Scaffold inspector training

Scaffolding is exposed to many external factors: wind, heat and cold, heavy loads, vibrations, …

This makes it hugely important to check any scaffolding or scaffolding regularly. This is the only way to ensure that it can be used safely by workers to perform their tasks.

This training brings all the insights and knowledge needed to carry out an inspection effectively and carefully.

It involves a combination of both practice and theory: so one knows not only how to check a scaffold, but also why exactly we check certain parts.

Here is a detailed overview of the programme’s final attainment levels in terms of theory.

General knowledge

The successful participant…

• Knows the hazards/risks of working at height (including falls, falling objects, collapse, etc.)
• Can name and describe the different types of scaffolding (mobile scaffolding, facade scaffolding, protective scaffolding, …)
• Knows the different strength classes of scaffolding

Legislation

• Know the laws and standards relating to scaffolding construction & inspection (ARAB, Codex, EU/BE standards, …)
• You can describe the competences of the different persons involved in the use/assembly of scaffolding

Trade-related knowledge

The successful participant…

• Knows the different components of a scaffold (base plate, spindle, toe boards, couplers, …)
• Knows the requirements for compliant scaffolding
• Can name the criteria for which a scaffold can be rejected
• Knows the different possible anchorages
• Has insight into the principles of diagonals
• Knows the different girders and their unique properties
• Can determine the stability of work floors, and knows their properties
• Can describe the loads on the working floor

Safety concepts

• Scaffolding access requirements are known
• One knows the requirements for passageways and demarcations
• One knows when earthing is necessary (and how to fit it)

There is also a focus on the checklists used for inspections.

The following is a detailed overview of the training’s final attainment levels at the practical level.

1 | Inspection of an upright rack

• Checking stability
• Determining protection against tilting & collapse
• Checking the condition of components
• Check that the required safeguards are correctly (and sufficiently) fitted
• Check that the scaffolding decks are sufficiently present (and in adequate condition)
• Check that access to the scaffold(s) and passages on (and through) the scaffold(s) are safe
• Confirm whether earthing is necessary (and if so, that it has been properly installed)
• Confirm that the necessary safety measures with regard to loads on the work floor & on the scaffold are in place

2 | Inspection of a mobile scaffold tower

• Checking whether sufficient information is available from the manufacturer/supplier
• Check the stability of the scaffold
• Check whether there is a possibility to block the wheels and (if so) whether this works
• Checking the condition of components
• Check that the required safeguards are correctly (and sufficiently) fitted
• Check that access to the mobile scaffold tower is safe
• Confirm whether earthing is necessary (and if so, that it has been properly installed)
• Confirm that the necessary load safety measures have been taken at the workplace

3 | Inspection of a suspended scaffold

• Checking whether sufficient information is available from the manufacturer/supplier
• Confirm that the required anchoring is correctly fitted
• Check that the cage is equipped with sufficient safety devices
• Confirm that the suspended scaffold has been inspected by an EDTC within the correct time limit
• Check that sufficient measures are in place in case of emergencies
• Check that the necessary markings are present and correctly used
• Check that the necessary load safety measures are in place

Correct application of checklists is also gone over in the context of the above inspections.