Q: Does a Labourer working for a scaffolding company need a CISRS card?
A: Even though this employee may never leave the floor he should still apply for a CISRS Labourer card. In order to apply they will need to complete a CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test or Recognised Exemption achieve the CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS) Course and complete the Employer Declaration/Labourer Application Form. When completed, the form should be returned with a photograph of the operative, proof of the Health, Safety and Environment Test, proof of the CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS) Course and a payment to CITB of £26.50. This card may be useful in establishing the length of an operative’s industry experience prior to attending a Part 1 course.
Q: How long after completing the COTS Course do I need to apply for my CISRS Labourers/Trainee Card?
A: An application for a CISRS card would need to be received within 2 years of taking the COTS course. If you have a question that isn’t covered by our FAQs, please refer to the link below for more.
Q: I have achieved S/NVQ qualification, am I entitled to a CISRS card?
A: No, there are 4 elements needed to obtain a CISRS card, CISRS practical training, S/NVQ, CISRS Skills Test and CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. CISRS Scaffolder cards are only issued when the operative has undertaken the relevant CISRS training Part 1 and Part 2, achieved the S/NVQ Level 2 in Access and Rigging Operations, passed the CISRS 1-day Skills Test and passed a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. To reach Advanced they must carry out all of the above plus the CISRS Advanced course, S/NVQ Level 3 in Access and Rigging Operations, passed the CISRS 2-day Skills Test and passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
Q: Who can supervise scaffolding?
A: When considering the direct supervision of a scaffolding gang i.e. a working foreman, leading hand etc., the operative in this role must be qualified to the grade of CISRS Scaffolder as a minimum requirement. For more complex scaffold structures, a CISRS Advanced Scaffolder must undertake direct supervision of the gang. Supervision of a Scaffolding project/site as a whole (liaising with client, deploying operatives, estimating, inspection, pricing, H&S issues etc.) must also be carried out by a competent person, however this may not necessarily be a CISRS qualified Scaffolder. The 5 Day CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor training course is available from CISRS Approved Centres. It is aimed at scaffolding contractors first-line supervision i.e. Contract Supervisors, Foremen and Non-Working Charge hands. Upon successful completion of the above course the delegate is eligible to apply for the CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor Card. A Supervisory level CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test or Recognised Exemption is required.
Q: What is the process for renewing my CISRS card?
A: All existing cardholders will be required to renew their cards by completing the relevant application form and passing the relevant level of CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test or Recognised Exemption within 2 years of renewal, and submitting the application form with a recent photograph and payment of £26.50. From 1st July 2017, all CISRS Scaffolder and Advanced card holders will be required to attend a 2 Day Refresher/CPD course. For more information about CISRS Scaffolder Refresher/CPD Training please click here Renewal Notices will be sent to the last known address approximately 3 months prior to the card expiry date.
Q: I have lost my CISRS card/Certificate, how can I obtain a replacement?
A: If you have lost your CISRS Card you can call the CISRS Helpline on 0844 8157223 for a replacement. The cost of a replacement card is £26.50. If you have lost your CISRS Certificate you will need to contact the CISRS approved centre at which the training was undertaken, and request them to issue a Copy/replacement certificate. There may be an administration fee for this service. Usually you will need a certificate to apply for a card, if you are on the CISRS database already CISRS can accept that you have done the training, if you are not and you can no longer produce a certificate you need to contact the centre at which you did your training. If the centre cannot provide a duplicate or confirm the training took place, CISRS cannot issue a card. If the applicant has copies of joining instructions for the course or perhaps proof of grant payment for the training or some possible evidence that the training took place CISRS might be able to accept this on an appeal basis, however the applicant must make an appeal with the evidence in writing to:
CISRS, 4th Floor, 12 Bridewell Place, London, EC4V 6AP http://cisrs.org.uk/faq/
