Erect, use and dismantle access scaffolding ( Scaffold Erector)
Become a qualified Scaffold Erector and lead your team in erecting, using and dismantling access scaffolding safely — fully compliant with the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.
DESCRIPTION
Unit Standard (SAQA Reg. No 263245)
A scaffold erector is one of the most critical roles on any construction site. Scaffold erectors are the competent persons designated to be responsible for the erection and maintenance of scaffolds in a construction environment. Their responsibilities include building and dismantling various types of scaffolding and temporary elevated work platforms.Furthermore, scaffold erectors are responsible for leading a scaffold team. This includes the ability to safely and efficiently coordinate the resources required to erect and dismantle access scaffolding on site.
Why Scaffold Erector Training Matters
Getting it wrong is not an option. As a result, poorly erected scaffolding remains one of the leading causes of serious injury and death on construction sites across South Africa. In addition, the consequences of non-compliance extend beyond injury — employers and individuals therefore face serious legal liability under the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.
About This Course
This CETA-accredited Scaffold Erector course therefore gives you the technical knowledge, practical skills and legal grounding to erect access scaffolding safely and efficiently. In addition, it ensures you are fully compliant with South African construction law from day one on site.
Successful candidates credited with this unit standard are able to:
- Interpret basic drawings and instructions for the erection of access scaffolding
- Furthermore, coordinate resources and lead a scaffold team effectively
- Erect and use access scaffolding safely and in accordance with regulations
- In addition, dismantle access scaffolding correctly and without risk to yourself or others
- Identify and eliminate hazards in the scaffolding work environment
- Finally, apply OHS Act regulations and safety guidelines throughout all scaffolding operations
COURSE DURATION: 2 Days
NQF LEVEL: 3
CREDITS: 5
Quality Assured Partner: Construction Education And Training Authority
Description
The qualifying learner will acquire the knowledge and skills required by the industry to function as a scaffold erector. Their functions will include leading a scaffold team. This includes the ability to safely and efficiently deploy the required resources to erect and dismantle access scaffolding. This course will serve, in conjunction with related programmes, to develop the qualifying learner to function as a scaffold erector in an access scaffold team. The area of focus of this course will be;
Introduction to Scaffolding and Legal Framework
The Role of a Scaffold Erector
This module introduces learners to the scaffolding industry and the legal framework that governs scaffold erection in South Africa. Learners will furthermore gain a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a scaffold erector as a designated competent person on a construction site.
Legal Requirements and OHS Act
In addition, learners will be introduced to the OHS Act, Construction Regulations and the legal obligations that apply to all scaffold erectors operating in South Africa. Consequently, non-compliance with these requirements carries serious legal liability for both the individual and the employer.
Types of Scaffolding Systems
Furthermore, learners will be introduced to the types of scaffolding systems used in the South African construction industry — including system scaffolding, tube and coupler scaffolding and modular scaffolding.
Scaffolding Components and Systems
This module covers the different types of access scaffolding, components, and materials used. Learners gain an understanding of how each component contributes to the stability and safety of a scaffold structure. Consequently equips learners with the ability to interpret scaffold drawings, identify components and plan the erection sequence for access scaffolding structures. Furthermore, learners will learn how to identify and assess site-specific hazards, select appropriate materials and equipment, and coordinate the resources required to safely and efficiently deploy a scaffold team on site.
ite Assessment and Hazard Identification
Furthermore, learners will learn how to identify and assess site-specific hazards before erection begins. In addition, learners will select appropriate materials and equipment based on site conditions and scaffold design requirements.
Coordinating the Scaffold Team
As a result of completing this module, learners will be able to coordinate the resources required to safely and efficiently deploy a scaffold team on site — ensuring that erection proceeds in a planned, controlled and legally compliant manner.
Erecting and Using Access Scaffolding
Practical Scaffold Erection
This module covers the practical erection of access scaffolding structures in accordance with OHS Act regulations and Construction Regulations. Learners will therefore develop the hands-on skills required to erect system scaffolding, tube and coupler scaffolding and modular scaffolding safely and efficiently.
Installing Safety Components
In addition, learners will learn how to correctly install scaffold boards, guardrails, toe boards and access ladders — ensuring that the completed structure is safe for use by all workers at height.
Inspection and Handover
Furthermore, this module covers the inspection and formal handover of completed scaffolding structures to the client or principal contractor — a critical legal step before any worker may use the scaffold.
Dismantling Access Scaffolding
Safe Dismantling Procedures
Dismantling scaffolding carries the same level of risk as erection — and consequently requires the same level of care, planning and competence. This module equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to dismantle access scaffolding structures safely and systematically, without risk to themselves, their team or anyone working in the vicinity.
Sorting, Inspecting and Storing Components
Furthermore, learners will learn how to sort, inspect, clean and store scaffolding components correctly after dismantling. As a result, materials are ready for safe reuse on the next project — reducing waste and protecting company assets.
Hazard Identification, Risk Management and Emergency Procedures
Identifying Hazards in the Scaffolding Environment
A scaffold erector is responsible not only for the structure itself — but also for the safety of everyone who works on or around it. This module therefore equips learners with the skills to identify and assess hazards in the scaffolding work environment and implement appropriate risk controls.
Pre-Erection Site Inspections
In addition, learners will learn how to conduct thorough pre-erection site inspections — identifying ground conditions, overhead hazards and proximity to excavations before work begins. Furthermore, learners will ensure that all scaffolding work is carried out in full compliance with the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.
Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
Finally, this module covers the legal obligations of a scaffold erector in the event of a scaffolding incident or near miss — including emergency response procedures, incident reporting and the steps required to preserve the incident scene for investigation.
Entry Level Requirements Into This Programme?
- A certified copy of a valid ID document
- A Grade 7 (Std 5) school certificate or a skills certificate equivalent to NQF Level 3
- A valid medical certificate confirming that the learner is medically fit and free from any condition that may prevent them from working safely at heights
Learning Assumed To Be In Place And Recognition Of Prior Learning:
- Communication at NQF Level 2 or equivalent
- Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or equivalent
- Assist to erect, use and dismantle access scaffolding at NQF Level 3..
Who Should Attend?
This CETA-accredited Scaffold Erector course is designed for employees who have been designated as competent persons responsible for the erection and maintenance of scaffolds in a construction environment. It is specifically recommended for:
- Scaffold Erectors — seeking formal CETA accreditation to validate their skills and meet legal competency requirements on construction sites
- Assistant Scaffold Erectors — ready to progress to a lead erector role and take on full responsibility for coordinating and supervising a scaffold team
- Construction and building workers — regularly involved in the erection and dismantling of temporary elevated work platforms on residential, commercial and industrial projects
- Building and renovation contractors — whose teams erect scaffolding for plastering, painting, cladding and structural work at height on construction sites
- Civil engineering and infrastructure workers — erecting and dismantling scaffolding on bridges, dams, roads and large-scale civil construction projects
- Roofing and cladding contractors — using temporary elevated platforms to safely access and work on roofs and building facades
- Supervisors and site foremen — responsible for leading a scaffold team and safely deploying the required resources to erect and dismantle access scaffolding on construction sites
- Health and safety officers — requiring a thorough working knowledge of scaffolding regulations, hazard identification and scaffolding inspection requirements under the Construction Regulations and OHS Act
