SMART AWARDS launch New Qualification “Safe Location and Avoidance of Underground Services” specifically designed for the utility sector and in partnership with SHIFT (Safety and Health in Fibre Telecoms Group).
This qualification has been developed in response to the increasing need for workers to understand the risks and hazards associated with working in underground environments. The qualification covers a range of topics, including hazards and potential risks when using avoidance tools (CAT and Genny), safe system of work, physical identification methods of underground services, site visual surveys, interpretation of asset owner documentation, risk assessments, and permits.
This qualification tests learners’ knowledge, skills, and understanding of dangers associated with these works and the safety precautions required while working to locate underground services. Services include gas, electricity, mains water, sewage, and telecommunications.
“We are thrilled to be launching this new qualification in partnership with SHIFT, which we believe will be of great benefit to workers in a variety of industries,” said Luke Scott, Operations Director of Smart Awards. “It is vital that workers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to identify and avoid potential hazards in underground environments to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.”
This qualification is available through a variety of approved Smart Awards training providers across the UK. To find out more about the qualification, please contact Smart Awards info@smartawards.co.uk
The SHiFT group who represent the collective of fibre asset owners committed to improving health and safety standards within the fibre sector, through collaboration have developed, changed and updated the SA022 qualification with the interest of educating the operatives, ensuring competence whilst trying to reduce the number of utility strikes. https://shiftgroup.info/
For centres wanting to deliver this qualification, there is a site, equipment, and assessor approval process. Approved Smart Awards centres will be communicated to the SHiFT group on weekly basis, so they know where to send their operatives. (For information regarding the SHiFT Group please use the link – Safety & Health In Fibre Telecoms (SHiFT) Group).
Please Note: An expiry date of 1st September 2023 will be applied to those existing centres that are approved on the old version of SA022, which will allow them to change to the new or phase the old version out.
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