Scaffolder Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a scaffolder job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a scaffolder. Feel free to use our scaffolder job description template to produce your own scaffolder job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a scaffolder.
Who is a Scaffolder?
Scaffolders set up and take down temporary metal scaffolding on buildings and construction sites so that people can work at heights securely while carrying out their tasks. Scaffolders may erect scaffolding inside or next to a building that is being built, renovated, or demolished.
In a range of industries, including construction, entertainment, shipbuilding, mining, utilities, drilling, and more, scaffolders are in charge of erecting and removing often temporary scaffolding structures that enable workers to access particular parts of a building.
Working outdoors in most weather situations, scaffolding is primarily an outdoor occupation. The labor often involves climbing and lifting heavy objects, which can be physically taxing. This position can be filled by someone who isn’t scared to climb, stroll, and work at high altitudes.
By employing a lorry to lift and install scaffolding pieces, scaffolders may establish a solid foundation upon which to construct. For the crew to walk on and grip tools, they lay planks. Additionally, they add safety elements such as hanging safety nets, guardrails, guy wires, ropes, and clamps to catch tools that might fall. They could build basic platforms or suspended or cantilever scaffolding, depending on what is needed. They secure the scaffolding and make sure it is appropriate for use before handing it over. Once the building is finished, workers disassemble it and make sure the site is tidy and clean.
Scaffolding is a movable framework used to support personnel and equipment during building projects. These structures must be put together, taken down, and maintained as needed by scaffolders. Given the inherent risks associated with this kind of work, they must exercise extraordinary caution when using scaffolding.
Scaffolder Job Description
What is a scaffolder job description? A scaffolder job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a scaffolder in an organization. Below are the scaffolder job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a scaffolder job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a scaffolder include the following;
- Set up handrails, guardrails, and other fall safety tools as required by OSHA regulations.
- Look for safety flaws in the scaffolding, such as breakage, cracks, missing bolts, loose boards, etc.
- Estimate the amount of lumber and nails that will be required to finish a project.
- Utilize technology such as hoists, pulleys, and cranes to lift goods into position.
- Examine the condition of the scaffolds and replace any damaged boards.
- Observe the scaffolding safety requirements, which include donning safety helmets and employing safety harnesses.
- Locate the placement of scaffolding using blueprints that a construction manager has provided.
- Install poles, crossbeams, and braces to support the scaffolding.
- Use short “tie tubes,” to attach the scaffolding to the building or structure to increase its stability.
- Put battens (planks) across the scaffolding so that workers can walk on them.
- Erect the scaffolding poles (standards) and secure the horizontal tubes (ledgers) to them.
- scaffolding equipment at the location being unloaded
- Fix safety netting and guardrails.
- Remove the scaffolding once a task is complete.
- Put base plates at regular distances on the ground (these stop the upright poles from slipping).
- Read and comprehend plans for scaffolds.
- Contribute to the design of the scaffold.
- Put the rest of the building to get from her.
- Add protection measures like safety nets and guard rails.
- Conduct periodic safety inspections.
- Tear down the scaffold once the job is finished.
Qualifications
- Experience with scaffolding
- Possess good mechanical abilities and a “safety first” mentality.
- The ability to not be terrified of heights
- Basic mathematical abilities
- Physical condition
- The good feeling of equilibrium
- Good hand-eye coordination.
- Talents in communication
- Organizing abilities
- Ability to travel.
Essential Skills
- Agility: The capacity for swift and effective movement is known as agility. When traveling from one level to another or ascending and descending ladders, scaffolders frequently need agility. You can prevent accidents by being agile and being able to act swiftly in an emergency.
- Certification as a Flagger: Scaffolders with flagger certification can grow in their careers by using this talent. For this qualification, you must learn how to use and maintain scaffolding tools appropriately and comprehend the safety rules that apply to scaffolding. For them to know where to place the scaffolding and what materials are required, scaffolders must be able to read blueprints.
- Qualification for Fall Protection: Scaffolders must possess the required fall safety abilities because they frequently work at heights. This involves being aware of the proper way to use safety harnesses and scaffolding equipment. You might also need to train other staff members on safe height-working techniques.
The Construction Industry Training Commission (CITC) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research are two organizations that offer fall prevention certification (NCCER).
- Certification for Confined Spaces: Confined spaces are places with little room and potential barriers like machinery, equipment, or other things in them. By taking the required safety steps, scaffolders with restricted space certification can work in these settings securely. This ability is crucial for scaffolders operating in limited places like those found on construction sites.
- Observation of Details: Scaffolders need to have the ability to follow directions and complete their work correctly. This necessitates attention to detail, which entails knowing all the prerequisites for work and completing each stage. For instance, scaffolders should make sure they have all of the required tools before beginning work on a project. When constructing scaffolds or other structures, workers must also be sure to use the right materials.
- Certification for Awareness of Asbestos: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was historically employed in construction products, and scaffolders frequently work with it. Because it can harm your health if you breathe it in or eat it, asbestos is currently illegal in the United States. To avoid exposing themselves or others to asbestos’ detrimental effects, scaffolders with asbestos awareness certification know how to recognize and handle the material safely.
- Certification for Tower Crane: Tower cranes are substantial pieces of construction machinery that can lift huge objects, and scaffolders frequently use them. To operate these devices safely and effectively, tower crane operators must be certified. Passing a test on how to use the machine safely and properly is required for certification. This ability is crucial for scaffolders to possess to protect both their safety and the safety of anyone working nearby.
- Awareness of Space: Scaffolders must be conscious of their surroundings and where close things are. When erecting scaffolding, they make use of spatial awareness since they need to know where each component should go to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them. Additionally, it aids in determining whether adjustments are necessary or whether a building is stable.
- Balance: Maintaining your center of gravity when standing or moving is known as balance. To climb and maneuver safely on scaffolding, especially when working at heights, scaffolders need exceptional balance. They can maintain their balance when using equipment like ladders and ropes because of this ability.
Exercises that require you to stand stationary for extended periods of balance training. Try walking across a slack rope or trying to balance on one foot while keeping your eyes closed.
- Certification as a Hazwoper: The security of their teammates and customers might be helped by scaffolders who have earned their hazwoper certification. You must finish an approved training course before applying for this certification, during which you will learn how to spot potential dangers in the workplace and how to use the right scaffolding tools. This certification might also be necessary if you want to work as a project manager or foreman.
- Physical Power: To transport and set up scaffolding as well as ascend the structure, scaffolders must be physically fit. Your arms, legs, and core muscles must be strong for this profession. High levels of endurance are also necessary if you want to perform lengthy shifts on towering constructions without feeling exhausted.
- Physical Power: To transport and set up scaffolding as well as ascend the structure, scaffolders must be physically fit. Your arms, legs, and core muscles must be strong for this profession. High levels of endurance are also necessary if you want to perform lengthy shifts on towering constructions without feeling exhausted.
- 10-Hour OSHA Certification: For scaffolding work, scaffolders must be OSHA 10-hour certified. This certification guarantees that you possess the knowledge and abilities required to operate a scaffold safely, including a comprehension of how to utilize equipment, the ability to recognize dangers, and the capacity to prevent accidents. To obtain this certification, you can enroll in an online course or go to a class at your neighborhood community college.
- Certification for Aerial Lift: Aerial lifts, commonly referred to as cherry pickers, are frequently operated by scaffolders. You must be trained in operating these machines to utilize them safely and successfully. Passing a test on the equipment’s safety guidelines and how to use it properly is required for this certification. This certification is available from either your employer or a third party.
- Eye-Hand Coordination: Hand-eye coordination is a skill scaffolders employ to precisely position and fasten scaffolding components. They also require this ability when using tools, such as a hammer or drill, so they can place the tool precisely and drive it into the desired region. Because they must be able to hold onto the scaffolding while moving up or down, scaffolders must also have good hand-eye coordination.
- CPR and First Aid certification: If someone is hurt on a building site, scaffolders might need to perform CPR and first aid. Scaffolders can limit the amount of time they need to miss from work for treatment by using first aid knowledge to heal small wounds. The ability to perform CPR can be helpful in an emergency. All scaffolders should be familiar with the fundamental life-saving procedures to protect both themselves and others.
- Certificate of Rigging: Ropes and other pieces of equipment are attached to scaffolding through the process of rigging. Before applying for a position as a scaffolder, it’s vital to acquire rigging certification because riggers are in charge of making sure that all equipment is secure. Attending classes at your neighborhood community college or completing an online training course are two ways to learn how to rig.
How to Become a Scaffolder
- Obtain a foundational scaffolding qualification: To get the basic scaffolder qualification, a one-day COTS training is still required. After six months of work experience, more training is offered. Whether you choose tube scaffolding or systems scaffolding, complete two ten-day programs that are followed by a practical examination.
You start working toward your S/NVQ level 2 qualification after gaining six months of professional experience. You could be required to compile a sample of your work. While you receive assistance in doing this, you must put forth your initiative. After that, you have a one-day skills test scheduled as your final evaluation.
- Obtain a professional scaffolder license: You might choose to pursue advanced scaffolding training if you’ve decided to work as a fittings and tube scaffolder. After training, you must complete another twelve months of work experience in the industry to earn an advanced scaffolder qualification. Following that, you can take part in advanced teaching and begin preparing for your S/NVQ levels 3. After that, you need to have six more months of professional experience before you can take the two-day CISRS skills test.
Once you’ve finished, you can get your advanced scaffolder card. Examine your degree of physical fitness and endurance before beginning a scaffolding apprenticeship. Since scaffolding involves carrying heavy materials and working outside in bad weather, it is one of the physically taxing jobs in the construction industry.
Where to Work as a Scaffolder
Scaffolders frequently work on construction sites. Scaffolders are subjected to the clamor, dirt, and dust associated with construction sites where they operate. Additionally, they might be exposed to harmful substances like asbestos, silica, and lead paint. To meet deadlines, scaffolders occasionally work longer hours, weekends, and even holidays.
Scaffolder Salary
In the USA, the average scaffolding wage is $42,900 per year or $22 per hour. Most experienced workers earn up to $55,575 per year, while entry-level occupations start at $39,000 annually.
In the UK, a scaffolder makes an average pay of £39,461 per year or £20.24 per hour. Most experienced workers can earn up to £47,775 per year, while entry-level roles start at £32,260.
In Canada, the average scaffolder makes $62,400 a year, or $32 an hour. Most experienced workers earn up to $76,050 per year, while entry-level roles start at $58,500.
In Australia, the average scaffolder earns $82,875 per year or $42.50 per hour. Most experienced workers earn up to $98,280 per year, while entry-level occupations start at $75,563 annually.