Electricians have electrical safety cards, welders have class welding certificates, but how can the main implementer verify the qualifications of scaffolders? There is no accreditation for scaffolders in Finland. No scaffolder in Finland actually has a scaffolding certificate, and scaffolding certification training only covers the definition of personal certification.
When external employees enter the client’s site area, the area becomes a shared workplace. In that case, the main implementer must familiarise the employees, meaning that the employees must receive sufficient information about the risks and hazards of the area, as well as workplace safety instructions. In addition, Section 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 738/2002 specifies that factors related to the employee’s personal capabilities must be taken into account.
Online orientation designed for the customer’s needs
A few years ago, one of our customers asked for help and a solution to a problem they had been thinking about for years:
“When an annual maintenance shutdown begins, 15-20 foreign-speaking scaffolders appear on the scaffolding site, all wearing brand new clothes and harnesses, which raises the question of whether they have ever built scaffolding before … how can we verify this?”
As a solution, we developed an Online orientation for scaffolders, which includes a theoretical part and a final test that need to be passed. A year ago, we started to investigate all regulations concerning scaffolding work and fall protection. We compiled regulations related to scaffolding work in cooperation with the authorities, scaffolding manufacturers and lawyers. It was surprising how many different laws must be applied to scaffolding work, including: 205/2009, 738/2002, 156/1998, 403/2008, 836/2006. No wonder there are plenty of interpretations and problems related to scaffolding work.
Suitable for all scaffolders
The online orientation is suitable for all scaffolders, whether they are new to the industry or have worked there for years. As the main implementer, you can use the orientation to verify that all scaffolders operating in your area have current knowledge of scaffolding work in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating instructions and the requirements of Finnish legislation.
The statement “I have done this for 15 years” does not guarantee in any way that the person has up-to-date knowledge of the regulations. On the contrary, scaffolders who describe themselves in this way often only use working methods they have learned in the past, when scaffolding safety was not yet so strictly regulated.
Language versions are used to verify the knowledge of all scaffolders entering the area
The orientation can be completed in 8 different languages. Finnish, Swedish, English, Russian, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish are currently available, and more language versions will be added as needed. Scaffolders from abroad may also have worked on scaffolding installations for years, but do they know how scaffolding should be built in Finland?
The manufacturer’s operating instructions specify the requirement: “The legislation of the country of use must always be observed.” The manufacturer’s operating instructions specify how scaffolding must be constructed, while Finnish legislation specifies how to climb on it. For example, steps as an access route to scaffolding are always the preferred option.
Written certificate of orientation and passing the final test
The main implementer is provided with a certificate indicating that the person has completed the online orientation and passed the final test and that they are committed to following scaffolding installation instructions. This allows the main implementer to verify that they have fulfilled the legal requirement – and above all to prove this afterwards, if necessary. In addition, the orientation improves both occupational and scaffolding safety, as scaffolders have been verified to have knowledge of the requirements of Finnish law.
If you would like to know more, please submit a contact request here, and we will get in touch with you and introduce our online orientationin more detail.
This Patera service is also based on the idea that “anticipation wins over reaction”. Let’s ensure safety before starting to build scaffolding!
Author:
Janne Parantainen
Scaffolding safety instructor
+358 44 236 2030
janne.parantainen@patera.fi
