Scaffolding Training
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In order to comply with the requirements of the Construction Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the syllabi for the following courses changed.

Scaffolding Erector and Scaffolding Inspector

There are now 5 different personal involved in scaffolding namely:

  1. Scaffold General Worker

Section 16.2.2.1 in the SABS 085 prescribes:

    1. industry induction training;
    2. use and application of scaffolding equipment, tools and personal protective  equipment (PPE);
    3. methods of making defective equipment and quarantine areas (see 12.7);
    4. preparing scaffolding foundations; and
    5. erecting and dismantling of trestle scaffolds

2. Assistant to Scaffolder (Scaffold Fixer)

The person needs to be a trained General Worker with 6 months experience before the persons can proceed to this stage.


Section 16.2.3.1 of the SANS 085 prescribes:

  1. erecting and dismantling of mobile and static tower scaffolds;
  2. erecting and dismantling of tied-independent scaffolds;
  3. erecting and dismantling of birdcage scaffolds;
  4. erecting and dismantling of ladder access on all three mentioned scaffolds in a), b) and c) above;
  5. erecting and dismantling of a protection apron (fan); and
  6. erecting and dismantling of a rubbish shute.
    1. Scaffold Erector

The person must have completed both course (General Worker and Scaffolding Fixer) and have 12 months experience as on entrance requirements for this course. The learner must be literate as it is a requirement to interpret and work from sketches / drawings.

Section 16.2.4.1 of the SANS 085 prescribes:

  1. erecting and dismantling of a barrow ramp;
  2. erecting and dismantling of a circular scaffolds;
  3. erecting and dismantling of a cantilever / truss-out scaffold;
  4. erecting and dismantling of a bridge scaffold;
  5. erecting and dismantling of a drop / hanging scaffold; and
  6. interpreting and working from scaffold drawings and sketches.

Six months practical is required to qualify as a Scaffolding Erector.

4. Scaffolding Team Leader

The learner must have a total experience of two years and six months on scaffolding and include the subjects as prescribed by SABS 085 in section 16.2.5.1, i.e.

  1. basic supervisory skills (first-line supervisor level);
  2. team leadership skills;
  3. communication skills (with both supervisors and subordinates)
  4. counseling for performance of his team members;
  5. disciplinary methods and procedures;
  6. organization of work for optimum productivity;
  7. sufficient knowledge of the OHS Act to ensure work team safety; and
  8. final checking of work before submitting for inspection.

On completion on both the practical experience and subjects, only then must the scaffolding team leader be appointed in writing.

5. Scaffolding Inspector

Section 16.2.6.1 of SABS 085 prescribes that a Scaffolding Inspector training module must consist of:

  1. knowledge of applications and limitations of different types of scaffolding;
  2. knowledge of the applications and safe working loads of scaffolding components;
  3. knowledge of the classification for scaffold platforms and the loading limitations for scaffolds with multi-level platforms;
  4. knowledge of the requirements for stability against overturning of free-standing platforms and of the purpose of scaffolding ties, the maximum spacing of ties and the various conditions which affect the tie spacing requirements;
  5. knowledge of the OHS Act requirements, including the application to scaffolding operations of applicable sections of the Act, and the responsibilities the Act places upon persons inspecting scaffolding; and
  6. documentation relevant to the inspector’s role, including the scaffold inspections register and handover certificates.

Section 16.2.6.2. prescribes what Specific Outcomes are required to proof competency as a Scaffolding Inspector, i.e.;

  1. the fitness of purpose of the equipment used to construct the scaffolding;
  2. the suitability of the scaffolding for the usage classification;
  3. that the number of working platforms allowed is know by the user;
  4. that the foundation details comply with clause 8 of this standard;
  5. where applicable, that scaffolding ties comply with 10.10.3;
  6. that the bracing has been applied in accordance with 10.10.4, and the other application requirements of clause 10 for the different types of scaffolding are met;
  7. that the platforms comply with the requirements of 10.19;
  8. that adequate access is provided to the working platforms, either by
    1. ladder which comply with the requirements of 10.7, or
    2. staircase towers linked to working platforms with safe walkways, or
    3. an acceptable alternative access method (for example, direct from the structure), which is both convenient and safe, and
  9. that signs which comply with the requirements of 11.16 have been placed on the scaffold.

Section 16.2.6.3 adds a further requirement namely;

“The person inspecting a scaffold is required to be competent in both the erection and maintenance of scaffold, and he must be able to instruct the scaffolder in areas where faults have to be corrected.”

“He must also have the knowledge of the abuses that a scaffold can suffer as a result of illegal actions by users and others, and he must be aware of the necessity to look out for instances where scaffolding, ties, braces, platform boards, etc., have been removed by a user.”

Please contact Expectra for pricing on these courses