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Get qualified with the 2-day SA006 course and strengthen your skills for safe work across telecoms and utility networks. Train in Safe Working in Civils, Gas Testing and Cover Lifting, then earn a Smart Awards Level 2 SA006 certificate, valid for three years and aligned with NOPS requirements.
The SA006 Smart Awards Safe Working in Civils course provides essential training for individuals working in the civils aspects of telecommunications and utility network construction and maintenance. It covers three mandatory modules: Safe Working in Civils, Gas Testing and Cover Lifting, focusing on legislation, hazards, risks and safety precautions relevant to utility construction environments.
The qualification develops knowledge of hazard identification, safe working procedures, pre-work checks, site setup, safe chamber entry and site clearance. It is designed for those working in network construction and maintenance and is mapped to relevant National Occupational Standards.
Following successful completion of the required theory and practical assessments, learners receive the Smart Awards Level 2 SA006 Safe Working in Civils qualification, approved by Ofqual. The qualification is valid for three years from the certificate issue date and should be renewed before expiry where ongoing certification is required.
This course is suitable for anyone working in the civils side of telecoms and utility network construction, including:
The SA006 Course covers learning outcomes ranging from health and safety legislation and risk assessment to gas testing and safe cover lifting. Learners must successfully complete the required assessment criteria to achieve the SA006 qualification.
Apply health and safety legislation and safe working practices
Learn how to follow relevant health and safety legislation and apply safe working practices during civils activities.
Identify hazards and assess workplace risks
Develop the knowledge needed to recognise hazards, assess risks and follow suitable safety precautions.
Recognise underground service and chamber risks
Understand the risks associated with underground services, chambers and confined working environments.
Interpret utility drawings and service information
Learn how to use utility drawings to identify potential underground service hazards before work begins.
Work safely around plant, tools and equipment
Apply safe working procedures when using or working near plant, tools and other equipment.
Carry out gas testing and safe cover lifting
Develop practical knowledge of gas testing procedures and safe methods for lifting and handling covers.
Maintain a safe and secure working environment
Apply appropriate safety measures throughout civils construction and maintenance activities.
Complete pre-work checks and site preparation
Carry out pre-work checks, set up the site, enter chambers safely and complete site clearance procedures.
Did You Know
The SA006 Safe Working in Civils qualification is fully aligned with the Network Operative Passport Scheme (NOPS). Successful completion is recorded within the NOPS system, helping verify an operative’s training and qualifications for work across the telecommunications industry.
Learners should also bring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety boots, high-visibility clothing and gloves, as the course includes practical, hands-on training.
The SA006 Course is delivered over two days through classroom-based theory and practical training. It is assessed through both a theory test and a practical assessment. Learners must successfully complete both assessments to achieve the qualification.
Theory Test
Complete a 55-question multiple-choice test covering the assessment criteria within 90 minutes. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass.
Practical Assessment
Complete practical tasks including pre-work checks, site setup, safe entry into an underground chamber and clearing the work area within 30 minutes.
Grading
The SA006 training is graded on a Pass or Fail basis. Learners must pass both assessments to achieve the qualification. One major fault or six or more minor faults results in an automatic practical assessment fail.
Successful completion of both the theory and practical assessments leads to the SA006 Smart Awards Safe Working in Civils certificate. The qualification is valid for three years from the date of issue. Learners should complete the appropriate refresher training before the qualification expires where ongoing certification is required.
Important Note
Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA), at least one person on site must hold an appropriate Street Works card when working on the highway. This qualification does not authorise confined-space entry. Anyone required to enter a confined space must hold the appropriate separate accreditation or qualification.
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Understand the legal responsibilities and recognised best practices for working safely on civils projects.
Learn how to identify hazards, assess risks, and apply suitable control measures before work begins.
Understand the correct techniques for lifting, carrying, and moving materials to reduce the risk of injury.
Learn how to identify and avoid buried utility services to prevent accidental strikes and damage.
Recognise the hazards associated with confined spaces and the precautions needed to work safely.
Understand safe methods for carrying out tasks at height while reducing the risk of falls.
Develop awareness of how to use and work around machinery, tools, and equipment safely on site.
Learn how to read and understand utility plans to support safe and accurate site operations.
Identify common workplace health hazards and understand how to minimise their impact on workers.
Learn how to keep the worksite organised, secure, and compliant with health and safety requirements.
It is a two-day, Smart Awards-accredited training programme covering safe working practices in telecoms and utility civils environments, including ducting, underground chambers, excavations, and reinstatement.
It is suitable for ground workers, excavation operatives, site supervisors, telecoms and civil engineering operatives, and new starters entering the utilities or telecoms civils environment.
No prior qualifications or experience are needed. Candidates must be 16 or over, with basic English recommended. Learners should bring appropriate PPE as the course includes practical, on-site training.
The course is delivered over two days, combining classroom-based theory with hands-on practical training covering hazard identification, risk assessment, and safe working in underground and civil environments.
It covers health and safety legislation, risk assessment, manual handling, underground services, confined space working, gas testing, cover lifting, and safe use of plant, tools, and equipment.
Learners complete a 55-question online multiple-choice theory test in 90 minutes with an 80% pass mark, followed by a 30-minute practical assessment. Both parts must be passed to receive the qualification.
A single major fault, or six or more minor faults, will result in an automatic fail of the practical assessment. Both the theory and practical must be passed to achieve the full qualification.
Learners receive the Smart Awards SA006 Safe Working in Civils certificate, approved by Ofqual and valid for three years from the date of successful completion.
Yes. The qualification can be added to an existing NOPS card, or candidates without one can apply through Smart Awards to manage multiple network qualifications on a single card.
The qualification is approved by Ofqual and awarded by Smart Awards, making it a nationally recognised certification for civils and utility network construction roles.
It promotes safe working practices, reduces workplace risks, and builds knowledge of health and safety legislation, helping operatives work safely in live utility environments and meet industry compliance standards.
The SA006 certificate is valid for three years. Learners should complete the available refresher training once the validity period ends to maintain their certification and stay compliant with industry requirements.
