Basic Scaffold Inspection (SITS)

1. Scaffold Safety Regulations and Standards : Introduces applicable work-at-height legislation, scaffold inspection responsibilities, relevant codes of practice, competent-person requirements and the importance of following approved scaffold guidance.

2. Scaffold Components and Materials : Covers the identification and condition of scaffold tubes, boards, fittings, ladders, ropes, gin wheels, ties and other components used in basic access scaffolds.

3. Scaffold Structure and Safety Features : Examines foundations, scaffold frameworks, bracing, ties, working platforms, guardrails, toe boards, safe access and egress, and the basic requirements for stable scaffold structures.

4. Basic Scaffold Inspection and Defect Identification : Develops skills in inspecting basic scaffold configurations, identifying missing or damaged components, recognising unsafe conditions, checking compliance information and determining when defects require corrective action.

5. Inspection Reports and Safety Records : Covers recording inspection findings, describing defects, documenting corrective actions, completing inspection reports and registers, communicating restrictions and maintaining traceable scaffold safety records.

• Develops knowledge of basic scaffold inspection procedures.

• Improves identification of scaffold components and defects.

• Strengthens understanding of scaffold stability and fall-protection features.

• Builds awareness of statutory inspection and reporting responsibilities.

• Develops skills in recording inspection findings and corrective actions.

• Supports safer decisions about scaffold access and use.

• Reinforces appropriate escalation of defects requiring specialist attention.

• Supports further training in advanced scaffold inspection and construction safety.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Construction site supervisors and site managers.

• Health and safety personnel responsible for scaffold checks.

• Construction inspectors and quality personnel.

• Maintenance and industrial site supervisors.

• Engineering, manufacturing and offshore personnel with relevant scaffold experience.

• Contractors responsible for checking basic scaffold structures before use.

• Experienced construction personnel seeking structured scaffold inspection training.

Learners should have an appropriate background in, or familiarity with, scaffolding structures. A short course should not be treated as a substitute for relevant experience or competence.

Assessment Format: Written knowledge assessment, practical scaffold inspection, defect identification and completion of an inspection-report exercise.

Total Questions: 30 Questions for the proposed written assessment, supplemented by mandatory practical assessment.

Passing Score: 60% in the written assessment, together with satisfactory completion of all mandatory practical inspection and reporting criteria.

Duration: 45 Minutes for the proposed written assessment; practical assessment is scheduled separately.

Certification: Learners who successfully complete all qualification requirements receive the HiQual UK Level 3 Award in Basic Scaffold Inspection (SITS).

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners may progress to:

• Further training in CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme, subject to the applicable entry requirements.

• Advanced scaffold inspection training for more complex structures.

• Further learning in construction health and safety, site supervision and quality assurance.

• Professional development in inspection reporting, construction compliance and work-at-height risk management.

• Career development in site supervision, scaffold inspection support, construction safety and quality-control roles, subject to relevant experience and competence.

Scope limitation: This award is intended for basic scaffold inspection awareness and competence development. More complex or bespoke structures should be referred to a suitably competent specialist.