NRSWA Unit 01: Signing, Lighting and Guarding

The NRSWA Signing, Lighting, and Guarding Course, commonly referred to as Unit 2 (O1), focuses on equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge required to safely manage and implement traffic control measures in and around roadworks and construction sites. This course is particularly crucial for those involved in setting up, maintaining, and removing signage, lighting, and guarding equipment that are used to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public near worksites. Participants who complete the course successfully will be eligible to for their Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR) card, essential for working legally on public highways.

What can I expect from the NRSWA Signing Lighting and Guarding course?

The NRSWA (New Roads and Street Works Act) Course in Signing, Lighting, and Guarding, often referred to as Unit 2 (O1), is designed to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely manage and conduct street works that involve setting up signs, lights, and barriers. Here’s what you can expect to learn from the course:

1. Survey the Worksite: Accurately assess the site for potential risks and requirements for traffic management.
2. Protect Pedestrians and Site Personnel: Implement measures to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and workers by effectively separating them from vehicular traffic.
3. Provide Temporary Traffic Control: Design and implement temporary traffic control setups to manage the flow of vehicles and minimise disruption.

The course will cover a comprehensive range of topics necessary to meet legal standards and best practices, including:

• Legal Requirements: Understanding the statutory requirements and compliance obligations related to street works.
• Types of Works: Differentiating between various types of street works and the specific requirements for each.
• Basic Principles of Signing and Guarding: Fundamental techniques for setting up signs and barriers to alert and guide the public and traffic.
• On-site Risk Assessment: Methods to evaluate potential hazards at the worksite and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Single Vehicle Operating: Procedures for managing street works involving single vehicles.
• Works on Footways: Specific considerations and strategies for conducting works on sidewalks and pedestrian paths.
• Cycle Lanes, Tracks, and Routes: Special requirements for works affecting bicycle lanes and paths.
• Methods of Traffic Control: Various approaches to controlling traffic, including manual control and the use of temporary traffic lights.
• Testing and Operating Portable Traffic Signals: Hands-on training on the setup, testing, and operation of portable traffic signals.
• New Signs: Introduction to new signage and updates in signage regulations.
• Speed Control: Techniques for managing speed in and around work zones to enhance safety.
• Procedures for Works Near Tramways and Railways: Special procedures and precautions for conducting works near tram and railway tracks.
• Planning a Signing, Lighting, and Guarding Project: Steps for planning and executing a project, from initial assessment through to completion.

Learners will leave the course with practical skills in traffic management, risk assessment, and the application of safety measures for public and workforce protection during street works. The knowledge gained will help them to efficiently plan and execute street works projects while complying with legal standards and promoting safety.

This course is essential for anyone involved in road works and construction activities on public roads, ensuring they have the expertise to handle and mitigate the complexities of working in public and trafficked areas.

Are there any entry requirements for the NRSWA Signing Lighting and Guarding course?

Whilst there are no formal entry requirements for the NRSWA Signing, Lighting, and Guarding course, you should consider:

• Professional Background: Ideal participants are those currently involved in or preparing to manage roadworks and construction sites where traffic signs and lights are essential. This includes traffic management operatives, highway maintenance technicians, and other construction personnel responsible for street works.
• Understanding of English: Learners must have a good understanding of the English language, as the course materials, instructions, and assessments are all delivered in English. This ensures effective communication and understanding of the course content.

The assessment for the NRSWA Signing, Lighting, and Guarding course typically involves both practical and theoretical evaluations to ensure that participants have fully grasped the necessary skills and knowledge:

Upon successful completion of the NRSWA Unit O1: Signing, Lighting, and Guarding course, participants will receive:

• Street Works Card: A Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR) card, demonstrating the operative's competence in Signing, Lighting, and Guarding. This card is valid for five years and is essential for meeting the regulatory requirements to legally perform street works on public highways. The card specifies Unit O1, indicating the qualification for temporary traffic management.
• Certificate of Competence: An official certificate from an accredited awarding body, such as SQA, City & Guilds, or Lantra, verifying successful completion of the Unit O1. This certificate confirms the operative’s skills and adherence to current NRSWA standards for road and street works safety.

These certifications ensure that operatives are fully qualified to manage traffic and pedestrian safety on site, in compliance with NRSWA and industry requirements.