What is a scaffold user course?
A scaffold user course is a mandatory training course for anyone who will be using a pre-assembled scaffold at a workplace. The course does not provide competence to build or erect scaffolding – that is a separate course (scaffold erector course). The user course is about being able to inspect, assess, and use a scaffold safely.
Falls from scaffolding are one of the most frequent causes of serious work accidents in the construction industry. Proper training significantly reduces the risk.
Who needs a scaffold user course?
All workers performing work from scaffolding need a user course. This includes:
- Masons and facade workers who work from scaffolding daily
- Painters who use scaffolding for work on facades and high walls
- Electricians and plumbers who use scaffolding for installation and maintenance
- Carpenters who work from scaffolding during construction and renovation
- Cleaners and maintenance personnel who use scaffolding in their work
- All craftspeople who perform work from scaffolding on construction sites
It is important to distinguish between a user course and a scaffold erector course. The user course is for those who work from the scaffold, while the scaffold erector course is for those who assemble and dismantle the scaffold.
Legal requirements – Regulations on the Performance of Work
The requirement for training for scaffold users is enshrined in several regulations:
- Regulations on the Performance of Work § 17-4 – requirement for training for work at height, including the use of scaffolding
- Regulations on the Performance of Work § 17-5 – specific requirements for scaffold competence
- Working Environment Act § 3-2 – employer's duty to provide necessary training
- Regulations on Organization, Management, and Employee Participation § 8-1 – requirement for documented safety training
- Internal Control Regulations § 5 – the enterprise must document that employees have the necessary competence
The employer has a duty to ensure that everyone using scaffolding has received training. During inspections by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, the company must be able to document that the training has been completed.
Consequences of inadequate scaffolding training
Inadequate training in the use of scaffolding can have serious consequences for both employer and employee:
- Work stoppage: The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can demand an immediate stop to all work from scaffolding until documented training is provided.
- Violation fee: Fines and coercive fines may be imposed for lack of documentation of training.
- Insurance problems: In the event of fall accidents from scaffolding without documented training, the insurance company may reject the compensation claim.
- Criminal liability: In the event of serious accidents, the employer may be held personally liable if legally required training was not carried out.
What does a scaffold user course include?
The user course at Komplett HMS provides a thorough introduction to the safe use of scaffolding. The course covers the following topics:
- Scaffold types – overview of different scaffold types (facade scaffolds, rolling scaffolds, trestles, etc.)
- Pre-use inspection – checkpoints for inspecting scaffolding before work begins
- Safe access – correct use of ladders, stairs, and hatches in the scaffolding
- Load limits – understanding the scaffold's capacity and load classes
- Fall protection – guardrails, toe boards, and use of personal protective equipment
- Hazardous situations – weather conditions, proximity to live wires, unstable ground
- Regulations and responsibility – employer's and employee's duties
- Scaffold tags – understanding the marking and classification of scaffolding
After completing and passing the knowledge test, you will receive a course certificate documenting the training.
Employer's responsibility for scaffolding competence
The employer has a clear responsibility under the Working Environment Act and the Internal Control Regulations to ensure that everyone working from scaffolding has documented training. This involves:
- Identifying which employees need a scaffold user course
- Ensuring that training is completed before work from scaffolding begins
- Documenting course certificates as part of the company's internal control system
- Ensuring that temporary personnel have documented scaffolding competence
- Conducting refresher training according to client requirements or internal routines
When hiring temporary personnel, the enterprise leading the work is responsible for ensuring that temporary personnel have adequate training.
Validity and duration
There is no statutory validity period for a scaffold user course. Once the course is completed, the competence certificate is generally valid for an indefinite period. However, many clients and main contractors require that the course is no older than 3-5 years, and it is recommended to repeat the training regularly.
The online part of the user course normally takes 4–8 hours to complete, depending on prior knowledge and pace. You can take breaks and complete the course at your own pace.
Online scaffold course vs. classroom instruction
The scaffold user course can be completed as both an online course and classroom instruction. Both provide valid documentation.
Advantages of an online scaffold user course:
- Available 24/7 – complete the course when it suits you
- No travel costs – take the course from the office, home, or the site cabin
- Multiple languages – the course is available in several languages for multilingual work teams
- More affordable – save on both course fees and absence from work
- Easy administration – order for multiple employees simultaneously
The availability of the course in multiple languages is particularly important in the construction industry, where many workers have a mother tongue other than Norwegian.
Order a scaffold user course
The scaffold user course from Komplett HMS is among the market's most affordable options for complete training in the safe use of scaffolding with a course certificate and certification.
Order scaffold user course here »
See also our scaffold erector course 2–9 meters for those who will erect scaffolding, and fall protection course for complete training in working at height.
Why choose Komplett HMS?
- Competitive prices – Among Norway's most affordable online scaffold user courses
- Available in multiple languages – Perfect for multilingual work teams in construction
- Instant course certificate – Digital course certificate ready after passing the knowledge test
- 100% online – Complete at your own pace on PC, mobile, or tablet
- 5 out of 5 stars on Google – Norway's highest-rated HMS course provider
Frequently asked questions about scaffold user courses
What is the difference between a scaffold user course and a scaffold erector course?
A scaffold user course is for those who will work from an already assembled scaffold. A scaffold erector course 2–9 meters is for those who will assemble, modify, or dismantle the scaffold. Both courses are legally mandated for their respective target groups.
Is an online scaffold user course approved?
Yes, an online scaffold user course provides valid documentation of completed training in accordance with the Regulations on the Performance of Work. The employer should also provide practical instruction at the workplace.
How often must a scaffold user course be renewed?
There is no statutory renewal period, but many clients require that the course is no older than 3-5 years. It is recommended to regularly update your competence to ensure that the knowledge is current.
Can foreign workers take a scaffold user course?
Yes, the scaffold user course from Komplett HMS is available in several languages. This ensures that everyone understands the training, which is crucial for the safe use of scaffolding on the construction site.
Do I need a fall protection course in addition to a scaffold user course?
A scaffold user course covers basic fall protection on scaffolding. If you also perform other work at height beyond scaffolding, such as on roofs or in structures, it is recommended to take a separate fall protection course in addition.