Assembling a scaffold? Only with a certificate or diploma!
Scaffolders without a valid certificate or diploma will no longer be allowed to work from 1 January 2017. With the Scaffolding Directive, a new training structure was introduced in 2014 and will become definitive as of 2017. Anyone who does not have a valid personal certificate or diploma to prove their competence will not be allowed to work as of 1 January 2017.
Bad news for many contractors, they may have problems. Because a large group of scaffolders - often self-employed and temporary workers - do not have the right diploma. In addition, the training capacity in the Netherlands is limited. And the deadline is approaching. So there is a chance that in January there will be a shortage of scaffolders in the Netherlands. In that case various projects will be delayed.
Plenty of fraud
Until now, scaffolders could demonstrate their expertise in all kinds of different ways: with an A or B pass, A or B certificate, all-round scaffolder, prospective scaffolder, porter, A or B diploma and so on. A jungle of possibilities, so that clients and inspections did not really know where they stood. It was also found in 2012 that there was plenty of fraud with the papers.
Rock-hard deadline
The deadline of 1 January 2017 is approaching. And it is very tough. Anyone who wants to work as an assistant mechanic, mechanic, first mechanic or foreman scaffold erector must be able to prove his professional competence officially with a diploma MBO 2 or 3 or a personal certificate in accordance with ISO 17024, which is registered in the Central Diploma Register. Only then does a scaffold erector comply with the legal requirements.
Fastest route to a valid certificate
In most cases, scaffolders will want to obtain a personal certificate: for many this is by far the quickest route. This can be done by following a course at a specialised training institute such as DELTA Safety Training. DELTA Safety Training is a recognised training provider by VSB, the association of scaffolding, high-rise and concrete formwork companies, because they have incorporated the latest final and test terms in their course material and have expert and experienced trainers at their disposal. After the course, the scaffold erector takes an exam at a DNV recognised examination agency.