Scaffolding
The ICSPS Professional Certification Programme in Scaffolding Safety and Management is a comprehensive, multi-level qualification designed to establish the highest standards of safety, competency, and integrity in the design, erection, use, inspection, and dismantling of scaffolding structures across all industries. Scaffolding is a temporary but critical worksite structure, and its failure can lead to catastrophic collapses, falls from height, and major project delays. This programme provides a structured pathway from foundational knowledge for labourers and users to advanced engineering principles for designers and managers, ensuring every professional involved understands their role in managing this significant worksite risk.
Grounded in international standards (such as BS EN 12811, OSHA, TG20), best practice guidance (SG4, SG6), and the principles of temporary works design, the curriculum covers materials, load calculations, stability, fall protection, and the critical administrative controls of inspection and permit systems. The programme is relevant for scaffolders, construction supervisors, engineers, safety advisors, and clients who have a duty to ensure that any scaffolding used on their sites is safe.
Delivered through a blend of theory, practical demonstration, and case study analysis of scaffold collapses, this certification empowers individuals to recognize hazards, enforce standards, and champion a culture of zero tolerance for unsafe scaffolding practices. Graduates will be prepared to prevent incidents, ensure structural integrity, and protect the lives of those who build, work on, and pass beneath scaffolding structures.
Offered Courses
Level 1 Award in Scaffolding Safety Awareness
The ICSPS Level 1 Award in Scaffolding Safety Awareness establishes the essential foundation for anyone who works on, near, or manages sites where scaffolding is present. This entry-level certificate is not for erectors but for the wider workforce, making it ideal for construction labourers, tradespeople, site managers, clients, and safety representatives. The course demystifies scaffolding by explaining its basic components, common types, and the critical dangers associated with it, such as collapse, falls, and falling objects. It moves beyond seeing scaffolding as mere background to understanding it as a dynamic, engineered structure with specific safety rules.
Participants will be introduced to the fundamental principles of scaffold safety, including the importance of proper access, working platforms, guardrails, and exclusion zones. The award covers how to visually identify gross defects, understand basic signage and tagging systems (e.g., green/red tags), and know the procedures for reporting concerns. By providing a clear, practical overview, this qualification fosters a vigilant and informed site culture, empowering all personnel to refuse to use unsafe scaffolding and to contribute to a safer working environment.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 12 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 48 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to Scaffolding: Purpose, Types, and Key Hazards
|
2 |
8 |
|
Basic Scaffold Components and Terminology
|
2 |
8 |
|
Safe Use of Scaffolds: Access, Platforms, and Guardrails
|
2 |
8 |
|
Understanding Scaffold Tagging and Inspection Systems
|
2 |
8 |
|
Managing Risks: Falling Objects, Overhead Hazards, and Exclusion Zones
|
2 |
8 |
|
Roles, Responsibilities, and Reporting Unsafe Conditions
|
2 |
8 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Scaffolding: Purpose, Types, and Key Hazards
Explain the primary purposes of scaffolding in construction and maintenance work.
Identify common types of scaffolding (e.g., independent tied, putlog, system scaffolds, mobile towers).
List the major hazards associated with scaffolding, including collapse, falls from height, falling materials, and electrocution.
Recognize the potential consequences of scaffold failures through case study examples.
Unit 2: Basic Scaffold Components and Terminology
Identify and name key scaffolding components: standards, ledgers, transoms, base plates, sole boards, couplers, and bracing.
Understand the function of essential fittings: guardrails, toe boards, ladder access units, and trap doors.
Distinguish between different scaffold boards (grade, maximum span, overhang) and their importance for a safe working platform.
Recognize the purpose of ties and the dangers of removing them.
Unit 3: Safe Use of Scaffolds: Access, Platforms, and Guardrails
Identify what constitutes safe and compliant access to a scaffold (internal ladders, stair towers, secured external ladders).
Describe the requirements for a safe working platform: full boarding, correct board overlap, adequate width, and no excessive gaps.
Explain the critical importance of complete guardrail systems (handrail, mid-rail, toe-board) on all open sides and ends of platforms.
State personal responsibilities when using a scaffold, including checking tags and not modifying the structure.
Unit 4: Understanding Scaffold Tagging and Inspection Systems
Interpret a standard scaffold tag system (e.g., Green: safe for use; Red: do not use; Yellow: partially complete with controls).
Understand that scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person after assembly, after alteration, after adverse weather, and at regular intervals.
Know where to look for the most recent inspection tag and understand the information it should contain.
Recognize that the absence of a valid tag means the scaffold must not be used.
Unit 5: Managing Risks: Falling Objects, Overhead Hazards, and Exclusion Zones
Identify measures to prevent falling objects, including toe-boards, brick guards, debris netting, and tool tethering.
Recognize overhead hazards, particularly the danger of scaffolding coming into contact with or close proximity to overhead power lines.
Understand the purpose of exclusion zones (hard barricades, warning tape) beneath and around scaffolding.
Follow site rules regarding loading materials onto scaffolds and maintaining a tidy platform to prevent trip hazards.
Unit 6: Roles, Responsibilities, and Reporting Unsafe Conditions
Define the key duty holders: client, principal contractor, scaffolding contractor, competent person, and scaffold user.
Understand the individual worker’s right and responsibility to refuse to work on an unsafe scaffold.
Follow the correct site procedure for reporting observed defects, damage, or missing components on a scaffold.
Appreciate the collective responsibility of all site personnel in maintaining scaffold safety.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Construction Workers and Tradespeople: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, and labourers who work from scaffolds.
Site Managers and Supervisors: Individuals responsible for overall site safety where scaffolding is present.
Clients and Project Managers: Non-technical personnel who need to understand their duties regarding temporary works.
Health and Safety Representatives: Union or worker safety reps on construction sites.
Building Surveyors and Clerks of Works: Professionals inspecting workmanship and safety on site.
Facilities Management and Maintenance Staff: Personnel overseeing work on existing buildings.
Level 2 Certificate in Scaffolding Inspection and Basic Erection Principles
The ICSPS Level 2 Certificate in Scaffolding Inspection and Basic Erection Principles provides the core technical knowledge and observational skills required to competently inspect basic scaffolding structures, such as independent tied scaffolds and static towers, in accordance with statutory requirements and industry best practice. This certificate is designed for those appointed as “competent persons” for inspection, such as advanced scaffolders, site supervisors, or dedicated inspection clerks. It bridges the gap between general awareness and the detailed, checklist-driven scrutiny needed to confirm a scaffold is safe for use.
The curriculum focuses on the inspection process, covering what to look for from foundation to topping out, including stability, ties, bracing, guardrails, and access. It also covers the fundamental principles behind safe erection sequences, allowing inspectors to understand how errors during build can lead to latent defects. Participants will learn to complete inspection records, apply tagging systems authoritatively, and understand when to prohibit use. This hands-on, technical certificate is essential for ensuring the primary safety barrier—a competent pre-use inspection—is rigorously applied on every site, every day.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 18 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 72 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Framework, Standards, and the Role of the Competent Person
|
3 |
12 |
|
Scaffold Foundations, Stability, and Load Considerations
|
3 |
12 |
|
Inspection of Tubular Scaffold Components and Connections
|
3 |
12 |
|
Understanding Ties, Bracing, and Stability Systems
|
3 |
12 |
|
Inspection of Working Platforms, Guardrails, and Access
|
3 |
12 |
|
Conducting Inspections: Checklists, Reporting, and Prohibiting Use
|
3 |
12 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Legal Framework, Standards, and the Role of the Competent Person
Identify the key legislation and regulations governing the inspection of scaffolding (e.g., Work at Height Regulations, Construction Design and Management Regulations).
Explain the definition of “competence” in the context of scaffold inspection and the legal duties of the appointed person.
Reference the relevant technical standards (BS EN 12811, TG20) and best practice guides (SG4, NASC guidance) that define compliance.
Describe the mandatory inspection frequencies: after assembly, after alteration, after adverse weather, and at weekly intervals.
Unit 2: Scaffold Foundations, Stability, and Load Considerations
Assess ground conditions and the suitability of foundation solutions (sole boards, base plates, adjustable bases, concrete foundations).
Identify defects in foundations, such as settlement, undermining, or incorrect positioning of sole boards.
Understand basic load classes (light, medium, heavy duty) and recognize signs of overloading on a scaffold.
Evaluate the overall stability of the structure in relation to its height-to-base ratio and exposure to wind.
Unit 3: Inspection of Tubular Scaffold Components and Connections
Inspect tubes for defects: corrosion, splits, dents, excessive bends, or damaged ends.
Check couplers for correct type (right-angle, swivel, putlog, sleeve), tightness, and orientation.
Identify missing or incorrectly fitted components, such as transoms, ledgers, or standards.
Recognize the use of non-compatible or makeshift components (e.g., using a bolt as a pin).
Unit 4: Inspection of Working Platforms, Guardrails, and Access
Verify that working platforms are fully boarded with compliant boards, correct overhang, and no excessive gaps.
Inspect the complete guardrail system: secure fixings, correct height of handrail and mid-rail, and presence of toe-boards.
Check the safety and compliance of access points: secured ladders with adequate handhold, proper ladder angle, and trap doors in platforms.
Assess the general tidiness of the platform and the security of materials to prevent falling objects.
Unit 5: Understanding Ties, Bracing, and Stability Systems
Identify different types of ties (through, reveal, box, anchor) and understand their purpose in providing lateral restraint.
Inspect ties for correct installation, tension, and security of attachment to a suitable structural anchor point.
Check for the presence and correctness of all necessary bracing (facade, ledger, diagonal) to ensure rigidity.
Recognize the dangers of altered or removed ties and bracing.
Unit 6: Conducting Inspections: Checklists, Reporting, and Prohibiting Use
Use a systematic, top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top inspection methodology to ensure no element is missed.
Complete a formal inspection record (scaffold tag and report) accurately, noting any defects and corrective actions required.
Apply the correct tag colour based on inspection findings and understand the authority this conveys.
Communicate inspection outcomes clearly to site management and scaffold contractors, and formally prohibit use of unsafe structures.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Advanced Scaffolders and Chargehands: Experienced erectors moving into inspection roles.
Site Supervisors and Foremen: Construction supervisors responsible for daily site safety checks.
Scaffolding Inspection Clerks: Dedicated personnel employed to inspect scaffolds on large sites.
Health and Safety Advisors: Construction safety professionals needing technical inspection competency.
Clerks of Works and Resident Engineers: Client or consultant representatives overseeing site work.
Maintenance Team Leaders in Heavy Industry: Personnel in plants and refineries where scaffolding is frequently used.
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Scaffolding Erection and Design Principles
The ICSPS Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Scaffolding Erection and Design Principles equips experienced scaffolders and supervisors with the advanced knowledge required to erect, alter, and dismantle complex scaffolding structures safely and efficiently. This diploma delves into the practical application of advanced techniques for structures such as cantilevered scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, loading bays, stair towers, and access scaffolds for unusual structures. It bridges practical skill with an understanding of the underlying design principles, enabling erectors to interpret scaffolding design drawings and recognize the engineering intent behind the structure.
The curriculum is heavily based on industry best practice (SG4: Preventing Falls in Scaffolding) and the use of standard solution guides (TG20). It covers advanced tie configurations, buttressing, temporary roofs, sheeting and debris netting, and the management of complex multi-lift scaffolds. A strong emphasis is placed on creating a safe working environment for the erection team itself, including the use of advanced guardrail systems (AGS) and fall protection during the build. This diploma is critical for scaffolders aiming to become supervisory chargehands or those working on specialist and high-risk projects.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 18 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 72 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Advanced Materials, Equipment, and Industry Best Practice (SG4, TG20)
|
3 |
12 |
|
Interpreting Scaffolding Design Drawings and Specifications
|
3 |
12 |
|
Erection Techniques for Complex Structures: Cantilevers and Truss-Outs
|
3 |
12 |
|
Suspended Scaffolds, Hanging Brackets, and Temporary Roofs
|
3 |
12 |
|
Managing Multi-Lift Scaffolds, Loading Bays, and Stair Towers
|
3 |
12 |
|
Safe Dismantling Sequences, Method Statements, and Supervisory Skills
|
3 |
12 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Materials, Equipment, and Industry Best Practice (SG4, TG20)
Select appropriate materials and system scaffolding components for specific advanced applications.
Apply the guidance in SG4: “Preventing Falls in Scaffolding” to plan and execute safe erection and dismantling sequences.
Use the TG20 operational guide and compliance sheets to ensure standard scaffolds are built within ‘good practice’ parameters.
Identify and use specialized equipment such as gin wheels, hoists, and beam clamps safely and appropriately.
Unit 2: Interpreting Scaffolding Design Drawings and Specifications
Read and interpret scaffolding design drawings, including elevations, plans, and details.
Understand design notations, symbols, and specifications related to load classes, tie locations, and foundation requirements.
Extract critical information from a drawing to plan the material list, erection sequence, and resource requirements.
Recognize when site conditions deviate from the design assumptions and know the procedure to halt work and seek clarification.
Unit 3: Erection Techniques for Complex Structures: Cantilevers and Truss-Outs
Plan and execute the safe erection of a cantilevered scaffold, understanding the critical role of counterweights and anchorages.
Construct truss-out beams and bridle units to overcome obstacles at the base of a scaffold.
Calculate approximate loads and understand the force transfer in these complex support systems.
Implement enhanced inspection and monitoring regimes for non-standard support structures.
Unit 4: Suspended Scaffolds, Hanging Brackets, and Temporary Roofs
Erect and safely access two-point suspended scaffolds (swing stages) from overhead supports, verifying the integrity of anchor points.
Install putlog and independent scaffolds using soleless standards and hanging bracket systems on building facades.
Construct lightweight temporary roofs for weather protection, ensuring adequate strength, drainage, and tie-down against wind uplift.
Apply specific safety controls for working with suspended and bracket-supported systems.
Unit 5: Managing Multi-Lift Scaffolds, Loading Bays, and Stair Towers
Coordinate the erection of large, multi-lift independent scaffolds, ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment and timely installation of ties and bracing.
Construct heavy-duty loading bays with reinforced platforms, edge protection, and adequate headroom for plant.
Build internal and external stair towers compliant with dimensional requirements for rise, going, landings, and handrails.
Integrate sheeting, debris netting, and fan containment systems into large scaffold structures.
Unit 6: Safe Dismantling Sequences, Method Statements, and Supervisory Skills
Plan a safe method of dismantling for complex scaffolds, reversing the erection sequence while maintaining stability.
Develop a detailed task-specific method statement and risk assessment for high-risk erection or dismantling activities.
Supervise a team of scaffolders, ensuring safe working practices, correct use of PPE, and adherence to the method statement.
Conduct toolbox talks and briefings, and effectively communicate with other trades and site management.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Scaffolding Chargehands and Supervisors: Experienced scaffolders leading teams on site.
Advanced Scaffolders: Craftspeople working on complex or specialist scaffolding contracts.
Scaffolding Contractors and Small Business Owners: Individuals running their own operations.
Construction Site Managers (with scaffolding focus): Managers who need detailed practical knowledge.
Temporary Works Coordinators (Basic): Personnel starting their journey in temporary works management.
Scaffolding Estimators and Planners: Staff who need to understand erection complexities to price and plan jobs accurately.
Level 4 Diploma in Scaffolding Design and Temporary Works Engineering
The ICSPS Level 4 Diploma in Scaffolding Design and Temporary Works Engineering equips engineers and senior designers with the specialist knowledge to design scaffolding structures as formal temporary works. This advanced diploma moves from practical erection to the engineering principles of statics, stability, and load analysis. Participants will learn to design scaffolds that fall outside standard solutions, calculating loads, designing ties and foundations, and producing formal design calculations and drawings that comply with structural Eurocodes and industry standards (BS EN 12811, BS 5975).
The curriculum covers the analysis of dead, live, and environmental loads (wind, snow), the design of connections, and the specification of materials. It focuses on complex scenarios such as scaffolding for bridge maintenance, stage structures, temporary grandstands, and support scaffolding for heavy permanent works. A core component is understanding the role of the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) and how scaffold design integrates into the overall temporary works management process. This diploma is essential for civil/structural engineers, consulting temporary works designers, and senior scaffolding professionals progressing into design roles.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 12 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 48 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Principles of Temporary Works and the Role of BS 5975
|
2 |
8 |
|
Structural Analysis and Loadings for Scaffold Design (Eurocode)
|
2 |
8 |
|
Design of Foundations, Leg Loads, and Stability Systems
|
2 |
8 |
|
Connection Design: Couplers, Ties, and Anchorages
|
2 |
8 |
|
Designing Complex Scaffolds: Support Scaffolding, Access Trusses, Shoring
|
2 |
8 |
|
Producing Design Drawings, Calculations, and Design Certificates
|
2 |
8 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Temporary Works and the Role of BS 5975
Explain the definition of temporary works and the critical importance of formal design and coordination.
Describe the framework of BS 5975: “Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework” and its application to scaffolding.
Identify the roles and duties within a temporary works management system: Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC), Designer, Checker, and Contractor.
Understand the design process from brief to issue of design certificate, including the categories of design check.
Unit 2: Structural Analysis and Loadings for Scaffold Design (Eurocode)
Determine and combine characteristic loads: dead load (self-weight), imposed loads (working, storage, personnel), and environmental loads (wind, snow).
Apply partial safety factors in accordance with Eurocodes to derive design loads for ultimate and serviceability limit states.
Perform basic linear static analysis on simple scaffold frames to determine leg loads, bending moments, and shear forces.
Understand the concepts of robustness, accidental load cases, and disproportionate collapse in temporary structures.
Unit 3: Design of Foundations, Leg Loads, and Stability Systems
Calculate maximum leg loads from scaffold analysis and assess ground bearing capacity.
Design suitable foundations: timber sole plates, concrete spread footings, or piled solutions for poor ground.
Design stability systems to resist lateral loads, including the calculation of required tie forces and the spacing of ties.
Assess the risk of buckling in scaffold standards and apply appropriate reduction factors.
Unit 4: Connection Design: Couplers, Ties, and Anchorages
Determine the forces transferred through right-angle and swivel couplers and check their safe working load capacity.
Design effective tie systems (through ties, reveal ties, anchor ties) to transfer lateral forces into the permanent structure.
Calculate the load capacity of anchor points in existing structures (masonry, concrete, steel) and specify suitable fixing methods (chemical anchors, through-bolts).
Understand the failure modes of connections and apply factors of safety appropriately.
Unit 5: Designing Complex Scaffolds: Support Scaffolds, Access Trusses, Shoring
Design heavy-duty support scaffolding to carry concrete slabs, bridge decks, or heavy mechanical equipment.
Create designs for long-span access scaffolds using truss beams or proprietary system components.
Apply principles of shoring design to support existing structures during demolition or alteration works.
Incorporate movement joints, kentledge, and pre-loading into scaffold designs where necessary.
Unit 6: Producing Design Drawings, Calculations, and Design Certificates
Produce clear, unambiguous general arrangement drawings, elevations, plans, and detail drawings for construction.
Structure design calculation packages logically, showing assumptions, references, calculations, and conclusions.
Prepare a design risk assessment highlighting key buildability and dismantling considerations.
Issue a formal design certificate stating the limitations and conditions of use for the structure.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Civil and Structural Engineers: Graduates and technicians moving into temporary works design.
Temporary Works Designers and Checkers: Specialists in consultancies or large contractors.
Scaffolding Design Engineers: Professionals employed by major scaffolding contractors.
Temporary Works Coordinators (TWCs): Individuals requiring deep design understanding to coordinate effectively.
Consultants in Construction Safety Engineering: Advisors on complex access and support solutions.
Senior Scaffolding Managers: Personnel transitioning from operations to technical and design leadership.
Level 5 Postgraduate Diploma in Scaffolding Contract Management and Business Strategy
The ICSPS Level 5 Postgraduate Diploma in Scaffolding Contract Management and Business Strategy prepares senior managers, directors, and business owners to lead successful scaffolding enterprises in a competitive and high-risk industry. This strategic-level course moves beyond technical craft and design to focus on the commercial, legal, and leadership skills required for sustainable business growth. Participants will engage with topics such as tendering and bidding strategies, contract law (NEC, JCT), financial management, insurance, claims and disputes, and the development of a proactive safety culture as a commercial differentiator.
The curriculum addresses the unique challenges of the scaffolding sector, including managing a mobile and sometimes transient workforce, supply chain volatility, and the intense price pressure of commoditized services. It emphasizes strategic decision-making, innovation in service delivery (such as digital asset management), and building long-term client relationships based on reliability and safety performance. This diploma is essential for those who aim to elevate their business from a operational trade to a strategically managed organization that delivers value, manages risk profitably, and achieves industry recognition.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 18 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 72 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Strategic Planning and Market Positioning for Scaffolding Businesses
|
3 |
12 |
|
Commercial Management: Estimating, Tendering, and Bid Management
|
3 |
12 |
|
Contract Law, NEC/JCT Provisions, and Managing Variations
|
3 |
12 |
|
Financial Management, Cost Control, and Insurance for High-Risk Operations
|
3 |
12 |
|
Leadership, HR Strategy, and Developing a High-Performance Safety Culture
|
3 |
12 |
|
Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Long-Term Business Sustainability
|
3 |
12 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Strategic Planning and Market Positioning for Scaffolding Businesses
Conduct a SWOT and PESTLE analysis to understand the internal and external business environment.
Develop a clear business strategy and value proposition to differentiate from competitors (e.g., specialist services, safety leadership, digital delivery).
Identify target markets and clients (e.g., infrastructure, energy, commercial) and plan market entry or expansion strategies.
Establish long-term vision, mission, and measurable strategic objectives for the organization.
Unit 2: Commercial Management: Estimating, Tendering, and Bid Management
Build accurate, comprehensive cost estimates for scaffolding projects, incorporating all direct, indirect, and overhead costs.
Develop competitive yet profitable tender strategies, understanding the balance between price, quality, and risk.
Manage the end-to-end bid process, from pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) to interview and submission.
Analyze tender win/loss data to refine future bidding approaches and improve hit rates.
Unit 3: Contract Law, NEC/JCT Provisions, and Managing Variations
Understand the key clauses in standard construction contracts (NEC4, JCT) relevant to scaffolding subcontracts.
Administer contracts effectively, including issuing and responding to early warnings, compensation events, and payment applications.
Manage the variation process meticulously to ensure all changes are documented, priced, and approved to protect revenue.
Navigate disputes, understand adjudication procedures, and employ strategies to avoid formal disputes where possible.
Unit 4: Financial Management, Cost Control, and Insurance for High-Risk Operations
Interpret key financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and use key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor business health.
Implement robust cost control systems for labour, materials, plant, and transport to maintain project and company profitability.
Manage cash flow proactively, including credit control, retentions, and working capital requirements.
Secure appropriate and cost-effective insurance cover (Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Professional Indemnity) and understand claims processes.
Unit 5: Leadership, HR Strategy, and Developing a High-Performance Safety Culture
Develop and implement an HR strategy covering recruitment, training, competency assurance, and retention of skilled scaffolders.
Lead organizational change and foster a positive company culture that aligns with strategic goals.
Design and champion a safety culture where excellence is intrinsic, using safety performance as a key business metric and marketing tool.
Implement effective communication and engagement strategies across a geographically dispersed workforce.
Unit 6: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Long-Term Business Sustainability
Evaluate and implement innovative technologies: digital design tools (BIM), scaffold management apps, drone inspections, and asset tracking.
Develop sustainable business practices, considering environmental impact (material reuse, waste reduction) and social value.
Plan for business continuity, succession, and resilience in the face of economic cycles or material shortages.
Build a strong brand reputation based on quality, safety, and reliability to ensure long-term client partnerships and business sustainability.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Scaffolding Company Directors and Owners: Leaders of small, medium, and large enterprises.
Senior Operations and Commercial Directors: Executives responsible for P&L and business growth.
Contracts and Bid Managers in Scaffolding: Specialists leading the commercial function.
Business Development Managers: Professionals focused on strategic growth and client relationships.
Consultants to the Construction Supply Chain: Advisors working with trade contractors.
Association and Federation Leaders: Individuals representing the industry at a strategic level.
Level 5 Certificate in Mobile Access and Tower Scaffolding
The ICSPS Specialist Certificate in Mobile Access and Tower Scaffolding provides focused, in-depth training on the safe selection, assembly, inspection, use, and movement of mobile tower scaffolds (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – MEWPs are excluded, focus is on manually propelled towers). This specialist certificate addresses a high-frequency area of work where misuse is common and can lead to serious falls and collapse incidents. The course provides comprehensive coverage of both proprietary system towers (e.g., Altrex, Layher) and traditional tube-and-fitting mobile towers, emphasizing stability, safe working height, and the critical pre-move checks.
The curriculum is intensely practical and based on the best practice guidance PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association) and industry standards. It covers advanced configurations such as stairway towers, towers with cantilevered platforms, and towers on uneven ground or used for bridging. A major focus is on the human factors that lead to accidents, such as overloading, climbing on guardrails, and incorrect movement procedures. This certificate is indispensable for any tradesperson or operative who uses mobile towers regularly, as well as for supervisors and managers who specify and oversee their use.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 18 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 72 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Regulations, Standards, and Guidance for Mobile Towers (PASMA)
|
3 |
12 |
|
Components, Configuration, and Stability Principles
|
3 |
12 |
|
Safe Assembly, Dismantling, and Alteration of Towers
|
3 |
12 |
|
Pre-Use Inspection, Maintenance, and Corrective Actions
|
3 |
12 |
|
Safe Use, Working at Height, and Movement of Towers
|
3 |
12 |
|
Advanced Configurations and Hazardous Scenarios
|
3 |
12 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Regulations, Standards, and Guidance for Mobile Towers (PASMA)
Identify the specific regulations and codes of practice that govern the use of mobile access towers.
Explain the role and authority of the PASMA code of practice and the importance of manufacturer’s instructions.
Understand the definitions of safe working height, platform height, and free-standing height.
Recognize the legal duties of the employer, user, and those appointing persons to work on towers.
Unit 2: Components, Configuration, and Stability Principles
Identify all components of a proprietary system tower: frames, diagonals, stabilizers, castors (braked & non-braked), guardrails, and trap units.
Configure a tower correctly using the “3-to-1” rule (height to base ratio) for stability, or the manufacturer’s data for advanced configurations.
Select and correctly position outriggers or stabilizers to achieve the required base dimensions for a given working height.
Understand the effect of platform loading and wind on tower stability.
Unit 3: Safe Assembly, Dismantling, and Alteration of Towers
Follow a safe method of assembly, ensuring the tower is built plumb, square, and on a firm, level surface.
Implement fall protection during assembly, such as working from inside the tower and installing guardrails as the work platform rises.
Dismantle the tower in the reverse order of assembly, maintaining stability throughout.
Understand the strict prohibition of altering a proprietary tower with non-compatible components.
Unit 4: Pre-Use Inspection, Maintenance, and Corrective Actions
Conduct a thorough pre-use inspection of the entire tower, including castors, frames, connections, platforms, and guardrails.
Complete a formal inspection record and tag the tower as fit for use.
Identify common defects (damaged frames, missing castor pins, bent guardrails) and take the correct action (repair, quarantine, destroy).
Understand basic maintenance schedules for castors and other moving parts.
Unit 5: Safe Use, Working at Height, and Movement of Towers
Ensure the working platform is fully boarded and guardrails are correctly fitted before any work commences.
Prohibit climbing on the guardrails or using ladders on the platform to gain extra height.
Move the tower safely: ensure the platform is clear of people, tools, and materials; lower the platform if possible; push from the base; check for overhead obstructions.
Never move a tower with persons or materials on the platform unless it is specifically designed for such use (a rare exception).
Unit 6: Advanced Configurations and Hazardous Scenarios
Safely configure towers for use on stairs using appropriate stairway units.
Construct towers with internal access ladders and multiple working platforms.
Identify and manage hazards such as use near excavations, on slopes (using adjustable base plates), near vehicles, or in public areas.
Understand the specific risks of bridging between towers or using towers to support sheeted enclosures.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
All Mobile Tower Users: Electricians, HVAC technicians, ceiling fixers, painters, decorators, and maintenance staff across all industries.
Retail and Warehouse Maintenance Teams: Staff who frequently assemble towers for lighting, signage, or racking work.
Facilities Management Operatives: In-house teams responsible for building maintenance.
Event and Stage Rigging Crews: Personnel building temporary access for lighting and sound.
Construction Site Supervisors: Managers who need to enforce correct tower use across all trades.
Health and Safety Advisors: Professionals requiring specialist knowledge to audit and advise on tower safety.
Certification & Verification
Each module in this certification is assessed internally by an accredited training provider and subsequently verified externally by ICSPS. The program employs a criterion-referenced assessment model, guaranteeing that participants achieve all defined learning objectives.
To earn a passing grade for a module, candidates must submit evidence that is valid, comprehensive, and genuine, demonstrating full mastery of the required outcomes and adherence to the established assessment standards. An assigned Assessor evaluates this evidence to confirm the learner meets the necessary proficiency levels.
Assessors are required to keep a detailed and transparent record of the evaluation process, clearly documenting the rationale behind their decisions. This ensures accountability, consistency, and strict adherence to all quality assurance protocols.
