Scaffolder scheme gets NVQ link

Major changes in construction's Scaffolder Record Scheme are being introduced from next month when the 17-year-old register of qualified operatives is finally being linked in with the system of National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications.

In future neither basic nor advanced scaffolder record cards will be issued until an individual has gained an NVQ level 2 or NVQ level 3 qualification respectively. Cards will be overstamped with the relevant level.

Those with more than five years' scaffolding experience but no formal record scheme training can qualify for the basic card and an S/NVQ at level 2 if they successfully complete a course for an assessed route of entry to the scheme. This path was introduced in September of last year.

In addition, a separate assessed route of entry for advanced scaffolders linked to S/NVQ level 3 is also planned.

The changes were announced this week by George Henderson, chairman of the Construction Industry Training Board's scaffolding sub-committee and an operative secretary on the building and civil engineering Joint Board, which own the register.

"Bringing the record scheme and NVQs into line in this way should go a long way towards enhancing the standards of scaffolding, which are already high and which have grown immeasurably since the record scheme was introduced in 1979," said Henderson.

"We have always recognised that scaffolding is a particularly high risk occupation. It was because we recognised it that we introduced the scheme initially."

Kevin Bright, president of the National Association of Scaffolding Contractors, added: "The NASC is pleased to be party to the scheme. Contractors and their customers have to think of just one standard if safety is to be their number one priority. That standard is the very best possible."

The Scaffolder Record Scheme is the longest established register of qualified site operatives and is designed to raise the level of competence and safety in the industry. More than 21,000 operatives are currently registered and most employers now insist that their scaffolders are registered.

n The NASC has launched an independent scaffold inspection service to help industry comply with the new Construction, Health Safety and Welfare Regulations. These strengthen the responsibility to inspect and complete a report on scaffolding and other access equipment. Duty is placed on the user, not the erector, and must be carried out prior to its first use within every 7 days.