User Course Scaffolding – Requirements, Content, and Why it is Legally Mandated

Scaffold User Course is a legally mandated course for anyone who uses scaffolding in their daily work. Whether you are a carpenter, painter, bricklayer, or work in another construction trade, you must have documented training before using scaffolding. In this article, you will get a complete overview of requirements, course content, and the option to complete the scaffold user course online.

Who needs a scaffold user course?

All workers who use scaffolding in their work must have completed training. This includes, among others:

• Construction workers who work from scaffolding
• Painters and facade workers
• Bricklayers and tilers
• Electricians and plumbers who use scaffolding
• Maintenance personnel
• Anyone who ascends, works from, or moves on scaffolding

Note: This applies to the use of scaffolding – not assembly and disassembly, which requires a separate scaffold erector course.

Difference between user course and scaffold erector course

It is important to understand the difference between the two course types:

• Scaffold User Course – For those who use (work from) pre-assembled scaffolding. Covers safe use, inspection, and hazards.
• Scaffold Erector Course – For those who assemble, modify, and dismantle scaffolding. More comprehensive training with requirements for both theory and practice.

If you only intend to work from scaffolding that is already erected, the user course is sufficient. If you are to build, modify, or dismantle the scaffolding, you need a scaffold erector course.

Legal requirement: Regulations on the Performance of Work §17-5

Regulations on the Performance of Work §17-5 require that workers who use scaffolding must have documented training in safe use. The training must cover:

• Understanding the assembly instructions and scaffold plan
• Safety during use, including fall hazards
• Measures to prevent the risk of falls of persons and objects
• Safety measures in altered weather conditions
• Permissible loads on the scaffolding
• Other risks associated with assembly, use, and dismantling

The employer is obliged to ensure that training is carried out and documented.

What you learn in a scaffold user course

A scaffold user course provides you with knowledge of:

• Regulations and rules – Applicable laws for scaffold use
• Inspection before use – Checklist for visual inspection of the scaffolding
• Safe access – Correct use of ladders, stairs, and hatches in the scaffolding
• Fall protection – When and how to use fall protection equipment on scaffolding
• Load limits – Understanding permissible load on scaffold platforms
• Weather conditions – When work must be stopped (wind, ice, snow)
• Hazard identification – Common hazards and risks of scaffold use
• Notification and reporting – What to do in case of faults or defects

Online Scaffold User Course – practical and efficient

Komplett HMS offers an online scaffold user course that makes it easy to get documented training. The benefits are many:

• 100% online – Complete the course on mobile, tablet, or PC
• No waiting time – Start when it suits you
• Immediate certificate – Download the course certificate immediately after passing the test
• Multiple languages – Available in Norwegian, English, Polish, Lithuanian, Romanian, and more
• Cost-effective – Save on travel and absence from work
• Perfect for teams – Easy to order for multiple employees simultaneously

The online course covers theoretical training. The employer must also provide practical instruction on the specific scaffolding used at the workplace.

Employer responsibility

As an employer, you are responsible for:

• Ensuring that everyone who uses scaffolding has completed training
• Storing course certificates as documentation
• Providing additional instruction on the specific scaffolding
• Appointing a competent person responsible for the scaffolding on site
• Ensuring inspection of the scaffolding before use and after special events

During an inspection by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, you must be able to document that everyone using scaffolding has the necessary training. Lack of training can lead to orders, work stoppages, administrative fines, and penalties.

Frequently asked questions about scaffold user courses

How long does the scaffold user course take?

The online user course at Komplett HMS usually takes 2–4 hours to complete, depending on your own pace.

Does everyone on the construction site need a user course?

Everyone who ascends or works from scaffolding must have training. Those who only pass by the scaffolding do not need the course.

Is the scaffold user course the same as the scaffold erector course?

No. The user course is for those who use scaffolding. The scaffold erector course is for those who assemble and dismantle scaffolding. See our scaffold erector course 2-9 meters.

Can I take the scaffold user course in Polish?

Yes, Komplett HMS offers scaffold user courses in Norwegian, English, Polish, Lithuanian, Romanian, and several other languages.

How long is the course certificate valid?

There is no fixed expiry date in the regulations. However, regular refreshment is recommended, especially with changes in scaffolding equipment or working methods.

Must the employer pay for the user course?

Yes, legally mandated training is the employer's responsibility and must be paid for by the company.

Related courses for work with scaffolding

In addition to the scaffold user course, Komplett HMS offers several courses relevant to those working with or around scaffolding on the construction site:

• Scaffold Erector Course 2-9 meters – For assembly, modification, and dismantling of scaffolding
• Fall Protection Course – Legally mandated course in working at height with fall protection equipment
• HSE Course for Employees – Basic HSE training for all workers

By combining the scaffold user course with a fall protection course, you ensure that your employees have complete competence for safe work at height. Komplett HMS has 5 out of 5 stars on Google and offers all courses 100% online – available in a range of languages for multilingual workplaces in construction.