As a drone operator you're considered an "Outdoor Media Operative" or operator of "Drones" and, as such, you do not need a CSCS visitors card to access a construction site.

It's a fairly common misconception that holding a CSCS card is a legislative requirement. It's not, however, most principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid CSCS card.

As a drone operator, you used to have to carry a Visitors (yellow) CSCS card. But this card's been withdrawn for non-construction related activities since 2020.

The card withdrawal is fully supported by the Construction Leadership Council's (CLC) announcement that card schemes "carrying the CSCS logo must only certify those occupations with nationally recognised construction related qualifications".

Not everyone has caught up with this change yet. Company head office staff and site managers who are unsure should visit the pages linked from this article or contact CSCS directly for clarification.

Background:

(Click here for CSCS website) 

Not everyone needs a CSCS card

Who doesn’t need a CSCS card?

While all construction workers should hold the relevant CSCS card to access a construction site, people attending site to perform a non-construction related occupation should not be expected to carry a card.

If you work in a non-construction related role, you do not need a card. Similarly, if you are on a short-term work experience placement for less than 30 days you do not need a card.

It is the responsibility of site managers to induct non-construction related workers and those on short-term work experience before escorting them where appropriate so they remain safe on site.

This decision is supported by the following Construction Leadership Council requirement:

“Cards will be required by those working predominantly on construction sites undertaking a recognised construction occupation. Cards will not be issued in respect of non-construction related occupations.”.

How do I know if an occupation is non-construction related role?

A list of non-construction related occupations can be viewed here.

Sites that insist on CSCS cards for all.

CSCS is aware that some construction sites insist everyone must hold a card. Thery continue to work with the industry to tackle this issue. Such practices result in legitimate, non-construction related workers been refused entry to site as they do not hold a card.

Whatever the site policy, it's always  the responsibility of site managers to induct and escort non-construction site visitors and make sure they remain safe at all times when on site.

Drones, when operated by professional companies, remain one of the safest assests available to the construction industry and their use is constantly expanding.

For more information on how Skyshutter can help on your site, visit our construction page or contact us for more information.