FAQs

To distinguish itself from the CITB/CSCS database and to provide for new numbers to be added, NOCN Job Cards have created a new numbering system unique to CISRS. The new and existing numbers are linked on the NOCN system and and either number can be used on the CISRS/NOCN Card Checker.

Legislation specifies that anyone carrying out an inspection must be competent to do so. To be competent that person must have the necessary training, knowledge and experience.

The following CISRS cards would prove competency:

• The holder of a CISRS Scaffolder card endorsed with Inspection, would be deemed competent to inspect scaffold structures covered in CISRS Part 1 & Part 2 courses, provided their employer can demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge and experience.
• The holder of a CISRS Advanced card endorsed with Inspection, would be deemed competent to inspect scaffold structures covered in CISRS Part 1, Part 2 & Advanced courses, provided their employer can demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge and experience. Contents and overall objectives of the CISRS courses can be found in the CAP 609 General Information Booklet Appendices.
• A CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection cardholder would be deemed competent to inspect a basic scaffold structures, provided their employer can demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge and experience.
• A CISRS Advanced Scaffold Inspection cardholder would be deemed competent to inspect complex scaffold structures, provided their employer can demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge and experience.
• For information about inspection of system scaffold structure, please refer to the System Inspection section at https://cisrs.org.uk/system-scaffold-product-training-scheme/

When considering the direct supervision of a scaffolding gang i.e. a working foreman, leading hand etc, the operative in this role must be qualified to the grade of CISRS Scaffolder as a minimum requirement. For more complex scaffold structures, a CISRS Advanced Scaffolder must undertake direct supervision of the gang. Supervision of a Scaffolding project/site as a whole (liaising with client, deploying operatives, estimating, inspection, pricing, H&S issues etc) must also be carried out by a competent person, however this may not necessarily be a CISRS qualified Scaffolder. The 5 Day CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor training course is available from CISRS Approved Centres. It is aimed at scaffolding contractors first-line supervision i.e. Contract Supervisors, Foremen and Non-Working Charge hands. Upon successful completion of the above course the delegate is eligible to apply for the CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor Card.

CISRS will only issue a card based upon training and assessment that was carried out at a CISRS accredited centre. Therefore the whole CISRS training scheme would need to be completed for a CISRS Scaffolder Card.

No, CISRS Scaffolder cards are only issued when the operative has undertaken the relevant CISRS training: COTS, Part 1, Part 2, achieved the NVQ Level 2/SCQF Level 5 in Access and Rigging Operations and passed the CISRS 1-day Skills Test. To reach Advanced they must carry out all of the above plus the CISRS Advanced course, NVQ Level 3/SCQF Level 6 in Access and Rigging Operations and passed the CISRS 2-day Skills Test.

A Part 1 delegate must have held a CISRS Labourer Card for a minimum of 3 months and have gained relevant site experience prior to attending the Part 1 course. In most instances this initial period will be longer.

Scaffolding Labourers are only allowed to work from a safe secure position i.e ground, building floor/fully protected roof or a fully completed scaffold platform.

Scaffolding Labourers looking to progress on to Part 1, can use this onsite experience of scaffolding activities in preparation for their training.

Scaffolding Labourers are not permitted to erect, alter or dismantle scaffolding.

Trainee Scaffolders cannot work on their own, they must be directly supervised by a qualified scaffolder.

Advanced Scaffolders are only required in a gang if the works carried out are of an Advanced nature (i.e. complex design work, hanging scaffolds, support scaffolds etc.).

Since May 2014 all CISRS Part 1, CISRS Part 2 and CISRS Advanced courses include Mobile Access Tower Scaffold training that covers the erection, moving and dismantling of prefabricated towers.

The 2-Day CISRS CPD course also includes a Mobile Access Tower module, which if passed is endorsed on renewed CISRS Scaffolder and Advanced cards.

If an operative holding a valid CISRS card endorsed with “Systems Product Training – Cuplok” then wishes to use a 2^nd brand of a similar product e.g. Genlok,  the card holder would not be required to complete a further 2 day SSPTS course in the 2^nd brand of the similar type product. It will be the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all relevant product information is passed onto the operative and that the operative is aware of any differences in product capability, loadings, bracing and tie patterns etc. prior to using that product.

The price may vary slightly from centre to centre and regionally so you will have to ring around for current prices. Please Click here for the list of training provider’s contact details. When booking a course you should ask if the booking fee includes NVQ/SCQF registration as if this is not the case extra charges will be made later.

Please note: this is only an approximate guide.

There is very little funding available for an individual to claim, however there are several streams of funding for the employer to subsidise their operatives training. CITB offer training grants for employers on their register.

For more information please visit www.citb.co.uk.

If you have lost your CISRS Card you can call the CISRS Helpline on 0300 9991177 (Option 1, Option 2)

for a replacement. The cost of a replacement card is £33.00.

For a replacement certificate please contact the centre where you completed your training. Contact details can be found in the Training Centres area.

If you wish to appeal against a Record Scheme Ruling, you must complete this CISRS Appeals Form and return it with all requested information and documentation.

The CISRS logo can only be used by CISRS Accredited Training Centres and not by scaffolding companies using CISRS registered operatives.