Rank: New forum user 
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Question:
I would like to know if a steel erector is allowed on site with a CSCS card stating site operative or must that person be Qualified, Trained and have Steel erector on the back of his CSCS card.
I thought this would be mandatory due to the nature of the works being undertaken.
( Skilled operatives working at height). However I have been informed by some in certain quarters that they only need to complete the Touch screen Test for Site operatives.( as this is accepted on most sites)
The reason i am asking, Is that we as a company have all our site operatives registered Touch screen tested for Steel erection operations and are at this time halfway through their training and completing their portfolio's with ECITB Construction Capital Plant Steel Structures: Erecting - Level 3 N/SVQ.
CITB informed us that the operatives would loose their cards when they were due renewed unless the operatives completed the above SVQ within a time scale.
Are we spending thousands of pounds on TRAINING our operatives to a standard that has been introduced but not yet rolled out as Mandatory, or are we complying with the CDM Regulations,so must continue down this safe route?
Can you please enlighten me on the above subject.
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Rank: Forum user
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The overall principle behind CSCS Cards of having a competent workforce in the construction is excellent and should assist in reducing accident rates (subject to management actually managing the site properly). The problem is that a very significant number of people wrongly believe that the CSCS card is a Health & Safety competency card and it is not it is a skills card. The health and safety touch screen test is only a very small element of the card which allows non subject specialists to demonstrate some very basic health & safety knowledge.
CSCS are correct in what they have told you i.e. they will only issue one red trainee card which is valid for between 1 & 3 years depending on the type of card. The idea behind this is to allow people who are not qualified in their trade to gain their S/NVQ which will allow for them to get the appropriate coloured card.
Enter the next problem- Currently providing that you have a CSCS card regardless of what it says on the back of it most PC’s will allow you to work on site. This is because the process is not currently being managed and administrated by most sites. Do I expect this to continue? The short answer is no
Does possession of a card make you competent? NO- cards are like MOT’s on cars i.e. valid on the day of issue only for demonstrating roadworthiness. There is no substitute for managers managing the whole of their workforce (including sub-contractors) i.e. by walking the walk and not just talking the talk and not just barking out orders –consultation is a two way process, informing is a one way process.
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Rank: Super forum user
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If I've read your post right...
CDM does not require you to have a CSCS card.
However, many sites require it.
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Rank: Super forum user
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And the NVQ system is changing again more money fror somebody. Claire it is standard procedure for the UKCG sites to want CSCS /CPCS cards. As mentioned by DSB these cards are not managed properly on many sites if you have a card you are on if you dont you are not. After many site visits and going through inductions very few cards are checked as to what the holders skills are. CPCS Plant cards are checked properly mainly because they are Plant Operators and I suppose are perceived to be able to cause more accidents?
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