, neurodiverse eLearning content, which comes with an accompanying voice-over. This allows operatives to study and prepare for the test entirely online, eliminating the need for separate revision materials.
The comprehensive package of eLearning modules and the test itself will be available for a combined cost of £22.
David Brown, President of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and IBN Scaffold Access Ltd, praised the new initiative. “I think this is a real win for the scaffolding sector,” Brown said.
“The operatives can now achieve an industry-recognised H&S test on their own terms. The flexibility it offers by being online means people can learn at their own pace, whenever and wherever is convenient. It obviously removes the need to travel to a test centre. This is a very positive move; the sooner it goes live, the better.”
Dave Mosley, Managing Director of CISRS, also expressed optimism about the forthcoming test. “NOCN administers the CISRS card scheme on our behalf, so we have a very close working relationship with them. They previously introduced a very similar H&S test for the Plant sector, which has proven to be very popular.
We are confident that this can be equally successful for our sector and is something we look forward to exploring further in future.”
In preparation for the launch, CISRS and NOCN will conduct webinars and meet with CISRS-approved training providers and the wider scaffolding industry in the coming weeks.
The test is scheduled to go live on Monday, 18th June 2024. Further information on how to book the test will soon be available on the CISRS and NOCN websites.
This new development is expected to significantly enhance accessibility and convenience for scaffolding operatives, aligning with broader trends towards digital and flexible learning solutions in the construction industry.
