CSCS Ireland Scaffolding Safety

Question 1

Under Irish Construction Regulations, who is permitted to erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolding?

Accepted Answer

Only competent persons who have received appropriate training and hold a valid CSCS scaffolding card for the type of scaffold being erected

Answer

Any construction worker

Answer

Only the site foreman

Answer

Anyone with a general construction safety card

Question 2

What must be checked during a scaffold inspection and how often must inspections be carried out?

Accepted 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

Answer

Only once when first erected

Answer

Only when a problem is reported

Answer

Once a month by the site manager

Question 3

What are the key components of a basic tube and fitting scaffold?

Accepted 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

Answer

Only vertical poles and wooden planks

Answer

Rope and wooden poles

Answer

Only metal frames and clips

Question 4

What is the maximum gap permitted between a scaffold platform and the building face?

Accepted 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

Answer

Any gap is acceptable

Answer

Up to 500 mm is acceptable

Answer

Up to 1 metre if guardrails are present on the outer edge

Question 5

What is the purpose of sole boards (base plates) on a scaffold?

Accepted 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

Answer

To make the scaffold taller

Answer

To provide a surface for storing materials

Answer

To prevent rust on the scaffold tubes

Question 6

What does a scaffold tag system indicate?

Accepted 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

Answer

The owner of the scaffold

Answer

The colour scheme of the scaffold

Answer

The weight capacity in different colours