Level 4 Award in Scaffolding Safety (Erection, Dismantling & Inspection)

1. Advanced Scaffolding Principles and Concepts Complex scaffolding systems, advanced configurations, and safety integration.

2. Scaffold Design and Structural Stability Engineering principles, load paths, bracing, and stability analysis.

3. Inspection and Certification of Scaffolds Detailed inspection protocols, defect identification, and certification processes.

4. Erection of Complex Scaffolding Structures Step‑by‑step erection procedures for large‑scale and specialized scaffolds.

5. Dismantling Techniques for Large‑Scale Scaffolds Safe dismantling methods, sequencing, and hazard control.

6. Health and Safety Regulations for Scaffolding OSHA, HSE, ISO 45001, and BS EN 12811 compliance requirements.

7. Load‑Bearing Calculations and Material Selection Calculating scaffold loads, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring safety margins.

8. Emergency Procedures and Risk Management Accident response, collapse prevention, rescue protocols, and risk mitigation.

9. Supervision & Team Management in Scaffolding Operations Leadership strategies, team coordination, and communication protocols.

10. Scaffolding Standards and Compliance Audits Preparing audit‑ready documentation, compliance verification, and continual improvement.

• Builds competence in advanced scaffolding safety and supervision

• Enhances compliance with OSHA, HSE, ISO, and BS EN standards

• Strengthens skills in design, inspection, erection, and dismantling of scaffolds

• Provides tools for audit‑ready documentation and continual improvement

• Offers recognized certification to support careers in scaffolding safety leadership, site management, and compliance consultancy

• Scaffolding supervisors and advanced inspectors

• QA/QC professionals in construction and industrial projects

• Safety officers and compliance auditors

• Individuals progressing from Level 2 Award in Scaffolding Supervisor (SCSP‑212) or equivalent qualifications

• Assessment Type: Written exam + practical scaffolding project + viva

• Format: MCQs, applied case studies, hands‑on scaffolding project, and oral defense

• Total Questions: 100 theory + 1 practical project + 1 viva

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 6–9 months (400–500 hours total)

• Certification: Level 4 Award in Scaffolding Safety (SSFE)

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.