NRSWA Operative Course

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.

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.

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.