New Scaffolding Regulations: Safety Requirements and Training
Scaffolding and working from scaffolds carries a risk of fall injuries, even from low heights. In 2016, stricter requirements were introduced to prevent injuries and fatalities related to scaffolding. These new scaffolding regulations require anyone erecting scaffolds over 2 metres to be able to document both theoretical and practical training. Let’s explore these requirements and understand what it takes to comply with them.
Comprehensive training for safety:
According to the regulations, training for scaffolding assembly must include several important points. These points include, among other things, understanding assembly plans, dismantling, changes to the scaffolding, measures to reduce the risk of falls for both people and objects, assessment of the scaffolding's maintenance status and more. Training requirements based on scaffolding height: The training requirements vary depending on the scaffolding height. For scaffolding between 2 and 5 meters, 7.5 hours of theoretical training and 7.5 hours of practical training are required. Scaffolding courses between 2 and 9 meters require 15 hours of theory and 15 hours of practice. If the scaffolding is over 9 meters high , a full 36 hours of theory and 72 hours of practical training are required. The employer is responsible for assessing whether the person performing the work has satisfactory training in accordance with the new requirements. If you already have scaffolding assembly training that corresponds to the current scheme, it is not necessary to attend a course.
Specific training for custom-designed scaffolding:
If you are going to assemble a scaffold that is not supplied by a scaffolding supplier and does not have assembly instructions, training is required for scaffolding over 9 meters . This means that you must have more than 100 hours of training. The reason for this is that erecting scaffolding outside the instructions requires knowledge of strength and stability calculations. Many scaffolding accidents are due to inadequate maintenance and control of the scaffolding material, especially wood-based scaffolding floors that can be exposed to rot, corrosion and cracks.
Height calculation and limitations:
The height of a scaffold is calculated from the ground up to the platform. If you have completed the course " Scaffolding course 2 to 5 meters ," you are qualified to assemble scaffolding with a platform height of up to 5 meters.
User training:
It is also important that everyone who uses scaffolding has sufficient training. The extent of the training depends on the working conditions and a comprehensive risk assessment. Workers should receive sufficient training to be able to perform the job safely. Employers must therefore ensure that those who use scaffolding receive basic information about the construction of the scaffolding and how it is assembled. This includes load limitations and any structural changes. Workers or others who only enter the scaffolding for inspection or control are not considered users of the scaffolding.
Technical approval requirements:
All prefabricated scaffolding systems require type approval from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. Newer systems must also have their own certificate.
The new scaffolding regulations have been introduced to ensure that scaffolding work is carried out safely. The training requirements depend on the height of the scaffold, and it is the employer's responsibility to assess whether the person carrying out the work has training that meets the requirements. In addition, it is important to remember user training and to follow the technical approval requirements. By complying with these regulations and ensuring sufficient training, the risk of injuries and accidents related to scaffolding work can be reduced.