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Training Directory

NYC DOB SCAFFOLD TRAINING

4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher (Scaffold Card and SST)

The DOB-approved 4-hour course for anyone who works on a supported scaffold in NYC. Taken first time or as your four-year refresher, in person or live online.

  • In person · Live online · Hybrid
  • 4 hours
  • English

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Course at a glance

Format
Instructor-led: in person, live online, or a mix of both. Not self-paced.
Length
4 hours of instruction, not counting breaks. You must attend the full class.
Assessment
Written multiple choice test.
Credential
Supported Scaffold User certification on your DOB Worker Wallet card, plus 4 hours of SST credit.
Official NYC DOB course outlinePDF · revision 10/25(opens in a new tab)

About the 4-hour supported scaffold user course in NYC

The 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher (Scaffold Card and SST) is an NYC DOB-approved course for anyone who uses or works on a supported scaffold in New York City. Supported scaffolds include frame scaffolds, rolling towers, tube and clamp scaffolds, and system scaffolds. The same 4-hour course works as your first training and as your refresher.

The rule behind it is NYC Building Code section 3314.4.5.2. It says people who use a supported scaffold, including the person supervising that work, must complete a DOB-approved course of at least 4 hours, then retake it every four years. The course also gives 4 hours of Site Safety Training (SST) credit under Local Law 196 of 2017.

When you pass, your training provider issues the Supported Scaffold User certification on your DOB Worker Wallet card. The Worker Wallet is the only card accepted on NYC job sites for this certification. It does not replace your SST card, so you carry both. Job sites check the card with DOB's Training Connect app.

The course is taught by a live instructor, in person, live online over video, or as a mix of both. There is no hands-on exercise. Harness fitting, scaffold use and emergency steps are shown as demonstrations, live or on video. It is not a self-paced course. You must attend the full 4 hours, and you finish with a written multiple choice test.

What you'll learn

Drawn from the training objectives in DOB's outline.

  • Identify the main types of supported scaffolds and their key parts, including braces, tiebacks and guardrail systems.
  • Recognize the common causes of supported scaffold incidents and how to prevent them, using real NYC case studies.
  • Know the OSHA 1926 rules and NYC Building Code section 3314 requirements that apply when you work on a scaffold.
  • Understand fall clearance and total fall distance, and how to keep tools and materials from falling.
  • Select, put on, adjust and inspect a harness and fall arrest equipment the right way.
  • Use inspection checklists, stay within the maximum intended load, and know what to do in an emergency.

Course topics

Everything in DOB's outline for this course.

  1. Part 1 · Scaffold basics and incidents

    • Supported scaffold types: frame, rolling towers, tube and clamp, and system scaffolds
    • Major components: braces, tiebacks and guardrail systems
    • Common incident causes and how to prevent them
    • Incident statistics and NYC case studies with photos

  2. Part 2 · Rules and the DOB

    • OSHA 1926 Subparts E (PPE), L (Scaffolds), M (Fall Protection) and X (Stairways and Ladders)
    • NYC Construction Codes, rules, policy statements, notices and bulletins, with emphasis on BC 3314
    • Using the DOB website: procedures, permits, notifications, forms, DOB NOW filings, plans and site documents
    • Inspection checklists and logs, and wind and weather advisories

  3. Part 3 · Fall protection and PPE

    • Fall clearance and total fall distance calculations
    • Minimizing fall forces, guarding against falling objects, and tool tethering
    • Harness selection, donning and doffing, and fit test (demonstration)
    • Inspection and care of fall arrest equipment and systems

  4. Part 4 · Safe use, inspections and emergencies

    • Safe use and tethering of tools, and fire, electrical, material handling and overloading hazards
    • Maximum intended load and load handling
    • Equipment and hardware inspections, checklists and reports
    • Emergency preparedness, the 311 unsafe condition procedure, and the DOI integrity contact sheet
    • Review of all topics and a written multiple choice test

Credit & certificate

Supported Scaffold User certification on your DOB Worker Wallet card, plus 4 hours of SST credit toward your NYC Site Safety Training card.

Renewal: Retake this same 4-hour course every 4 years to keep your Supported Scaffold User certification (NYC Building Code 3314.4.5.2).

Who it's for

  • Workers who stand on, climb or work from a supported scaffold on an NYC job site
  • Foremen and others who supervise work done from a supported scaffold
  • Workers whose Supported Scaffold User training is close to four years old
  • Construction workers who want the scaffold certification and SST hours from the same class

Before you buy

Format and schedule
Taught by an instructor in scheduled classes, in person or live online. The dates, times and place of each class are listed under Upcoming classes; registered students in a live online class get the join link.
Certificate and credential
When you finish, Training Directory issues a course certificate.
Identity verification
No identity verification or proctoring is required for this course.

Questions

Can I take this course live online?

Yes. DOB allows this course in person, live online over video, or as a mix of both. For live online classes, your training provider must confirm your identity before you get access, you must attest that you are the person taking the class and will finish it without help, and your webcam must stay on for the whole class while the provider monitors attendance. It is not offered as a self-paced course.

What do I get when I finish?

When you pass, your training provider issues the Supported Scaffold User certification on your DOB Worker Wallet card through DOB's Training Connect platform, and you earn 4 hours of SST credit. Providers may charge an administrative fee for the card. Job sites check the card with the Training Connect app.

How is this different from the 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher (SST only) course?

The SST only version is self-paced online and gives 4 hours of SST credit only. It does not give the Supported Scaffold User certification or a Worker Wallet card. If you need to work on a supported scaffold, take this instructor-led version, which gives both.

How often do I need to retake it?

Every four years. NYC Building Code 3314.4.5.2 requires you to retake this same 4-hour course every four years to keep working on supported scaffolds.

Who needs this course?

Anyone who uses a supported scaffold in New York City, including the person supervising that work. If you install, adjust, repair or remove supported scaffolds 40 feet or taller, that work has its own requirement: the 32-Hour Supported Scaffold Installer and Remover course.

Are there any prerequisites?

DOB's outline lists none. You must attend the full 4 hours of instruction and pass the written test.

Does the Worker Wallet card replace my SST card?

No. The Worker Wallet card holds your scaffold certification, and your SST card shows your site safety training. Carry both on NYC job sites.

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