CSCS Ireland Scaffolding Safety — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Irish Construction Regulations, who is permitted to erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolding?
- Any construction worker
- Only competent persons who have received appropriate training and hold a valid CSCS scaffolding card for the type of scaffold being erected (Correct answer)
- Only the site foreman
- Anyone with a general construction safety card
Correct answer: Only competent persons who have received appropriate training and hold a valid CSCS scaffolding card for the type of scaffold being erected
Under the Construction Regulations 2013, scaffolding must only be erected, altered, or dismantled by competent persons under the supervision of a competent person. Scaffolders must hold a valid CSCS card for the appropriate scaffold category (basic, advanced, or system). This ensures they have the training and assessed competence for the work.
Question 2: What must be checked during a scaffold inspection and how often must inspections be carried out?
- Only once when first erected
- Before first use, at least every 7 days thereafter, after any event that could affect stability (weather, alteration, impact), and the results must be recorded in writing (Correct answer)
- Only when a problem is reported
- Once a month by the site manager
Correct answer: Before first use, at least every 7 days thereafter, after any event that could affect stability (weather, alteration, impact), and the results must be recorded in writing
Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person: before first use, at least every 7 days after that, after any modification or alteration, after any event that could affect stability (strong winds, heavy rain, impact), and before use after a period of non-use. Inspection results must be recorded and kept on site. The Form GA3 is used for scaffold inspection records.
Question 3: What are the key components of a basic tube and fitting scaffold?
- Only vertical poles and wooden planks
- Standards (vertical tubes), ledgers (horizontal tubes along the building), transoms (tubes running perpendicular to the building), bracing, base plates/sole boards, guardrails, toe boards, and working platforms (Correct answer)
- Rope and wooden poles
- Only metal frames and clips
Correct answer: Standards (vertical tubes), ledgers (horizontal tubes along the building), transoms (tubes running perpendicular to the building), bracing, base plates/sole boards, guardrails, toe boards, and working platforms
A tube and fitting scaffold consists of: standards (vertical tubes), ledgers (horizontal tubes running parallel to the building face), transoms (horizontal tubes running perpendicular to the building, supporting the platform), diagonal bracing (for stability), base plates on sole boards (load distribution), guardrails, toe boards, and scaffold boards forming the working platform.
Question 4: What is the maximum gap permitted between a scaffold platform and the building face?
- Any gap is acceptable
- The gap must not exceed 225 mm (approximately 9 inches) — if greater, additional guardrails or other fall prevention must be provided on the inner edge (Correct answer)
- Up to 500 mm is acceptable
- Up to 1 metre if guardrails are present on the outer edge
Correct answer: The gap must not exceed 225 mm (approximately 9 inches) — if greater, additional guardrails or other fall prevention must be provided on the inner edge
The gap between the scaffold platform and the building face must not exceed 225 mm to prevent workers from falling through. If the work requires a larger gap (e.g., for cladding installation), additional guardrails or other fall prevention measures must be provided on the inner edge of the scaffold nearest the building.
Question 5: What is the purpose of sole boards (base plates) on a scaffold?
- To make the scaffold taller
- To distribute the scaffold load over a larger area of ground, preventing the standards from sinking or moving, and providing a stable, level base (Correct answer)
- To provide a surface for storing materials
- To prevent rust on the scaffold tubes
Correct answer: To distribute the scaffold load over a larger area of ground, preventing the standards from sinking or moving, and providing a stable, level base
Sole boards (timber boards placed under base plates) distribute the concentrated load from each scaffold standard over a wider area of ground. Without them, the base plates can sink into soft ground, causing the scaffold to become unstable. They must be of adequate size, placed on firm, level ground, and not stacked to level an uneven surface.
Question 6: What does a scaffold tag system indicate?
- The owner of the scaffold
- The status of the scaffold: GREEN tag means inspected and safe to use, RED tag means do not use (incomplete, under modification, or failed inspection), and the tag shows the date and signature of the competent person (Correct answer)
- The colour scheme of the scaffold
- The weight capacity in different colours
Correct answer: The status of the scaffold: GREEN tag means inspected and safe to use, RED tag means do not use (incomplete, under modification, or failed inspection), and the tag shows the date and signature of the competent person
The scaffold tag system provides immediate visible information about the scaffold's status. A GREEN tag indicates the scaffold has been inspected by a competent person and is safe for use. A RED tag means the scaffold must not be used — it may be incomplete, under alteration, or has failed inspection. Tags must show the inspection date and competent person's details.
CSCS Ireland Scaffolding Safety
Under Irish Construction Regulations, who is permitted to erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolding?