NASC Statement on the CISRS Systems Scaffold Product Training Scheme (SSPTS)

CISRS has issued a statement relating to the use of similar products by operatives holding SSPTS training in a particular brand: –

“CISRS Systems Scaffold Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) 2-day course for Scaffolders was originally introduced into the scheme in June 2006, but it is only in the last few years that it has started to gain some momentum.

The original stance of CISRS was that due to perceived differences between brands it was felt that an operative should attend a full 2 day CISRS Systems Scaffold Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) in each of the brands of a type of system that they wished to use e.g. “CUP” type the scaffolder would need to attend a SSPTS Cuplok course, followed by a SSPTS Genlok course, SSPTS Tradlok and so on, if they wished to use the additional products.

It has since become apparent that employers, operatives and most systems scaffold providers do not see the benefit of a scaffolder attending a 2^nd course in a different brand of a similar type of product as the actual practical differences in terms of the methods of erection and dismantle are virtually nil.

There may well be differences in product capability, tie frequency or bracing patterns, however as long as the Scaffolder is made aware of these differences they can carry out his work accordingly to accommodate these factors without almost no change to the practical erection/dismantle procedure.  

After many debates on this subject within the Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation (ASITO) committee, NASC regional and council meetings and further discussion with the other interested stakeholder including HSE, CISRS changed its stance on this issue.

For the interest of clarity CISRS wishes to state its current position on this issue is as follows: – 

Upon completion of a CISRS SSPTS course in a particular brand of a type of system e.g. “CUP Type” an operative holding a valid CISRS card endorsed on the reverse with “Systems Product Training – Cuplok” then wishes to use a 2^nd brand of a similar product e.g. Genlok, 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 scaffolder would not be required to complete a further 2 day SSPTS course in the 2^nd brand of the similar type product.

The employer must retain recorded evidence that the relevant knowledge  (via user guide, tool box talk, in house demonstration etc.) has been passed onto the operative, as this may need to be produced to satisfy clients, HSE, NASC Auditors etc. at a later date.   

The same principle would be extended to those who had completed CISRS Part 1, or Part 2 training in systems scaffolding.

This would only apply to products/manufacturers that have submitted all relevant product information, proof of testing to European Standards, user guide, erection and dismantling sequence etc. to CISRS and a CISRS approved Training course exists for that system.

 A list will be displayed within the Training section of the CISRS website www.cisrs.org.uk  showing the different brands within each product category to which this would apply.

At the time of writing CISRS courses are available in the following brands: –

Cup – Cuplok, K-lok, Genlock, Tradlock

Rosette/Ring – Layher, Plettac (Altrad) Contur, Plettac (Altrad) Futoru, Scafom Rux, Peri Up Rosett Flex.

Wedge – Kwikstage,  DSL Climastage.

Turner +8 – Turner +8.

Combisafe – Oktolok.

PLEASE NOTE: –

The above principle does not apply to different types of system products e.g. Cuplok (CUP) and Layher (Rosette/Ring). In this instance the operative would be required to attend a full 2 day CISRS SSPTS in both types of product Cuplok and Layher and the operative’s card should be endorsed accordingly.  

CISRS cards would only be endorsed upon the completion of official CISRS training stating the name of the product in which the training was undertaken. If an operative is found on site using a different brand of system, a visit to the CISRS website will confirm if the system used is within the CISRS suite of training products. The employer if requested by the client must be able to provide sufficient evidence that they have suitably addressed any shortfall in product knowledge. 

CISRS feels that approach this will streamline the CISRS training requirements for Systems products by allowing the operative to transfer their knowledge and practical skills gained from their original SSPTS course and diminish the requirement to duplicate formal training.”

Should you require any further advice on the implications of this statement – please contact your Simian Account Manager.