SmartAwards , Health & Safety, Telecoms, Utilities

SA002 – Underground Safety

The Smart Awards SA002 qualification equips learners with the essential knowledge and skills to work safely on or near underground structures and operational buildings.

Identify hazards and potential risks associated with underground work.
Understand health and safety legislation and compliance requirements.
Develop knowledge of safety precautions necessary for working within the underground network.
Assess dangers and risks related to underground structures and operational buildings.

This course tests learners' understanding of workplace safety, ensuring they are equipped to mitigate risks and follow best practices while working in these environments.

Next course date: 31/12/2025

What you'll learn

Upon successful completion, learners will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills across two key modules:

Module 1: Gas Testing

Learners will:

Understand tools, equipment, and safe industry practices for gas testing in chambers and operational buildings.
Recognise potential dangers when entering underground chambers or structures.
Identify equipment used for gas detection in the industry.
Learn the necessary actions if gas is detected.
Ensure safe working practices in hazardous gas locations.
Prioritise personal and public safety.
Understand relevant legislation and regulations.

Module 2: Cover Lifting

Learners will:

Understand legislation and regulations related to cover lifting.
Identify and manage risks associated with cover lifting.
Apply correct manual handling techniques to prevent injury.
Use industry-approved tools and equipment for lifting joint box and manhole covers safely.
Recognise and safely remove different types of covers, including multiple-cover structures.
Identify polluted water in underground structures, following environmental guidelines.
Avoid damage to underground apparatus.
Use utility prints to locate chambers (optional).

Target Delegates

This qualification is designed for individuals working in telecommunications or similar utility environments. It serves as an entry-level course and is a prerequisite for advanced training in areas such as fibre network installation and underground surveys.

Prerequisites

There are no formal entry requirements for the SA002 course. Access is open to all, regardless of:

Academic background
Age
Employment status
Geographic location

However, the qualification assumes that any work on highways requires compliance with the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) 1991. At least one person on-site must hold the appropriate Street Works Card to ensure that safety measures, footways, traffic lanes, and safety zones meet legal requirements.

Additionally, this course does not qualify learners to enter confined spaces. Individuals requiring confined space access must obtain separate, appropriate qualifications. Any references to confined spaces in this course are for awareness purposes only.