How to choose a scaffolding contractor in Cornwall

1. Insurance, and what to ask to see

Ask for the certificates, not a verbal assurance. Check the name on them matches the company you are dealing with and that the dates are current.

• Public liability: covers injury to the public and damage to property, including your house and your neighbour's.
• Employers' liability: a legal requirement for any firm with employees.
• Professional indemnity: matters if the contractor is designing the scaffold, not just building it.

2. CISRS cards

CISRS is the industry's training and card scheme for scaffolders. Anyone erecting or altering a scaffold should hold a CISRS card at the right level for the work. Ask who will be on site and what cards they hold. A reputable firm will not mind you asking.

3. TG20:21, or a design

Every tube and fitting scaffold should either be built to TG20:21, with a compliance sheet, or to a bespoke design with drawings and calculations. Ask which yours will be and ask to see it at handover. If the answer is vague, treat that as a warning.

4. Handover paperwork

When the scaffold is finished it should be formally handed over. That means a handover certificate stating what the scaffold is for and what load it can take, and a scaffold tag at the access point showing it is safe to use.

5. Weekly inspection records

A scaffold must be inspected by a competent person at least every seven days, and after bad weather or alterations. Each inspection is recorded. Ask how you will see those records. If you are the main contractor, they should be on your site file.

6. Who is liable for what

The scaffolding contractor is responsible for building the scaffold correctly. Whoever controls the site is responsible for making sure it is not misused, such as trades removing ties or boards. On a house, that is often the builder. Agree in writing who reports damage, who pays for alterations and who calls in the scaffolder if something changes.

7. The written quote

A good quote tells you:

• Exactly which elevations are being scaffolded and to what height.
• The hire period included and the basis for any extension.
• Whether a highway licence is needed and who is applying for it.
• Whether the scaffold is to TG20:21 or needs a design.

Common questions

Should I just pick the cheapest scaffolding quote?

Compare like for like first. Check each quote covers the same elevations, the same hire period, any licence and the same paperwork. The cheapest quote often leaves one of those out.

How do I check a CISRS card is real?

CISRS runs an online card check. Ask for the card numbers of the scaffolders who will be on site and check them.

What is a scaffold tag?

A tag fixed at the access point that shows whether the scaffold is safe to use, and when it was last inspected. It is updated at every inspection.

Do I need to be there when the scaffold is handed over?

It helps. Walk the scaffold with the scaffolder or your builder, check it matches what was quoted and keep a copy of the handover paperwork.

What happens if another trade alters the scaffold?

Only a competent scaffolder should alter it. If someone else removes ties or boards, the scaffold should be taken out of use until the scaffolder has checked and re-tagged it.