SA006 - Safe Working in Civils

Course Overview

This qualification is one mandatory unit that covers gas testing and cover lifting. Learners are provided with the knowledge and skills to identify the hazards and potential risks involved in working safely on, or in proximity to, underground structures and operational buildings. This qualification is particularly aimed at those individuals who undertake work in a telecommunication (or similar utility) environment. It also enables learners to gain knowledge of compliance with Health and Safety legislation. This qualification tests learners’ knowledge, skills, and understanding of dangers associated with these works and the safety precautions required while working in the underground network.

The qualification required that individuals involved in gas testing in the network are suitably assessed and accredited to industry and national standards. They must also hold the appropriate Street Works Card in line with the requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) 1991.

Course Aims

After Successfully obtaining this qualification, the participants will be able to demonstrate the following:

Module 1: Gas Testing

• Understand the tools and equipment and safe methods adopted by the industry for testing gas in chambers and operational buildings.
• Understand the dangers they may face when entering underground chambers or structures.
• Understand the equipment used by industry for detecting gas.
• Understand what needs to be done if gas is found.
• Enable safe working in locations which, potentially, have hazardous gas.
• Ensure their own safety and the safety of others.
• Avoid injury to themselves and the public.
• Understand the legislation and regulations for this type of work.

Module 2: Cover Lifting

• Know the associated legislation and regulations.
• Know how to identify and manage the risks associated with cover lifting.
• Understand correct manual handling methods.
• Know how to avoid injury to operatives and the public.
• Be able to check and use the tools and equipment used in the industry for lifting covers from joint boxes and manholes safely.
• Know how to identify the different covers used.
• Be able to remove and replace joint box and carriageway covers safely. (Including structures with multiple covers).
• Identify polluted water in underground structures in line with environmental requirements.
• Know how to avoid damage to underground apparatus.
• Know how to use utility prints to aid in the location of chambers. (optional)

Accreditation

Learners who successfully complete all of the necessary units will be awarded a full accreditation certificate for Underground Safety. Industry accreditation certificated by Smart Awards.

Pre-requisites

There are no formal entry requirements and Smart Awards will not restrict access on the grounds of prior academic attainment, age, employment, geographic location, or any other grounds. There are no barriers that restrict access or progression, thereby promoting equality.

However, the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) required at least one person on site to hold a Street Works card to work on the highway. This qualification is based on the pre-requisite that any work on the highway requires appropriate Street Works qualification to be held by an individual working on site, and that this individual is qualified to check that the planned provision of footways, traffic lanes and safety zones determined by the site survey meets with the requirements of the site location and approved procedures and practices required by the NRSWA 1991. This qualification does not qualify an individual to enter a confined space. Those individuals who need to enter confined spaces MUST hold appropriate qualifications/qualifications to enter confined spaces. Any references made in this material to confined spaces are for information only and to make learners aware of the risks and presence of gases that may also be present in confined spaces

Course Content

• Know relevant health and safety legislation and industry good practice. when working in a civils works environment.
• Know the principles of risk assessment for maintaining and improving health and safety at work.
• Know the importance of safe manual handling in the workplace.
• Know how to avoid dangers of underground services.
• Know the importance of working in a confined space.
• Know the importance of working safely at height in the workplace.
• Know the importance of working around plant, tools and equipment safely.
• Understand how to interpret utility drawings.
• Know risks to health when working onsite.
• Know how to maintain a safe and secure working environment.