Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (RQF)

The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (RQF) is a qualification designed for individuals working or planning to work in the construction industry. It provides foundational knowledge and understanding of health and safety practices specific to construction environments. This course is a prerequisite for obtaining the CSCS Green Card, which allows individuals to work on construction sites in the UK.

What can I expect from this Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment training course?

The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (RQF) training course is structured to give you a comprehensive understanding of key health and safety principles required for working on construction sites. Here’s what you can expect based on the topics mentioned:

1. Principles of Risk Assessment

• Risk Assessment Fundamentals: Learning how to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement controls to maintain and improve safety.
• Insurance and Workplace Morale: Understanding how accidents can impact morale, productivity, and insurance costs.
• Reporting Accidents: Procedures for documenting and reporting workplace accidents to prevent recurrence.
• Safe Equipment Use and Storage: Guidelines on proper handling and storage of tools and materials to reduce risks.

2. Importance of Safe Manual Handling in the Workplace

• Manual Handling Techniques: Safe methods for lifting, carrying, and moving items to avoid injuries.
• Equipment for Handling: Proper use of pallet trucks, slings, wheelbarrows, and trolleys to move and store materials safely.
• Preventing Injuries: Emphasis on reducing musculoskeletal problems through safe manual handling practices.

3. Importance of Working Safely at Height

• Safe Systems of Work: Developing procedures to minimize risks when working at height.
• Protective Measures: Using safety harnesses, guardrails, and nets for fall prevention.
• Working on Ladders and Scaffolds: Proper setup and use of ladders, roofs, and scaffolds to ensure stability and safety.
• Securing Tools and Equipment: Preventing dropped objects by securing tools when working at height.

4. Risks to Health within a Construction Environment

• Common Health Risks: Understanding and managing risks such as hand-arm vibration, noise-induced hearing loss, respiratory illnesses, and musculoskeletal problems.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Eye protection for shielding against debris.
• Hand and arm protection for handling sharp or hazardous materials.
• Exposure Control: Implementing measures to reduce exposure to hazardous conditions.

5. Importance of Working Around Plant and Equipment Safely

• Machinery Hazards: Identifying risks from moving machinery and strategies to avoid being struck, trapped, or injured.
• Buried Services: Avoiding damage to underground cables and pipes during construction work.
• Debris and Dust Control: Managing flying debris and dust to protect workers from injuries or respiratory issues.
• Electrical and Burn Hazards: Minimising risks from electric shocks, burns, and associated hazards.
• Tool Safety: Safe handling, changing, and use of tooling to prevent accidents.

The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (RQF) has simple entry requirements:

1. English Skills: Basic understanding of English to read, understand, and complete the course and test.
2. ID: A valid photo ID, like a passport or driver’s license, is needed.
3. No Experience Needed: The course is for beginners, no prior knowledge of construction or health and safety required.

If you’re applying for a CSCS Green Labourer Card, you’ll also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test after completing this course.

The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (RQF) is assessed through a straightforward process to ensure you understand the course material. Here's how it's done:

Multiple-Choice Test:

• The main assessment method is a multiple-choice exam.
• You'll answer questions related to the topics covered in the course, such as risk assessment, manual handling, working at height, and using equipment safely.
• The pass mark varies slightly by provider but is generally around 80%.

Practical Scenarios (if applicable):

• Some providers may include practical exercises or role-playing scenarios to help reinforce learning, though this is not always formally assessed.

Feedback:

• After completing the test, you'll receive feedback and your results. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate.

Once you pass, your training provider will notify an the awarding body, such as Highfield Qualifications, Pearson, or another recognised organisation within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The awarding body issues the official certificate.