NRSWA Operative Course | Streetworks Operative Card | NRSWA Streetworks Operative

Ensuring Street Works Safety and Compliance

What is a NRSWA Operative Course?

The NRSWA (New Roads and Street Works Act) Operative Course equips participants with the skills and knowledge required to perform street works to the standards mandated by the NRSWA. This training ensures that operatives can safely carry out road and street works, including excavation, reinstatement, and setting up appropriate traffic management systems. Most candidates will either take an NRSWA operative or supervisor course. For the operative course, it generally consists of units 1-6+9 or 1-7+9, depending on the specific nature of the work being performed.

Course Content

What can I expect from NRSWA Streetworks Operative training?

Participants will gain proficiency in:

Legislation and Standards: Understanding the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) and associated codes of practice.
Excavation and Reinstatement: Performing excavation and reinstatement of roadways and pavements in compliance with industry standards.
Traffic Management: Setting up signs, lighting, and barriers to protect both the public and workers.
Health and Safety: Implementing best practices for health and safety on site.
Practical Skills: Gaining hands-on experience with tools and equipment used in street works.

Course Modules:

LA - Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus: Identifying and avoiding underground utilities.
O1 - Signing, Lighting, and Guarding: Setting up safe and effective traffic management systems.
O2 - Excavation in the Highway: Techniques and standards for highway excavation.
O3 - Reinstatement and Compaction of Backfill Materials: Methods for backfilling and compacting excavated areas.
O4 - Reinstatement of Sub-base and Roadbase in Non-Bituminous Materials: Procedures for reinstating non-bituminous materials.
O5 - Reinstatement in Bituminous Materials: Techniques for using bituminous materials in reinstatement.
O6 - Reinstatement of Hot Lay Bituminous Materials: Techniques for hot lay bituminous reinstatement (subject to centre).
O7 - Reinstatement of Concrete Slabs: Processes for reinstating concrete road slabs (subject to centre).
O8 - Reinstatement of Modular Surfaces and Concrete Footways: Skills for restoring modular surfaces and concrete footways.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the NRSWA Operative course?

This course is designed for individuals who are currently involved or aspiring to be involved in street works. While no prior experience is strictly necessary, having previous experience working on roads or in construction can be advantageous. Basic literacy and numeracy skills are also beneficial, as the course involves both theoretical learning and practical assessments.

Assessment

How is the NRSWA Operative Course assessed?

The assessment process includes:

Practical Demonstration: Candidates are required to perform practical tasks to demonstrate their competence in a controlled environment. This includes tasks related to excavation, reinstatement, and setting up traffic management systems.
Written Examination: A written test covering the theoretical aspects of the course, including legislation, standards, and safety procedures. This ensures that participants understand the regulations and principles behind the practical tasks they perform.
Online Timed Exams: Some units may require candidates to complete timed online exams to assess their understanding of specific competencies.
Instructor Feedback: Continuous feedback is provided by instructors throughout the practical sessions to help refine techniques and ensure that candidates are competent in all required skills

Certification

Upon successful completion of the NRSWA Operative Course, participants will receive:

Streetworks Card: A Streetworks card, valid for five years, demonstrating their competence in performing street works according to NRSWA standards. This card, often referred to as the NRSWA Operative Card, is issued by the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) and lists the units of competence achieved during the course.
Certificate of Competence: An official certificate from the awarding body (such as CABWI, SQA, Lantra, or City and Guilds), confirming the successful completion of the course and the specific units achieved. This certificate is essential for legal compliance and safe operation on public highways.

These certifications are crucial for ensuring that all street works are conducted safely, legally, and to the required standards. They are recognised by employers and regulatory bodies, helping to enhance the professional credibility of the operatives.

FAQs

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FAQs

What is a NRSWA Operative?

An NRSWA Operative is a trained and certified individual responsible for carrying out street works in compliance with the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) 1991. The role involves various tasks essential for maintaining, installing, and repairing infrastructure on public highways, such as roads, pavements, and underground utilities.

Key Responsibilities of an NRSWA Operative:

Excavation and Reinstatement: Performing safe and effective excavation and reinstatement of roadways and pavements. This includes digging trenches, laying cables, pipes, or ducts, and restoring the surface to its original condition.
Traffic Management: Setting up and managing signs, lighting, and barriers to ensure the safety of both the public and the workers. This includes understanding and implementing proper traffic management systems during street works.
Compliance with Regulations: Ensuring that all street works are conducted in compliance with the NRSWA and associated codes of practice. This involves following guidelines for safety, environmental protection, and quality of work.
Use of Tools and Equipment: Utilising various tools and equipment necessary for street works. This includes handling machinery for excavation, compaction, and reinstatement of different materials.
Health and Safety: Implementing best practices for health and safety to prevent accidents and injuries on-site. This includes adhering to safety protocols and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Training and Certification:

To become an NRSWA Operative, individuals must complete a training course that covers multiple units related to street works. The standard units include location and avoidance of underground apparatus, signing, lighting, and guarding, excavation in the highway, and various reinstatement techniques using different materials. Upon successful completion of the training and assessments, operatives receive a Streetworks card valid for five years, which lists the units they are certified in.

Importance of the Role:

NRSWA Operatives play a critical role in maintaining the safety and functionality of public highways. Their work ensures that infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and safely, minimising disruptions to the public and adhering to legal requirements. This role is essential for the upkeep and development of transportation and utility networks, contributing to public safety and infrastructure reliability.

What are the NRSWA units?

The NRSWA (New Roads and Street Works Act) units for operatives cover various aspects of street works to ensure safety and compliance with the Act. The standard units typically included in an NRSWA Operative Course are as follows:

Unit 1 (LA) - Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus: Training on identifying and avoiding underground utilities to prevent damage during excavation.
Unit 2 (O1) - Signing, Lighting, and Guarding: Instruction on setting up safe and effective traffic management systems.
Unit 3 (O2) - Excavation in the Highway: Techniques and standards for performing safe and compliant excavation work on highways.
Unit 4 (O3) - Reinstatement and Compaction of Backfill Materials: Methods for properly backfilling and compacting excavated areas.
Unit 5 (O4) - Reinstatement of Sub-base and Roadbase in Non-Bituminous Materials: Procedures for reinstating sub-base and roadbase layers using non-bituminous materials.
Unit 6 (O5) - Reinstatement in Bituminous Materials: Techniques for reinstating surfaces with bituminous materials.
Unit 7 (O6) - Reinstatement of Hot Lay Bituminous Materials: Specialised techniques for using hot lay bituminous materials (subject to training centre availability).
Unit 8 (O7) - Reinstatement of Concrete Slabs: Processes for reinstating concrete road slabs (subject to training centre availability).
Unit 9 (O8) - Reinstatement of Modular Surfaces and Concrete Footways: Skills for restoring modular surfaces and concrete footways.

These units cover the essential skills required for operatives to carry out street works safely and to the standards required by the NRSWA. Each unit involves both theoretical learning and practical assessments to ensure comprehensive understanding and competence. Upon successful completion, operatives receive certification and a Streetworks card listing the units they are qualified in, valid for five years.

What is NRSWA Unit 10?

NRSWA Unit 10 - Monitoring Signing, Lighting, and Guarding

NRSWA Unit 10 focuses on the skills required for supervising the setting up of signs, lighting, and guarding for street works to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. This unit is typically part of the training for NRSWA Supervisors, who are responsible for overseeing street works and ensuring that all traffic management measures are correctly implemented and maintained.

Key Learning Objectives of NRSWA Unit 10:

Understanding Regulations: Learn about the legal requirements and guidelines for signing, lighting, and guarding under the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA). This includes understanding the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice.
Supervising Traffic Management: Gain skills in supervising the setup and maintenance of traffic management systems, including signs, cones, barriers, and lights to protect both the public and the workforce.
Site Safety: Ensure that all street works sites are safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. This involves assessing potential hazards and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate risks.
Practical Implementation: Hands-on training in setting up and inspecting traffic management equipment on-site, ensuring all elements are correctly placed and functioning.
Incident Management: Learn how to respond to and manage incidents or emergencies that may occur on-site, including communicating effectively with emergency services and other stakeholders.

Importance of NRSWA Unit 10:

Legal Compliance: Ensuring compliance with legal standards and guidelines helps avoid penalties and enhances safety on street works sites.
Public Safety: Proper supervision of signing, lighting, and guarding reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to the public.
Efficient Workflow: Effective supervision ensures that street works projects are completed smoothly and efficiently without unnecessary delays caused by safety issues.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the training and assessments for NRSWA Unit 10, candidates receive a certification indicating their competence in supervising signing, lighting, and guarding tasks. This certification is often included as part of a broader NRSWA Supervisor qualification and is valid for five years.