CITB Specialists Temporary Works and Scaffolding — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under BS 5975, who must be appointed to coordinate all temporary works on a specialist construction project?
- The site manager
- A Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) with appropriate competence (Correct answer)
- The scaffolding subcontractor
- The health and safety advisor
Correct answer: A Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) with appropriate competence
BS 5975:2019 (Code of practice for temporary works) requires the appointment of a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) to manage and coordinate all temporary works. The TWC ensures designs are checked, permits are issued before loading, and structures are inspected before handover. This is a specific role requiring demonstrated competence.
Question 2: Before a specialist scaffold can be loaded and used, what formal process must be completed?
- A verbal confirmation from the scaffolder that it is safe
- A scaffold inspection by a competent person, recorded on a scaffold inspection report (SG4 or TG20 compliance), and a handover certificate issued (Correct answer)
- The erectors removing their tools from the platform
- Painting the scaffold in a bright colour for visibility
Correct answer: A scaffold inspection by a competent person, recorded on a scaffold inspection report (SG4 or TG20 compliance), and a handover certificate issued
Before use, a competent person must inspect the scaffold, confirm it complies with the design (TG20 for standard scaffolds, bespoke design for complex ones), record the inspection findings, and issue a handover certificate. The scaffold must have a green tag or equivalent status indication. No one should use a scaffold displaying a red tag.
Question 3: What is the maximum permissible gap between scaffold boards on a working platform used by specialist trades?
- 50mm
- 25mm (Correct answer)
- No gap is permitted; boards must be butted tightly together
- 100mm
Correct answer: 25mm
The maximum gap between scaffold boards on a working platform should not exceed 25mm. Larger gaps create trip hazards and risk of tools or materials falling through to workers below. Boards must be properly supported, secured against displacement, and extend at least 50mm but not more than 150mm beyond the last supporting ledger.
Question 4: A specialist supervisor needs to modify an existing scaffold to accommodate a new work requirement. What must they do before making any changes?
- Make the changes and inform the scaffolding contractor afterwards
- Obtain approval from the Temporary Works Coordinator, ensure the modification is designed by a competent person, and have it inspected before use (Correct answer)
- Ask the operatives if they are comfortable with the proposed change
- Add extra ties and proceed with the modification
Correct answer: Obtain approval from the Temporary Works Coordinator, ensure the modification is designed by a competent person, and have it inspected before use
Any modification to a scaffold changes its structural characteristics and must be formally managed through the temporary works process. The TWC must be consulted, the modification must be designed or approved by a competent scaffold designer, the work must be carried out by qualified scaffolders, and the modified scaffold must be reinspected before use.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of scaffold ties, and how often must they be checked during specialist operations?
- To hang signage; checked monthly
- To secure the scaffold to the building and prevent overturning — checked at every formal inspection (at least every 7 days) (Correct answer)
- To hold the scaffold boards in place; checked daily by operatives
- To support the base plates; checked before first use only
Correct answer: To secure the scaffold to the building and prevent overturning — checked at every formal inspection (at least every 7 days)
Scaffold ties connect the scaffold to the permanent structure, preventing it from overturning or moving away from the building under wind loading or use. They must be installed according to the scaffold design and checked at every statutory inspection, which must occur at least every 7 days and after adverse weather or any event that could affect stability.
Question 6: What must be in place before a specialist contractor erects any falsework (temporary support for permanent structures during construction)?
- A verbal agreement from the structural engineer
- A documented falsework design produced or checked by a competent designer, with a permit to load issued by the TWC before any permanent loads are applied (Correct answer)
- The permanent structure drawings only
- A risk assessment for working at height
Correct answer: A documented falsework design produced or checked by a competent designer, with a permit to load issued by the TWC before any permanent loads are applied
Falsework must be designed by a competent person, checked (preferably by an independent checker), and erected according to the design. Before any permanent loads (concrete pours, steelwork) are applied, the TWC must issue a formal permit to load confirming the falsework has been inspected and is fit for purpose. This is a critical safety step — falsework failures have caused multiple fatalities.
CITB Specialists Temporary Works and Scaffolding
Under BS 5975, who must be appointed to coordinate all temporary works on a specialist construction project?