Scaffold Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Scaffolding remains a vital part of UK construction, and even minor oversights can lead to serious consequences. With updated guidance such as SG4:22: Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations and TG20:21, it’s critical that site supervisors, managers, and health & safety professionals understand how to inspect scaffolding safely and properly.

Our Basic Scaffold Inspection Awareness course provides the knowledge needed to conduct basic inspections in compliance with TG20:21 and company procedures. It’s a valuable addition to the wider range of scaffolding courses available for those overseeing site safety, without the need to enrol in lengthy accredited schemes.

About the Course: Scaffold Inspection Made Clear

This 1-day Scaffold Inspection Awareness course is ideal for:

• Site Supervisors and Managers
• Health & Safety Advisors
• Anyone tasked with scaffold inspections on site

The training covers:

• Identification of scaffold components and their functions
• Inspection criteria aligned with TG20:21 and SG4:22 standards
• Techniques to spot common faults and ensure safe working loads
• Access/egress best practices and working-at-height hierarchy
• Awareness of hoists, rubbish chutes, gin wheels, fans and other miscellaneous items

Delivery options:

• Face-to-face instruction with optional practical elements
• Interactive online learning via Zoom (Note: online version excludes practical session)

Upon passing, learners receive a digital Essential Site Skills certificate, valid for 3 years.

Important: This course does not grant full inspection competency. Learners should be supervised and monitored while gaining practical experience. Competency must be assessed by an employer based on the individual's training, experience, and scaffold type.

CISRS: The Industry-Recognised Pathway for Career Scaffolders

If you're serious about building a long-term scaffolding career, the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) is widely recognised as the industry-standard qualification path.

• Established in the 1960s, CISRS training is trusted by major UK contractors, NASC, and scaffold systems manufacturers.
• CISRS cards range from Labourer (green), Trainee (red), Scaffolder (blue) to Advanced Scaffolder (gold), each reflecting your experience, qualifications, and site responsibilities.
• The CISRS Scaffolding Inspection (SITS) courses, available in both Basic (3-day) and Advanced (2-day) formats are for scaffold card holders who want to carry out statutory scaffold inspections and sign scaffold register forms.

Benefits of CISRS accreditation:

• Recognised proof of skill and competence for scaffold operatives
• Mandatory for many employers and major construction projects
• Enables access to higher-paying, more complex roles
• Reinforced by ongoing CPD and renewal requirements to maintain high industry standards

Frequently Asked Questions About Scaffolding and Inspection

• How long does it take to become a scaffolder?

Completing CISRS qualification, from COTS to Part 1 and Part 2 with on-site experience and S/NVQ level 2 typically takes 2–3 years.
For inspection roles, our 1-day awareness course plus experience may suffice for basic scaffold types.

• What qualifications do I need for scaffolding?

For manual scaffolding work, CISRS Part 1, Part 2, and Advanced credentials are standard.
For scaffold inspection duties, our Basic Scaffold Inspection Awareness course offers a quick, focused alternative.

• How much does a scaffolding course cost?

CISRS Part 1: usually from £1,200+

Basic Scaffold Inspection Awareness: £150 + VAT for online sessions.

• Is scaffolding a well-paid job?

Yes! Experienced scaffolders can earn £35,000–£45,000+ per year, while inspection-trained supervisors and those pursuing CISRS advancement often earn more.

• Why do scaffolders earn so much?

Scaffolding and inspection work involve significant safety responsibilities, technical skill, and regulatory compliance, which drives their value on construction sites.

• What is the 3 to 1 rule in scaffolding?

It refers to ladder safety: for every 3 metres horizontal reach, the ladder must rise 1 metre vertically, ensuring stability during access.

• Is scaffolding hard to learn?

Hands-on training is physical and structured in CISRS courses. But inspection awareness, like our course, focuses on knowledge, inspection techniques, and compliance, ideal for supervisors and safety staff.

• Are scaffolders in demand?

Yes. The need for skilled scaffolders and trained inspection staff continues across infrastructure, retrofit, industrial and housing projects.

• How much does a Part 1 scaffolder earn?

Typically around £30,000–£35,000 per year, increasing with experience and advancement. Employers often require CISRS credentials for higher-paying roles.

Online or On-Site? You Decide

We offer consistent weekly online sessions, delivered live via Zoom. Participants receive real-time instruction and can ask questions just like in class.
Face-to-face and in-company options are available too, with practical elements and extended 2-day formats where needed.

Remember: while the course builds awareness and inspection ability, real competency matures with supervision and on-site experience.

Upcoming Course Availability

We run our Basic Scaffold Inspection Awareness course every Wednesday, delivered live via Zoom by our experienced instructors. Additional dates can also be added based on demand.

You can check the latest availability and book online via our dedicated course page:
View Course & Book Online

Or explore our full training calendar, including other scaffolding courses and safety training options we regularly run:
View Full Training Calendar

If you’re looking for a specific date or have multiple learners, just get in touch, we’re always happy to schedule extra sessions to suit your needs.

What You’ll Gain

Completing the course means you can:

• Understand key legislation: TG20:21, SG4:22, BS EN 12811 Part 1
• Identify scaffold components and safe working loads
• Apply inspection techniques to common scaffold types
• Recognise faults and follow inspection/reporting protocols
• Follow safe access/egress hierarchy

Your Next Step in Scaffold Safety

Safety begins with knowledge. Our Basic Scaffold Inspection Awareness course equips learners to inspect basic scaffolds in line with company standards and industry guidance, without enrolling in extensive accredited training.

CISRS, on the other hand, is essential for professionals seeking permanent progression within scaffolding. It opens the door to advanced roles and long-term career success. If you plan to lead scaffolding teams or carry out statutory scaffold inspections, CISRS credentials are invaluable.

Whether you're safeguarding a single site or stepping up in your career, the knowledge you gain today can shape safer outcomes tomorrow.

Start with scaffold inspection — and build from there.