CISRS has announced that from 1 June 2017 it will introduce a two day Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, which will become a mandatory requirement prior to Scaffolder or Advanced Scaffolder card renewal.
CPD is an issue which has been discussed at length within the
sector for over 10 years. Following correspondence with the HSE in 2015 urging CISRS to introduce CPD, as the scheme had been in existence for over 40 years without a formal route, it was agreed that the introduction of CPD would ensure that cardholders were kept up to date with the latest legislation and industry guidance.
“We are aware that good employers strive to keep their workforce up to speed with changes within the industry, but this is not always the case. With a transient workforce and no formal programme for achieving this we cannot be sure exactly what information has been passed onto whom. “The basic principle of CPD and/or refresher training is a good one. However, we are all too aware that this comes at a cost not only for the training itself, but also loss of production etc. As such we are looking to ensure that the course provides the most gain for the least pain and offers the scaffolder and their employer some real value added training,” said Dave Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager.
CPD has been a regular agenda item at Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation (ASITO) meetings, and a working party of CISRS representatives, scaffolding contractors and training providers was formed to take this forward.
Mike Burr, Managing Director of LTC Group 87 and a member of the CPD working party said: “The introduction of CPD for CISRS card holders will be another much needed step forward within our ever progressing industry and will receive my full support in my role as ASITO Chairman. As both an employer and training provider to the scaffold industry we welcome the introduction of CPD to further underpin what is already an excellent nationally recognised scheme.”
The working group began to put together a “wish list” of topics which they felt should be included within a CPD course aiming to focus on essential areas.
Full details will be confirmed later in the year, but it is proposed that CISRS CPD Course Content will cover:
SG4:15 – Inclusive of SG19 and harness training.
TG20:13 – Inclusive of masonry anchors.
General scaffolding knowledge testing.
RAMS.
SG6 – Manual handling, inclusive of ropes and wheels and knots.
MATS.
Scaffold inspection.
Trends in accidents and reporting accidents.
Part Two re-cap.
Impact wrenches.
Vehicles.
Communication – Inclusive of scaffolder responsibilities and behaviour.
Edge protection and roof works.
Drugs and alcohol.
PPE – Responsibilities of employer.
Incomplete scaffolds – Inclusive of signage and access.
System scaffold awareness.
Protection of the public.
CISRS are also looking to include a Health & Safety test within the 2-day course which would then be accepted as a recognised exemption to the current Health and Safety and Environment Test (H&S&E). As such the scaffolder would not have to lose additional time undertaking the H&S&E test on another working day.
The courses will be delivered by CISRS Accredited training providers. The majority of the course content will be the same for both Scaffolders and Advanced Scaffolders – with the main difference being the scaffold structures used for the practical inspection sessions.
Dave Mosley added: “Now the basic principle has been agreed we will be working to fine tune the content. We really feel that the introduction of CPD is right for the scheme and the industry. We realise that this is a big change for the sector and as such we are giving everyone plenty of notice before this goes live, we want all scaffolders and employers to be aware that CPD is coming.”
NASC announce the launch of a new Scaffolding Product Innovation Award
The NASC is launching a new biennial Scaffolding Product Innovation Award – celebrating the very best developments in new scaffolding materials and products from leading industry suppliers.
The process for award submissions will be revealed in June, on the NASC website, across social media platforms and via e-shots. The inaugural award will be presented at the confederation’s AGM in Amsterdam on November 25th (and thereafter every two years) – following an independent judging process, featuring a panel of leading access and scaffolding experts in the UK.
Innovative entries will be accepted for any widely used scaffolding material, or access and scaffolding product from NASC member companies.
Chair of the NASC Hire, Sale & Manufacturing Committee, TRAD Group MD, Des Moore, said: “The scaffolding industry is constantly evolving, and product-based hire, sale and manufacturing member companies are at the forefront of driving these changes. As such, we felt it was time to recognise this and champion those companies and individuals who are creating products that make the industry a safer place to work in.”
NASC MD Robin James added: “This is a new and worthy award to complement the existing biennial NASC Health & Safety award, and to encourage best practice in the access and scaffolding industry. We look forward to getting this new award off the ground at the AGM this year and receiving innovative entries from across the membership for independent judgement and recognition.”
CITB and ASET International Oil & Gas Training Academy (ASET) have signed a deal to build the first scaffolding training centre in the North East of Scotland.
The Aberdeen based state-of-the-art facility, will train and upskill the Scottish work force and benefit both the construction and oil and gas industries.
Work on the new building has already begun, and CITB will now work with ASET to get the training centre operational for the first intake of apprentices and trainees by the end of the year.
CITB commissioned the facility due to increasing demand for scaffolders and insufficient training in the region. ASET was named as preferred bidder in November 2015 and will now lead the project to completion.
The centre, which will have an external footprint of 658 square metres, will be built by Aberdeen contractors, North Group, with design by architects, Arch Henderson & Partners.
Ian Hughes, Strategic Partnerships Director at CITB Scotland, said: “It is fantastic to see this project moving ahead at pace. The facility will provide Scotland with a stunning new training facility preparing the next generation of scaffolders for their career.“Our partnership with ASET enables CITB to ensure the right skills are in place to meet Scottish construction’s current and future needs, and allows training to be delivered at a local level.”
Atholl Menzies, Chief Executive at ASET, responded: “ASET is delighted to have been successful in the bid to work with the CITB in creating a centre of excellence for Scaffolding training, for both apprenticeship places and commercial courses, in the North of Scotland.“As well as contributing to the local economy this purpose-built facility will go some way to meet the demand for accredited CISRS qualifications at introductory and advanced level in the region – from Dundee to Shetland.“This is an exciting development for ASET and we are anticipating a very positive response from employers and individuals alike to the portfolio of courses on offer, which are in the process of being finalised.”
The latest innovation from Layher – the new heavy duty lightweight aluminium beam – is set to open up new opportunities in a wide range of scaffolding applications.
With a depth of 1.25 metres between top and bottom chords, the development, says the company, combines strength and versatility and can be utilised in conjunction with its modular Allround system or with tube and fit scaffolds.
“The HD beam benefits from our commitment to engineering design and testing which has resulted in strength that will be widely recognised by everybody in the industry,” says Sean Pike, Layher’s UK Managing Director.
“The top and bottom chords gain from a 60mm OD with the upright and diagonal chords having a 48.3mm OD. A maximum moment of 150 kNm at 1.036 top chord restraint and shear of 53.8 kN are the direct results.”
Layher has developed the system with installation versatility in mind, which has led directly to a choice of several beam lengths ranging between 1.036 metres and 5.18 metres. Each incorporates Layher’s rosette system and post spacing for ease of installation, and can be specified with an extensive range of accessories and fittings.
“For example, apex sections of between 6° and 36° are available
as are corner, T and cross beam connectors,” continues Sean Pike. “Moreover, the HD beam accepts a range of temporary roofing designs, including the Keder system, while a further choice of accessories from lifting eyes and hanging standard adaptors are also available.”
The result is a development which lends itself immediately to use in the full range of Layher’s marketplaces – these range from construction to event-based installations and with layouts from façade and birdcage scaffolds to domed installations.
“As with all of our equipment, the new beam comes complete with our extensive support capability which is centred on close working relationships with both scaffolding and main contractors alike,” adds Sean Pike.
“With our service input encompassing design, training and advice on safety, and with proven equipment performance arising from our approach to testing and high quality material selection, the HD beam is well placed to become a major part of our extensive choice of scaffolding and access systems.”
Layher has opened a new facility in Northern Ireland.
Established as a subsidiary, Layer Ireland, based in County Meath, operates in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Managed by John Carolan who has a well established reputation as a successful scaffolding contractor, the depot provides extensive stock of the Layher scaffolding and weather protection ranges and will offer user training.
Mr Carolan said although modular scaffolds are well-established in Ireland, he believes the subsidiary will make Layher products more readily available to the market.
“We can demonstrate equipment that is faster, easier to handle and which has fewer components, resulting directly in reduced costs associated with labour, transportation and maintenance.”
Layher Ltd, Ireland is not just providing extensive equipment stockholding, but also full technical and site support.
“These are factors that have always been central to Layher’s reputation in the countries in which it operates and which are therefore at the heart of the new facility in Ireland,” adds John Carolan.
Dutch firm erects an impressive scaffolding staircase in Rotterdam city centre.
Amsterdam based scaffolding firm Dutch Steigers have completed a huge Layher system staircase in the heart of Rotterdam city centre.
The staircase forms one part of several new exciting projects within the city by contemporary architects MVRDV. MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas believes the project is the first step in creating a new network of rooftop spaces around the city.
Measuring 29 meters high and 57 meters long, the installation allows visitors to climb 180 steps leading to a rooftop observation deck on the Groot Handelsgebouw building – one of the first buildings constructed in the city after the end of the second world war.
Winy Maas added; “The stairs are a symbolic first step towards a better use of our city’s second layer, and ideally would be replaced with a set of escalators in the next step,”.“It is, in this way, a second reconstruction, a ‘Tweederopbouw’, that gives access to, activates and connects the rooftops of Rotterdam.”
An exhibition is being held alongside the installation, reimagining how other buildings in the city can accommodate rooftop activities.
“With this installation and in our exhibition we show what this city could look like if we do that in many places, engaging a series of our existing buildings and giving access to their roofs, to create a new, much more interactive, three dimensional and denser urban topography for the next city generation,” added Maas.
The NASC has launched the user-friendly SG4 You (2015) pocket guide further to publication of its core scaffolding fall prevention guidance note, SG4:15 ‘Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations’ – with support from BuildUK.
The convenient, but detailed 86-page A6 pocket guide is designed for scaffolding operatives and managers to use as a handy reference document whilst out on site and to support the main, detailed SG4:15 A4 management guide – which is available as a free download via the NASC website: www.nasc.org.uk.
Copies of the SG4 You pocket guide will retail via the NASC website’s online shop, priced at:
NASC Member 1-99 units: £3.00
NASC Member 100+ units: £2.10
NASC Information Members: £3.00
Non Members 1-99 units: £6.00
Non Members 100+ units: £4.20
The widely-recognised industry standard for safe scaffolding, SG4:15 was launched in its 2015 revised and updated format to the NASC’s membership at the 2015 AGM in November and has been widely praised by industry experts. The SG4 You guide completes the SG4:15 suite, offering both detail and convenience to scaffolding operatives, contractors, managers and those involved in scaffolding on construction sites.
Whilst many of the principles of SG4 remain unchanged, the fine-tuning “evolution not revolution” updates to the 2015 guidance (part of the NASC’s commitment to review guidance every five years) reflects the broader scope introduced by TG20 compliant scaffolds, changes to good practice and industry innovation in the scaffolding sector. These include:
Erecting floor height lifts
Bridging with beams
Loading bay gate installation
Cantilever scaffolding
Chimney stack scaffolding
Personal fall protection equipment
NASC Past President and member of the SG4:15 working party, Mr Kevin Ward said: “SG4 works! The NASC accident statistics speak for themselves and in light of these, this revision has been more of a fine-tuning exercise rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.”
And NASC MD Robin James added: “The updated SG4:15 safety guidance has been very well received as a free download, and we’re very happy to be launching the SG4 You pocket guidance note, as a condensed hard copy version. Since its inception 20 years ago, SG4 has stood the test of time and developed to become the established performance standard for the protection of scaffolders working at height. The A6 pocket guide only serves to strengthen its use and reference out on site.
“SG4 is a core NASC publication – supported by the the construction industry’s overarching trade association, BuildUK and used by principal contractors across the UK and beyond, internationally. It continues to focus on prevention and protection philosophy, like the ‘Scaffolders’ Safe Zone.’ But it now also includes a range of updates to reflect changes within the industry, such as the introduction of TG20:13 ‘Good Practice Guidance for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding.’
“Work at height is by far the biggest risk faced by scaffolders and adhering to the principles in SG4:15 will not only serve to offer continual improvement in accident prevention, but will assist users to meet work at height legal obligations. And the affordable SG4 You pocket guide will only serve to assist in this process.”
Safety and Access have announced the opening of their new overseas CISRS Accredited Training facility in Nepal.
Nottingham and Humberside based Safety and Access Ltd have today announced a strategic partnership with Aecor in Kathmandu and the opening of a highly commended CISRS Accredited Training facility in the capital.
The training facility is already open for business and is offering scaffolder skills training along with scaffolding supervisor and inspection training. There are also plans to further enhance and expand the support services in the future.
The accredited training centre is located in the capital Kathmandu and is equipped with a large high level practical area for scaffolder training along with excellent classrooms. Its facilities include accommodation and catering along with high quality welfare facilities.
Following an independent audit by CISRS represented by Dave Mosley (Scheme Manager) the centre was certified to be compliant with the high standards required by CISRS.
Dave Mosley commented; “The centre here in Nepal represents a world class international training facility and Safety & Access and partners Aecor should be commended for this. The added value for candidates such as the accommodation and excellent welfare facilities make this a prime example of how we can continue to promote and enhance safety and quality using best practice techniques”
Rick Statham, Joint Managing Director of Safety & Access added; “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer CISRS international training here in Kathmandu. Nepal is widely regarding as an epicentre for scaffolders that work across the Middle East and beyond and we believe there is huge potential here. It is vitally important for Nepalese citizens to have recognised qualifications to enhance employability and to be able to support their dependants and the CISRS qualifications will enable this. Following the tragic consequences of the major earthquake that occurred here just over one year ago that claimed almost 10’000 lives we are committed to supporting the Nepalese people and the international opportunities linked to the country”
Sandeep Lama Managing Director of Aecor Nepal commented;
“Nepalese scaffolders being considered one of the hardest working and best scaffolder’s across the Middle East for over 3 decades, it was only a matter of time that Nepal had its own international recognised scaffolding training. With CISRS approved training centre we can be proud to provide international standard training to experienced scaffolders and aspiring scaffolders to have a safe and long career.”
Ricki Morgan, Area Scaffolding Manager for CCC Qatar has been involved from the early stages of the venture as technical adviser is also pleased with the outcome of the audit;
“This is the best thing to happen in the scaffolding industry relative to the gulf region in many years. I’m approaching 47 years in scaffolding and I fully understand the need for accredited, quality recognised training and certification. This will enhance the safety of the operatives and end user. The availability of CISRS training in GCC represents a huge step forward from current standards. In turn, this offers a career path for all participating”
For more details on the training in Nepal and course availability, please contact [email protected] or view the website at www.safetyaccess.co.uk for more details.
Actavo | Industrial Solutions was originally appointed as the resident scaffolding, insulation and painting (SIPs) team by INEOS Olefins and Polymers Europe at its Grangemouth facility for a three-year period, Actavo has now had its contract extended for a further two years.
At Grangemouth in Stirlingshire, the Actavo team is working with Petroineos, an INEOS joint venture company, which operates Scotland’s only crude oil refinery as well as petrochemical plants. The plant produces 210,000 barrels of crude oil per day and one million tonnes per annum of products such as synthetic ethanol, ethylene, propylene and polymers.
Actavo has a team of 448 operatives based on the site, providing access services and carrying out ongoing application of protective coatings, including a wide range of anti-corrosion and tank linings, and insulation on the plant.
The work began in 2013 and the extension to the contract will now see the team remaining onsite until 2018. A combination of cost competitiveness, high performance levels and the ability to innovate are among the factors that have helped to secure the additional business.
Actavo divisional director, Petrochemical Oil & Gas, Shaun Greaves, says: “The key factor in the success of our partnership with INEOS has been our ability to innovate as the contract has progressed. Working alongside businesses in the oil and gas and petrochemical industries, we are acutely aware of the need to deliver solutions that meet tight timescales and budgets. We are always looking for new and more efficient ways of doing things which can make a time difference on projects without compromising either quality or safety.”
During the course of the Grangemouth contract, Actavo has demonstrated a number of ways of raising performance levels whilst making cost savings. One example is a ‘tracker’, a reporting system which is an adaptable tool used for transition planning, quality management, asset and equipment management, as well as productivity analysis. Working with INEOS, Actavo has also developed a contract-specific quality assurance scheme.
Safety is another key factor, with the necessity for working at height in what can often be adverse weather conditions.
Shaun Greaves added: “As experts in working at height, our business is driven by safety and, at Grangemouth, we have implemented a range of initiatives that have helped improve the site safety record.”
Initiatives include site and plant-specific safety schemes with training and issue awareness being an integral part of the relationship between Actavo and INEOS. The result has been a significant reduction in accidents and first aid incidents at the site.
Commenting on the achievement of the contract extension, CEO of Actavo | Industrial Division, Chris Foulkes, said: “I would like to congratulate the whole team whose ongoing efforts have cemented our relationship with INEOS on this contract. This exemplifies our philosophy of continuously raising performance levels to the benefit of our business partnerships.”
Following recent changes to scaffolding safety standards, TRAD Scaffolding invited its clients to attend a seminar on Thursday 14th April 2016 in St Paul’s, London.
Pushing Boundaries – SG4:15 & Beyond outlined how TRAD Scaffolding intends to approach the new standards, which address the prevention of falls in scaffolding operations.
The seminar proudly featured a guest presentation from leading industry consultant Rick Statham, who is also Joint Managing Director at Safety & Access Ltd. Rick discussed the newly updated flagship guidance and how this will affect the industry in practical terms. Described by the UK scaffolding industry trade body as ‘evolution not revolution’, the new SG4:15 standards reflect the increase in TG20 compliant scaffolds and address changes to scaffolding best practice.
The event was hosted by TRAD Scaffolding Managing Director, Neil Garner, who explained the current structure of TRAD Scaffolding. He also showcased the organisation’s leading products, the Plettac METRIX Scaffold System and the Altrix Temporary Roofing System.
There was also a presentation by Des Moore, TRAD Group Managing Director & NASC Vice President. Des spoke about the TRAD Group as well as the complementary products and services that TRAD Safety Systems has to offer. Also in attendance was Hayden Smith, Group Chairman and founder of TRAD.
Speaking after the event, Neil Garner said: ‘I’m really pleased with the high turnout we’ve received. I’ve spoken to a lot of our clients today and they’ve all said that they found the presentation really useful and insightful. As a company, TRAD Scaffolding is always pushing the boundaries of innovation and that’s why we named the seminar ‘‘Pushing Boundaries – SG4:15 & Beyond’’. We want to demonstrate to our clients that TRAD Scaffolding will not only meet these new standards but seek to exceed them wherever possible.’
Steve Clarke, Contracts Director at Coniston commented: ‘TRAD Scaffolding are without doubt the most professional scaffolding company that I’ve dealt with. Today’s event has been a real eye opener, in particular the breadth of design and R&D that TRAD are involved in – especially with Plettac METRIX System Scaffold.’
CPD is an issue which has been discussed at length within the
sector for over 10 years. Following correspondence with the HSE in 2015 urging CISRS to introduce CPD, as the scheme had been in existence for over 40 years without a formal route, it was agreed that the introduction of CPD would ensure that cardholders were kept up to date with the latest legislation and industry guidance.
“We are aware that good employers strive to keep their workforce up to speed with changes within the industry, but this is not always the case. With a transient workforce and no formal programme for achieving this we cannot be sure exactly what information has been passed onto whom.
“The basic principle of CPD and/or refresher training is a good one. However, we are all too aware that this comes at a cost not only for the training itself, but also loss of production etc. As such we are looking to ensure that the course provides the most gain for the least pain and offers the scaffolder and their employer some real value added training,” said Dave Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager.
CPD has been a regular agenda item at Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation (ASITO) meetings, and a working party of CISRS representatives, scaffolding contractors and training providers was formed to take this forward.
Mike Burr, Managing Director of LTC Group 87 and a member of the CPD working party said: “The introduction of CPD for CISRS card holders will be another much needed step forward within our ever progressing industry and will receive my full support in my role as ASITO Chairman. As both an employer and training provider to the scaffold industry we welcome the introduction of CPD to further underpin what is already an excellent nationally recognised scheme.”
The working group began to put together a “wish list” of topics which they felt should be included within a CPD course aiming to focus on essential areas.
Full details will be confirmed later in the year, but it is proposed that CISRS CPD Course Content will cover:
An exhibition is being held alongside the installation, reimagining how other buildings in the city can accommodate rooftop activities.
“With this installation and in our exhibition we show what this city could look like if we do that in many places, engaging a series of our existing buildings and giving access to their roofs, to create a new, much more interactive, three dimensional and denser urban topography for the next city generation,” added Maas. 
The convenient, but detailed 86-page A6 pocket guide is designed for scaffolding operatives and managers to use as a handy reference document whilst out on site and to support the main, detailed SG4:15 A4 management guide – which is available as a free download via the NASC website: 
Following an independent audit by CISRS represented by Dave Mosley (Scheme Manager) the centre was certified to be compliant with the high standards required by CISRS.
Dave Mosley commented; “The centre here in Nepal represents a world class international training facility and Safety & Access and partners Aecor should be commended for this. The added value for candidates such as the accommodation and excellent welfare facilities make this a prime example of how we can continue to promote and enhance safety and quality using best practice techniques”
Rick Statham, Joint Managing Director of Safety & Access added; “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer CISRS international training here in Kathmandu. Nepal is widely regarding as an epicentre for scaffolders that work across the Middle East and beyond and we believe there is huge potential here. It is vitally important for Nepalese citizens to have recognised qualifications to enhance employability and to be able to support their dependants and the CISRS qualifications will enable this.
Following the tragic consequences of the major earthquake that occurred here just over one year ago that claimed almost 10’000 lives we are committed to supporting the Nepalese people and the international opportunities linked to the country”
Sandeep Lama Managing Director of Aecor Nepal commented;
“Nepalese scaffolders being considered one of the hardest working and best scaffolder’s across the Middle East for over 3 decades, it was only a matter of time that Nepal had its own international recognised scaffolding training.
With CISRS approved training centre we can be proud to provide international standard training to experienced scaffolders and aspiring scaffolders to have a safe and long career.”
Ricki Morgan, Area Scaffolding Manager for CCC Qatar has been involved from the early stages of the venture as technical adviser is also pleased with the outcome of the audit;
“This is the best thing to happen in the scaffolding industry relative to the gulf region in many years. I’m approaching 47 years in scaffolding and I fully understand the need for accredited, quality recognised training and certification. This will enhance the safety of the operatives and end user. The availability of CISRS training in GCC represents a huge step forward from current standards. In turn, this offers a career path for all participating”
For more details on the training in Nepal and course availability, please contact 
