Advance Scaffold Inspector - STI

1. Scaffold Systems and Components : Introduces frame, tube-and-coupler, modular, mobile and suspended scaffolds, their main components, intended applications, system limitations and basic inspection considerations.

2. Regulations, Planning and Hazard Controls : Covers applicable scaffold safety requirements, competent-person responsibilities, work preparation, fall hazards, falling objects, electrical hazards, and risks associated with erection, alteration, dismantling and use.

3. Foundations, Ties and Stability : Develops understanding of ground conditions, base plates, sole boards, scaffold alignment, bracing, ties, anchorage, platform support and measures used to prevent instability or collapse.

4. Inspection Criteria and Defect Recognition : Covers systematic inspection of scaffold components, platforms, planks, access ladders, guardrails, connections and protective measures, with emphasis on identifying damage, omissions, unsafe alterations and non-compliance.

5. Scaffold Loading and Load Calculations : Introduces dead, imposed and other relevant scaffold loads, load distribution, working-load limits, platform loading, basic calculation principles and the need to follow approved design specifications.

6. Practical Inspection and Reporting : Applies inspection knowledge through scaffold assessment exercises, defect recording, inspection checklists, tagging decisions, report preparation and communication of findings and corrective actions.

• Strengthens understanding of scaffold types, components and safe-use requirements.

• Develops a structured approach to scaffold inspection and defect identification.

• Improves knowledge of foundations, ties, bracing and stability.

• Introduces scaffold loading principles and basic load calculations.

• Develops practical inspection, tagging and documentation skills.

• Reinforces appropriate escalation of structural concerns and unsafe conditions.

• Supports continuing professional development in scaffolding and construction safety.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Experienced scaffold inspectors seeking further professional development.

• Scaffolders progressing toward inspection-related responsibilities.

• Scaffolding supervisors and construction foremen.

• Construction and scaffolding engineers who need inspection knowledge.

• HSE professionals monitoring scaffold safety and compliance.

• Personnel responsible for scaffold inspection records, defect reporting and corrective-action follow-up.

Assessment Format: Written multiple-choice assessment, scaffold inspection exercises, defect-identification activities and an inspection report.

Total Questions: 40 written questions, supplemented by practical assessment.

Passing Score: 70% in the written assessment, with satisfactory completion of mandatory practical assessment criteria.

Duration: 90 minutes for the written assessment, plus scheduled time for practical inspection and reporting.

Certification: Successful learners may be awarded the HiQual UK Level 3 Award in Advance Scaffold Inspector - STI, subject to the programme's formal approval and assessment requirements.

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 specialist training in advanced scaffold inspection and system-specific scaffold inspection.

• Higher-level study in scaffolding supervision, construction management or temporary works.

• Qualifications in construction health and safety, quality assurance or site inspection.

• Professional development in scaffold design awareness, load assessment and temporary works coordination.

• Inspection-support, scaffold-supervision and construction-safety responsibilities, subject to experience, competence and employer requirements.