NS 9700-1 The Scaffold Builder Standard – An overview
NS 9700-1:2016 is a Norwegian standard that deals specifically with qualification requirements for scaffolding builders. It was developed to ensure that people who assemble scaffolding in Norway have the competence to carry out the work safely, and is a supplement to the statutory training for scaffolders (§17-4). The standard is important for both employees and employers, where the installation of scaffolding plays a central role in the business. Here is an overview of what the NS 9700-1 Scaffold builder standard covers and its significance.
Purpose of NS 9700-1
The main purpose of NS 9700-1 is to define the necessary qualifications and competence requirements for scaffold builders. It is intended to ensure that fitters have sufficient training and experience to be able to assemble, use, modify and dismantle scaffolding in a safe manner. This reduces the risk of occupational accidents, injuries and fatal incidents in the workplace. The standard also helps to harmonise the requirements in different industries, so that employers can be confident that scaffolding erectors who have followed the standard have the necessary expertise.
There are no statutory requirements for scaffolding training to be in accordance with NS9700-1. The statutory competency requirements refer to the training being in accordance with §17-2 to 17-5. There are some industries and companies that recommend/require training to be in accordance with the NS standard.
Content of NS 9700-1
The standard covers several aspects related to scaffolding assembly, including:
1. Competence requirements: NS 9700-1 defines requirements for theoretical and practical training for scaffolding builders. This includes courses and training programmes that provide knowledge of different types of scaffolding, load calculations and safety procedures.
2. Practical experience: Scaffolders must have a minimum of documented practical experience of installing, modifying and dismantling scaffolding. This experience must take place under the guidance of an experienced builder.
3. Safety requirements: Safety is at the centre of NS 9700. Installers are required to have good knowledge of the safe use of scaffolding, including necessary safety measures such as fall protection, approval of load capacities, and safe methods for working at height.
4. Periodic updating: Scaffolders need to update their competences regularly to keep up with changes in regulations and new technologies. This ensures that they are always up to date with best practice in scaffolding building and safety.
Who does the standard apply to?
NS 9700-1 is relevant for those who work with the assembly and dismantling of scaffolding. The NS standard is particularly relevant to offshore companies and is recommended by Offshore Norway, among others. In addition, the standard is important for those who offer training in the scaffolding profession, as it defines the competence requirements that must be in place to be approved as a scaffolder according to the standard.
Benefits of scaffolding training
Safety and security: Reduces the risk of occupational accidents by ensuring that scaffolders have the necessary skills.
Standardisation: Creates common guidelines across industries, ensuring high quality in the assembly and use of scaffolding.
Professionalisation of the profession: Provides scaffolders with a formalised route to a certificate of competence.
NS 9700-1 in practice
In practice, NS 9700-1 is used as a guide to training requirements in scaffolding building. There are several courses and training institutions that offer training according to this standard, where participants receive both theoretical instruction and practical experience. For employers, it is also important to verify that those who are hired as scaffolders have the right qualifications.
To summarise
NS 9700-1 is a standard for scaffolders in Norway. It sets clear competence requirements, promotes safety and standardisation. Anyone who wants to work as a scaffolder, especially for companies operating offshore, should be aware of this standard.
If you need to qualify as a scaffolder according to NS-9700-1, it is important to choose a training provider that offers courses in accordance with the standard. We offer scaffold builder courses that fulfil the requirements of NS 9700-1 and § 17-4.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the difference between NS9700-1 and 9700-2?
NS 9700-1 and NS 9700-2 are two parts of the Norwegian standard that regulate the requirements for scaffolders. Each part focuses on different aspects of the qualification requirements and training that scaffolders must undergo:
NS 9700-1 is mainly about theoretical and practical training, and sets requirements for what a scaffolder must know before they can start working.
NS 9700-2 focuses on requirements for the certification of scaffolders. In addition to requirements for the candidate to be certified, it also sets requirements for training organisations that provide training leading to certification.
Do I need to have NS9700-1 scaffolding training?
There are no statutory requirements for the scaffolding training to be in accordance with NS9700-1, but it is recommended in some industries. There are especially businesses associated with offshore where the NS standard is relevant and is recommended, among other things, by Offshore Norway. The statutory requirements for the training of scaffolders are laid down in regulations on the execution of work § 17-4.
Where can I find the NS9700 standard?
The documents can be purchased and downloaded from Standards Norway.
NS9700-1:2016 Standards Norway
NS9700-2:2016 Standards Norway
