What is FAQs and why have them?

FAQ’s stands for frequently asked questions and the FAQs page is for NSG to provide our customers with up to the minute answers at a glance. It is our answer to the most common questions being asked.

When can't I use a ladder

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How often and by whom does a scaffold need to be inspected?

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What is SG4?

Falls from height account for more than half of the fatal accidents in construction. Scaffolders when erecting, altering or dismantling scaffolding and falsework are constantly faced with a risk of falling. The NASC acknowledges that Scaffolders have to work in hazardous situations, and developed a guidance note specifically to assist employers who have a responsibility to ensure that adequate measures are provided for their employees to eliminate or minimise those risks. This was first issued in 2000 as SG04:00 and later revised in 2005 as SG04:05. The aim of the guidance is to highlight the basic requirements and principles of fall prevention and protection that can be adopted by Scaffolders and their employers, when planning and undertaking scaffolding operations, in accordance with SG4:05. It takes the form of an A4 book for managers and an A5 User Guide for employees The SG4 guide is not exhaustive and does not feature every scaffolding and falsework application; however it has been designed so that the basic principles contained within can be applied as solutions to most scaffolding operations.

Do scaffolders have to be qualified?

Yes. The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has been in place for over 30 years. It is one of the oldest trade card schemes in existence. CISRS has continually strived to maintain the highest standards in scaffolding sector training.

In the current climate of skills shortages, the CISRS has resisted the urge to dilute its scheme and has in fact sought to make it more inclusive incorporating relevant industry changes as they happen, be they legislative or through Technical/Health and Safety advancement.

The CISRS was the first trade to affiliate to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) in August 1999. The CSCS is now recognised as the industry recognised registration scheme for the whole of construction. In April 2001 CISRS introduced a card renewal programme which requires its cardholders to update their card on a regular basis (usually 5 years) after completing an up to date Health and Safety test.

What qulaifications do they need?

There are several levels of competency within the CISRS Scheme; Labourer, Trainee Scaffolder, Scaffolder and Advanced Scaffolder

The operative training schemes apply to all scaffolding operatives who are at any time required to erect, substantially alter or dismantle scaffolding. An operative who has not attained prescribed levels of training, assessment and experience in scaffolding of a given kind must not be employed on such scaffolding work unless they are under adequate supervision.

Employers must demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and other relevant statutory provisions with regard to training, competence and supervision.

Since September 1996, in addition to completing CISRS Part 1, Part 2 and Advanced practical courses it has been a mandatory requirement of the Operative Scheme for candidates to achieve the relevant National or Scottish Vocational Qualification (i.e. Level 2 NVQ/SVQ for a Scaffolder Card and Level 3 NVQ/SVQ for an Advanced Scaffolder Card).

What qualifications does an Inspector need?

There are several levels of competency within the CISRS Scheme; Labourer, Trainee Scaffolder, Scaffolder and Advanced Scaffolder

The operative training schemes apply to all scaffolding operatives who are at any time required to erect, substantially alter or dismantle scaffolding. An operative who has not attained prescribed levels of training, assessment and experience in scaffolding of a given kind must not be employed on such scaffolding work unless they are under adequate supervision.

Employers must demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and other relevant statutory provisions with regard to training, competence and supervision.

Since September 1996, in addition to completing CISRS Part 1, Part 2 and Advanced practical courses it has been a mandatory requirement of the Operative Scheme for candidates to achieve the relevant National or Scottish Vocational Qualification (i.e. Level 2 NVQ/SVQ for a Scaffolder Card and Level 3 NVQ/SVQ for an Advanced Scaffolder Card).

How often is a scaffolder trained?

Scaffolders undergo CISRS Part 1, Part 2 and Advanced practical courses and subsequent NVQ/SVQ assessment once. Additional health & safety testing or training is required every 5 years in order to renew existing CISRS cards. It is an employer’s duty to communicate any updated scaffolding Standards and any relevant updated health and safety requirements.

What are SG’s and TG’s

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) develop guidance notes that are particularly related to the scaffolding industry that they represent. There are several committees within the NASC that comprise of volunteers from the scaffolding and associated interested parties including the HSE. One of the tasks of the Health & Safety Committee is to develop new and review existing scaffolding guidance e.g. SG04:05. The SG stands for scaffolding guidance, the 04 to designate it as number four in the series and the :05 is the year of issue i.e. 2005. There is also a Technical Committee who carries out a similar role in developing Technical Guidance e.g. TG20:08. All these guidance documents together with Contract Guidance and Security Guidance are available from the NASC.

What is WWYD?

In 2006 the NSG a behavioural safety program with the aim of trying to involve the workforce more in safety and thereby reducing the number of injuries that they were getting.

is the name that has now been given to the company’s behavioural safety program to give it an identity.
You will see the logo all over the place as a constant reminder that it every individuals within the company who have the biggest influence over their own and others safety. The initiative includes local committees with appointed Behavioural Safety Reps with certain of them meeting with the MD and Compliance Manager on a regular basis on a Steering Committee.
The aim is
1) Provide better feedback to employees of the results of behavioural safety observations carried out by their colleagues.
2) Look for improvement recommendations from the workforce and ensure that all improvements are recorded and communicated throughout the company.
3) Carry out regular quizzes with prizes to reinforce the safety message..
4) Broadcast of the image and messages to all employees to raise awareness of good safety behaviour with rewards
5) Actively promoting a no blame culture where appropriate.