FAQ

Scaffold floors or stairs that are higher than 2.0 m above the ground must always have handrails. If there are special moments of danger in the event of a person or object falling from the scaffolding floor, the scaffolding or access must have railings, also at lower heights.

In 2015, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs laid down new rules in regulations on the execution of work. The rules are particularly important for anyone who installs scaffolding. Below is a short introduction to the rules for training scaffolders and scaffold users.

Scaffolding installers Previously, there was only a requirement for documented training for the assembly of scaffolding with a height of 5 meters or more. This has now been strengthened by the introduction of a requirement for documented training for scaffold assembly from a platform height of 2 metres. In addition, the requirements for training are divided into three classes. The requirements for the two lowest classes are significantly less extensive than for the highest class. The division is as follows: Scaffolding height 2-5 m: To assemble scaffolding from 2 -5 m, it is a requirement that you have documented training with at least 7.5 hours of theory + 7.5 hours of practical exercise. (§ 17-2) Scaffolding height 5-9 m: In order to assemble scaffolding from 5-9 m, it is a requirement that you have documented training consisting of at least 15 hours of theory + 15 hours of practical training. (§ 17-3) All scaffolding heights (Scaffolding installer): In order to assemble all scaffolding, including those over 9 m, it is required that you have documented training with 36 hours of theory + 72 hours of practical training + 6 months of practice. Those who assemble scaffolding that does not follow the standard arrangement in the supplier’s assembly instructions must also have such documented training, regardless of scaffolding height. (§ 17-4) There are strict requirements for the content of the training in all three groups. The training must take particular account of the dangers that work with scaffold assembly can entail. One must, among other things, review plans for the assembly, dismantling and modification of the scaffolding, safety of the scaffolding in all phases, measures to reduce the risk of falling, assessment of the scaffolding material, the effect of weather conditions on the safety of the scaffolding, loads and control of the scaffolding, as well as other risk factors such as assembly, dismantling and changing scaffolding can result. You must therefore have documentation that practical and theoretical training has been given in accordance with the rules, in order to be able to mount scaffolding over 2 m.

We have a strict set of regulations for work at height and it is the Norwegian Occupational Safety and Health Administration that regulates this in Norway. These regulations apply to professionals who work at height, but for private individuals it is not as strict. 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 (NB: when the scaffolding is for their own use). It is important that the supplier’s user guide is carefully followed. As a private individual, it may be that you have an employer’s responsibility – so here it is important to be aware of your own role and responsibility.

Before use, the scaffold 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 § 17-2 of the regulation is considered a qualified person for scaffolding with an uppermost scaffolding floor of up to five metres. As long as the scaffolding is in use, it must be checked at regular intervals. The scaffolding must always be checked after storms, when other conditions may have affected stability and strength, and when the scaffolding has not been used for a week or more.