Description
It’s worth mentioning these two cards together, as there is considerable crossover in their respective qualifying requirements. Therefore, workers of a similar experience level tend to apply for these two separate schemes.
In essence, these two cards represent fully-qualified scaffolders. They are therefore both often referred to as ‘skilled worker’ cards. This phrase is commonly used across the CSCS card network to describe its respective blue card schemes. The vast majority of blue card holders will have previously held a red ‘trainee’ card. Indeed, each blue card’s qualifying criteria determines that applicants must have already completed the training modules covered whilst in possession of a trainee card.
Subtle differences
The key difference between the two CISRS blue cards lies in the nature of the scaffolding works the holder is permitted to conduct. This will depend on whether you’ve received additional training in a specific scaffolding approach, and your current workplace experiences to date.
If you have studied alternative methods, studied TG20 regulations, and worked alongside workers who erect scaffolding using tube and fitting structures, you’ll need to apply for the CISRS tube and fitting card. The TG20 regulatory guidelines outlines all compliance standards in relation to the implementation of tube and fitting scaffolding. Conversely, if you’ve taken the aforementioned BASE course, you should apply for the scaffolder system blue card. As referenced, the BASE module will upskill you on how to use a specific system product to build scaffolding units. When your ‘system’ card arrives, it will detail which product you’ve been approved to use, and which training course supported you towards becoming proficient in deploying that product.
On receipt of either card, scaffolders will be able to lead a scaffolding gang to build the respective basic structures endorsed on the reverse of their card. Both scaffolding types must be constructed in respect of industry standards and regulations.
What are the renewal terms for each card?
As you move towards your card’s expiry date, you’ll clearly need to consider whether you want to renew your membership to one of these schemes, or apply for an alternative CISRS card. If keen to continue using either blue ‘skilled worker’ card, you’ll need to complete a 2-day scaffolder refresher course. This is often referred to as the CPD, or Continuing Professional Development, qualification.
The main objective of the CPD module is to ensure workers are up-to-date with the latest industry developments and techniques. In theory, workers may not have received any formal training during their card’s five-year validity period. It’s likely that in this intervening period, best practice and preferred methods for approaching scaffolding tasks have changed to some degree. The CPD course is designed to plug this gap in knowledge. To support this endeavour, the CPD course will run through the most recent version of the TG20 and SG4 regulatory guidelines. This is currently TG20:21 (released in 2021), and SG4:15 (released in 2015).
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