Scaffolding courses – FAQ

Sections 17-2 to 17-5 of the Regulations on the performance of work stipulate training requirements for different scaffolding heights:
2-5 meters: 7.5 hours theory and 7.5 hours practice.
2-9 meters: 15 hours theory and 15 hours practice.
Over 9 meters: 36 hours theory, 72 hours practice on 3 different types of scaffolding + employment for at least 6 months in a company that uses scaffolding.

Users must also be trained in the use of the scaffolding in question, including reviewing instructions for assembly, use and dismantling.

The rules state that anyone installing scaffolding above 2 m platform height must have documented training.

Before use, the scaffolding must be checked by a qualified person. An employee who has undergone training in line with the regulations is considered a qualified person. For example, an employee who has undergone training in accordance with section 17-2 of the regulations is considered to be a qualified person for scaffolding with an upper scaffold floor of up to five meters.

As long as the scaffolding is in use, it must be inspected at regular intervals. The scaffolding must always be inspected after a storm, when other conditions may have affected stability and strength, and when the scaffolding has not been used for a week or more.

The certificate of competence has no expiry date. Even though the certificate is valid for life, you must still assess whether you are suitable to use scaffolding and have kept yourself updated. If it has been a long time since you last assembled scaffolding, or there have been changes in regulations, user guides, etc. then you should consider reviewing the training again.

Yes – the regulations require that all scaffolders have training in the use of fall protection equipment. The regulations clearly state that all scaffolders must be given “training in the use of relevant safety equipment that can protect against falls during the assembly, dismantling and alteration of scaffolding structures” (see Regulations on the performance of work, new sections 17-2, 17-3 and 17-4). This means that all scaffolders must be trained in the use of fall protection equipment.

The regulations also set requirements for those who use scaffolding as a work platform to carry out work at height. § Section 17-5 stipulates that users must be trained in the use of the scaffolding in question, including reviewing instructions for assembly, use and dismantling.

No – everyone who assembles, dismantles or inspects scaffolding must have undergone a course for the height class in which the scaffolding is being built.

There are strict regulations for working at heights and it is the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority that regulates this in Norway. These regulations apply to professionals working at height, but they are not as strict for private individuals. On a general basis, it can be said that private individuals who are going to use the scaffolding on their own do not need a scaffolding course ( NOTE: when the scaffolding is for their own use). It is important that the supplier’s user guide is carefully followed.

As a private individual, you may have employer responsibility – so it is important to be aware of your own role and responsibilities.

Scaffolding floors or stairs that are higher than 2.0 m above the ground must always have handrails. If there is a particular risk of a person or object falling from the scaffolding floor, the scaffolding or access must have handrails, even at lower heights.

The scaffolding floors must be installed so that the individual components cannot move during normal use. The unsecured distance between the scaffolding and the wall must not exceed 0.30 meters. If the gap between the scaffolding and the wall exceeds 30 cm, handrails and toe boards must also be installed here.

When working on roofs where there is a risk of falling, employees must always be secured to prevent them from falling. Collective safety measures, such as guardrails or scaffolding, must be used. Work above 2 meters must always be secured with guardrails. The guardrail must be a minimum of 1.0 meter, with handrail, knee rail and toe rail. The railing must withstand the greatest calculated load in the event of a fall. When working on roofs with a steep slope and/or roofs with a large distance from the rafter tails, it should also be considered whether personal fall protection equipment should be used in addition to guardrails or scaffolding.

Scaffolding height is calculated from the ground to the platform. In other words, if you have a scaffolding course for 2-9m, you can install scaffolding up to 9 m platform height.

When you take an online course with us, the practical training is usually carried out in-house. This means that someone with at least equivalent expertise can provide the practical training. If you don’t have the expertise in-house, it’s often possible to make arrangements with landlords or other businesses. We also have the option of carrying out practical training, but then we invoice for the hours spent on training.

Once the practical training has been completed, fill in the document on the course page and send it to us.

The practical training must be given by a competent person. The person who gives the training must therefore have at least equivalent competence themselves. This means that a person who is to provide training in scaffolding assembly 2-9 m must have a certificate of competence equivalent to 2-9 m or more.

As long as the scaffolding is in use, it must be checked at regular intervals depending on the conditions. After storms, when other conditions may have affected stability and strength, and when the scaffolding has been out of use for a week or more, the scaffolding must be checked before it is taken into use.

Scaffolding is divided into 6 classifications:

Class 1: This class has the lowest load capacity and is suitable for inspections and light maintenance work. It allows the use of light tools, but no storage of material is allowed on the scaffold.

Class 2: Suitable for light maintenance work, such as painting. It can withstand slightly more weight than class 1 and allows the use of some tools, but limits storage to what is immediately used.

Class 3: This intermediate class is designed for general construction work carried out by craftsmen, etc. It allows the storage of certain equipment and is the most common and requested class.

Class 4: Ideal for masonry work that requires both equipment and storage of bricks. It is important that the weight of the material is evenly distributed on the scaffolding. Class 4 allows some storage of bricks, but not large quantities.

Class 5: This class is for heavier masonry work involving the storage of equipment and cubic pallets.

Class 6: The heaviest class is also for heavy masonry work. It handles the storage of concrete blocks, stone, etc.

No – if you have one of our scaffolding courses, this training also covers the use of scaffolding.

If you have a user course and are going to assemble, you must take a scaffolding builder course.