CITB Specialists Temporary Works and Scaffolding

Question 1

Under BS 5975, who must be appointed to coordinate all temporary works on a specialist construction project?

Accepted Answer

A Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) with appropriate competence

Answer

The site manager

Answer

The scaffolding subcontractor

Answer

The health and safety advisor

Question 2

Before a specialist scaffold can be loaded and used, what formal process must be completed?

Accepted Answer

A scaffold inspection by a competent person, recorded on a scaffold inspection report (SG4 or TG20 compliance), and a handover certificate issued

Answer

A verbal confirmation from the scaffolder that it is safe

Answer

The erectors removing their tools from the platform

Answer

Painting the scaffold in a bright colour for visibility

Question 3

What is the maximum permissible gap between scaffold boards on a working platform used by specialist trades?

Accepted Answer

25mm

Answer

50mm

Answer

No gap is permitted; boards must be butted tightly together

Answer

100mm

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?

Accepted Answer

Obtain approval from the Temporary Works Coordinator, ensure the modification is designed by a competent person, and have it inspected before use

Answer

Make the changes and inform the scaffolding contractor afterwards

Answer

Ask the operatives if they are comfortable with the proposed change

Answer

Add extra ties and proceed with the modification

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of scaffold ties, and how often must they be checked during specialist operations?

Accepted Answer

To secure the scaffold to the building and prevent overturning — checked at every formal inspection (at least every 7 days)

Answer

To hang signage; checked monthly

Answer

To hold the scaffold boards in place; checked daily by operatives

Answer

To support the base plates; checked before first use only

Question 6

What must be in place before a specialist contractor erects any falsework (temporary support for permanent structures during construction)?

Accepted 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

Answer

A verbal agreement from the structural engineer

Answer

The permanent structure drawings only

Answer

A risk assessment for working at height