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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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.

CSCS Ireland Practice Test

CSCS Ireland Practice Test

CSCS Ireland Scaffolding Safety