Temporary Suspended Platform Operator, Erector and Supervisor training are three different competency levels and should not be treated as interchangeable. The operator is trained to safely work from and operate the platform, the erector is trained to install, relocate and dismantle the system, and the supervisor has the higher-level responsibility of supervising, inspecting and controlling the installation and use of Temporary Suspended Platforms.
Construction Regulation 17 requires suspended-platform operations to be controlled by competent people and specifically requires the contractor to ensure that operators, erectors and inspectors are competent for their respective functions.
This means that an operator certificate does not qualify someone to move the roof rig, an erector is not automatically qualified to act as the appointed supervisor, and general working-at-heights training does not replace specific Temporary Suspended Platform training.
What is a Temporary Suspended Platform?
A Temporary Suspended Platform, or TSP, is suspended access equipment installed temporarily to provide access to elevated work areas.
A typical system consists of:
- A modular working platform
- Electric traction hoists
- Primary suspension wire ropes
- Secondary safety wire ropes
- Safety brakes
- Control equipment
- A suspension or roof rig
- Anchorage points for the operators’ safety harnesses
- Various safety devices
TSPs are commonly used for:
- Façade maintenance
- Painting
- Cladding installation
- Glazing
- Repairs
- Refurbishment
- Construction work
Unlike a permanent Building Maintenance Unit (BMU), a TSP is assembled for a particular project or task and removed when that work has been completed.
Why are there different TSP training levels?
The risks and responsibilities involved in operating a TSP are very different from those involved in installing or supervising one.
Consider the difference:
- The operator needs to know how to safely use the platform.
- The erector needs to understand how the complete suspension system is assembled and relocated.
- The supervisor needs sufficient competence to control the installation, verify compliance, inspect the system and supervise both erectors and operators.
Each person therefore requires training appropriate to the work they actually perform.
What does Construction Regulation 17 say about competence?
Construction Regulation 17 requires a contractor using suspended platforms to appoint a competent person in writing to supervise the suspended-platform operations.
The contractor must also ensure that the people performing the different functions are competent.
This includes:
- Operators
- Erectors
- Inspectors
- The appointed suspended-platform supervisor
Competence is therefore task-specific. A person who is competent to press the controls and safely operate a TSP is not automatically competent to calculate a suspension rig, relocate an outrigger or supervise the complete installation.
What is TSP Operator training?
The Temporary Suspended Platform Operator is the person who works from or is supported by the platform.
Importantly, the operator requirement does not apply only to the person physically operating the control box. Every person who is supported by the platform must have the appropriate competence.
This may include:
- Painters
- Cleaners
- Cladding installers
- Glaziers
- Maintenance personnel
- Inspectors
- Technicians
If the TSP is supporting the person while they work, the suspended-platform risks apply to them.
What must TSP Operator training cover?
Construction Regulation 17(12) sets out specific minimum training requirements for people who work on or are supported by suspended platforms.
Operator training must include at least:
- Safe access and egress
- Correct operation of the controls
- Correct use of the safety devices
- The dangers associated with misuse of safety devices
- Emergency procedures
- Procedures when equipment malfunctions
- Procedures when a suspected defect is discovered
- Proper use of safety harnesses
The operator must be practically competent and not merely have attended a theoretical presentation.
What practical skills should a TSP Operator demonstrate?
A trained operator should be able to demonstrate how to:
- Carry out the required pre-use checks
- Inspect a safety harness
- Fit and adjust the harness correctly
- Identify the correct anchorage point inside the platform
- Attach the shock-absorbing lanyard correctly
- Access and leave the platform safely
- Operate the platform up and down
- Operate individual hoists where required
- Use the emergency stop
- Test and understand the secondary safety brake
- Understand the overload protection
- Carry out emergency no-power descent
- Recognise damaged wire rope
- Respond correctly to equipment defects
- Secure the TSP at the end of the shift
Does a TSP Operator need working-at-heights training?
Yes. TSP operator competence includes the ability to work safely in a fall-risk position.
The operator must understand general fall-protection principles in addition to the specific operation of the suspended platform.
General working-at-heights training alone, however, is not sufficient.
A person may know how to inspect and wear a harness but still have no knowledge of:
- A TSP control system
- Secondary safety brakes
- Overload protection
- Emergency descent
- Platform loading
- Wire-rope defects
- TSP emergency procedures
Read our guide on working-at-heights training requirements in South Africa.
Does a TSP Operator need a medical certificate?
Yes.
Construction Regulation 17 requires people who work on or are supported by suspended platforms to be physically and psychologically fit to work safely in that environment and to possess a medical certificate of fitness.
A valid training certificate does not replace medical fitness.
Must every TSP Operator wear a safety harness?
Yes.
Every person on a suspended platform must wear the required safety harness.
The platform itself must also have designated anchorage points for the attachment of the operators’ lanyards.
The shock-absorbing lanyard must be attached to the specified anchorage point inside the platform.
It must not simply be connected to:
- A guardrail
- A random platform tube
- The hoist
- The control box
- A wire rope
- An electrical cable
For more detail, read Who May Operate a Temporary Suspended Platform in South Africa?
What is TSP Erector training?
The Temporary Suspended Platform Erector has a very different role.
The erector is responsible for the physical installation, relocation and dismantling of the TSP equipment within the limitations of the approved system and Operational Compliance Plan.
The erector needs considerably more technical knowledge of the equipment than an operator.
What does TSP Erector training cover?
The erector programme includes practical competence in handling, assembling and installing the different components of the TSP.
The training covers areas such as:
- Legal requirements applicable to TSP installations
- Component identification
- Transport and handling of TSP equipment
- Steel wire-rope care and inspection
- Suspension rig assembly
- Counterweighted outriggers
- Parapet clamps
- Wire-rope sling suspension arrangements
- Trestle arrangements
- Holding-down brackets
- Outriggers using front supports
- Platform assembly
- Installation of primary and secondary wire ropes
- Installation and testing of safety brakes
- Relocation procedures
- Testing and commissioning procedures
- Basic fault finding
Why can’t an Operator relocate the roof rig?
Moving an outrigger or suspension point changes the complete engineering arrangement of the TSP.
The move may affect:
- Outrigger overhang
- Counterweight requirements
- Building loads
- Suspension-rope alignment
- Platform position
- The Operational Compliance Plan
- The risk assessment
- The Fall Protection Plan
Construction Regulation 17 therefore requires the relocation of outriggers to be performed only by people who are trained and competent to carry out the move.
After relocation, the system must be inspected and the required results recorded before it is returned to service.
An operator should therefore never decide to move a stalk, counterweight, parapet clamp or outrigger merely because the platform needs to reach another section of the building.
What is the role of the TSP Erector during installation?
The erector works within the approved installation arrangements and under the appropriate supervision.
The work may include:
- Confirming the correct equipment is available.
- Inspecting components before installation.
- Establishing the suspension points.
- Installing the roof or suspension rig.
- Installing primary and safety wire ropes.
- Assembling the working platform.
- Installing the hoists and safety brakes.
- Installing electrical equipment.
- Testing the safety devices.
- Assisting with testing and commissioning.
The erector must understand that the suspension system is not simply assembled according to what physically fits. It must conform to the approved system design and Operational Compliance Plan.
What is TSP Supervisor training?
The Temporary Suspended Platform Supervisor operates at the highest of these three competency levels.
The formal supervisor programme is aligned with:
SAQA Unit Standard 243271 – Supervise, Inspect and Control the Use of Temporary Suspended Platforms.
- NQF Level: 4
- Credits: 8
The supervisor must have sufficient knowledge and practical competence to control the installation and safe operation of the TSP rather than merely use or assemble individual components.
What does the TSP Supervisor need to understand?
The supervisor training covers a broad range of technical and compliance subjects, including:
- Construction Regulation 17
- SANS 51808
- SANS 10295 Part 2
- Applicable machinery requirements
- TSP types and configurations
- Rated loads and Working Load Limits
- Suspension-rig stability
- Building loads
- Safety devices
- Risk assessment
- Fall Protection Plans
- Operational Compliance Plans
- Erector and operator competence
- Installation control
- Testing and commissioning
- Daily inspection
- Emergency procedures
- Relocation of TSP systems
What is the supervisor’s role during installation?
The supervisor must ensure that the installation is carried out within the approved limits of the system.
This may include verifying:
- The correct suspension method
- Outrigger dimensions
- Counterweight requirements
- Building load requirements
- Correct wire-rope installation
- Platform configuration
- Safety-device installation
- Operator and erector competency
- Compliance with the Operational Compliance Plan
The supervisor must therefore understand the engineering and compliance information applicable to the particular installation.
Does the supervisor carry out inspections?
Inspection is an important part of the supervisor’s competence.
Construction Regulation 17 requires a daily inspection before the equipment is used.
The daily inspection includes establishing whether:
- Connection bolts are secure
- Safety devices are functioning
- Safety devices have been tampered with
- The maximum platform load is being exceeded
- Occupants are using properly attached safety harnesses
- There are visible signs of damage
- Reported operating problems have been attended to
Inspection records must be maintained as part of the site’s compliance documentation.
Operator vs Erector vs Supervisor – what is the difference?
| Competency | Main function | Typical responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| TSP Operator | Safely operates and works from the platform | Controls, safety devices, harness use, SWL, access, emergency procedures, identifying defects |
| TSP Erector | Installs, relocates and dismantles TSP equipment | Roof rigs, ropes, platform assembly, suspension arrangements, safety devices, relocation and installation procedures |
| TSP Supervisor | Supervises, inspects and controls the installation and use of TSPs | OCP, system compliance, installation control, building loads, inspections, operator and erector competence, relocation and testing |
Does one training level automatically include the others?
No. Employers should not assume that one certificate automatically authorises every TSP function.
For example:
- An operator may operate the TSP but may not alter the suspension rig simply because they understand the controls.
- An erector may install and relocate equipment within their competency but is not automatically the appointed TSP supervisor.
- A supervisor must have the higher-level competency necessary to supervise, inspect and control the system.
The person’s appointment and duties should match the training and competence they actually hold.
Can an ordinary site supervisor supervise a TSP?
Not simply because that person holds the title of supervisor.
Construction Regulation 17 requires a competent person.
Temporary suspended platforms involve specialised issues such as:
- Suspension-rig stability
- Building loads
- Wire-rope systems
- Secondary safety devices
- Operational Compliance Plans
- Load testing
- Specialised inspection requirements
A general construction supervisor, safety officer or site manager does not automatically have this specialist competence.
What is an Operational Compliance Plan?
The Operational Compliance Plan, commonly referred to as the OCP, is central to the installation and control of a Temporary Suspended Platform.
It is based on the system design and sets out the conditions under which the particular TSP may be installed and used.
The compliance documentation should address matters including:
- The appointed supervisor
- Proof of competency of operators, erectors and inspectors
- Operational design calculations
- Building loads
- Installation drawings or sketches
- Inspection procedures
- Maintenance procedures
- Safety devices
- Risk assessment
- Fall-protection requirements
An erector therefore does not have unlimited authority to install the equipment wherever it is convenient. The installation must remain within the limitations of the OCP.
What happens when a TSP is relocated?
Relocation is an excellent example of why the competency levels matter.
Moving the suspension system may change the conditions on which the original installation was based.
Before relocation, consideration must be given to whether:
- The Operational Compliance Plan still applies
- The suspension-rig dimensions remain suitable
- The building structure remains suitable
- The building loads remain acceptable
- The risk assessment remains valid
- The Fall Protection Plan remains suitable
The relocation must be carried out by competent erectors under the required supervision.
The relocated system must then be inspected and tested as required before operators are allowed to use it again.
Who may carry out the daily TSP inspection?
Construction Regulation 17 provides for the daily inspection to be carried out by the suspended-platform supervisor or the appropriate suspended-platform inspector.
The inspection is not merely an operator casually looking at the platform before climbing aboard.
It includes the complete system and must verify critical safety matters before use.
The operator still has an important responsibility to carry out their pre-use checks and report anything abnormal, but this does not replace the formal daily inspection.
What training records should be kept on site?
The site’s suspended-platform compliance records should clearly demonstrate who is competent to perform each function.
These records may include:
- TSP Operator training records
- TSP Erector training records
- TSP Supervisor competency records
- Applicable IWH records or licences
- Working-at-heights training records
- Medical certificates of fitness
- Written appointments
- Site induction records
The competency documentation should be considered together with the system-design certificate, Operational Compliance Plan, inspection records and test documentation.
Common TSP training mistakes
Common compliance problems include:
- Allowing someone with only working-at-heights training to operate the TSP
- Allowing an operator to relocate the roof rig
- Using untrained workers as additional occupants in the platform
- Assuming an experienced employee does not require formal TSP training
- Appointing a general site supervisor as TSP supervisor without the specialist competency
- Treating an erector certificate as automatic supervisor competency
- Failing to keep proof of training on site
- Allowing people without valid medical fitness to use the platform
- Failing to provide role-specific refresher or familiarisation training
Which Temporary Suspended Platform training does your employee need?
The answer depends on what the employee is expected to do.
If the person will work from or operate the platform:
They require TSP Operator competence.
If the person will install, relocate or dismantle the equipment:
They require TSP Erector competence.
If the person will supervise, inspect and control the suspended-platform operation:
They require the appropriate TSP Supervisor competence, including the higher-level knowledge required to fulfil the duties of the appointed competent person.
The safest approach is to define the person’s actual duties first and then provide the training that matches those responsibilities.
Book TSP Operator, Erector or Supervisor training
Work at Height Solutions provides practical Temporary Suspended Platform training for the different levels of responsibility involved in suspended-access work.
Training programmes include:
- Temporary Suspended Platform Operator Training
- Temporary Suspended Platform Erector Training
- Temporary Suspended Platform Supervisor Training
Our programmes focus on practical competence and the legal and technical requirements applicable to the role being performed.
View WAHS training programmes, or complete the form below for course dates, on-site training and a quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a TSP Operator, Erector and Supervisor?
The operator safely uses and works from the platform. The erector installs, relocates and dismantles the equipment. The supervisor supervises, inspects and controls the installation and use of the complete TSP system.
Can a TSP Operator move an outrigger?
No, not on operator competency alone. Relocation of the suspension rig must be carried out by people who are specifically trained and competent to perform that work and under the required supervision.
Can a TSP Erector automatically act as the Supervisor?
No. Erection and supervision are different competencies. The appointed supervisor requires the higher level of knowledge, training and practical competence necessary to supervise, inspect and control TSP operations.
What SAQA Unit Standard applies to TSP Supervisor training?
The formal supervisor programme is aligned with SAQA Unit Standard 243271: Supervise, Inspect and Control the Use of Temporary Suspended Platforms. It is an NQF Level 4 unit standard with 8 credits.
Does every person on a TSP require operator training?
Every person required to work or be supported on the suspended platform must be competent and appropriately trained. The requirement does not apply only to the person operating the control box.
Does a TSP Operator require working-at-heights training?
Yes. The operator must be competent to work safely in an elevated fall-risk position as well as being specifically trained in Temporary Suspended Platform operation.
Does a TSP Operator need a medical certificate?
Yes. Employees working on or supported by a suspended platform must be medically fit for the work and possess the required medical certificate of fitness.
Who may inspect a TSP before daily use?
The formal daily inspection must be carried out by the suspended-platform supervisor or the appropriate competent suspended-platform inspector in accordance with Construction Regulation 17.
Can general working-at-heights training replace TSP training?
No. Working-at-heights training covers general fall-protection principles but does not provide the specialised competence required to operate, install or supervise a Temporary Suspended Platform.
Who may relocate a Temporary Suspended Platform?
The suspension equipment may only be relocated by trained and competent persons within the limitations of the Operational Compliance Plan and under the required supervision. The system must be inspected and tested as required before being returned to service.
Published by Jaco Coetzer | Work at Height Solutions (Pty) Ltd