Smart Awards Level 2 SA002- Underground Safety

Key Information

Name

Smart Awards Level 2 SA002 Underground Safety

Accreditation

This qualification is approved by:

• SQA Accreditation. Qualification number R639 04
• Ofqual: Qualification number 603/7546/02

Level

2

Duration

1 day

Guided Learning Hours (Ofqual)

8

Time/Notional Learning Hours (SQA Accreditation)

8

Ofqual Total Qualification

10

RQF – Ofqual Credit -Credit value represents the size of a unit which is determined by the learning time. One credit = 10 hours of notional learning.

1

Age

16 Plus

Qualification Type

Vocationally Related Qualification

Smart Awards Product Area

Safety Qualifications

Sector Subject Area

6.1 – Digital technology (practitioners​)

Certification

This qualification is valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of certificate issue. To remain compliant and eligible to work on telecommunications networks, individuals must renew their qualification before the expiry date.

Network Operative Passport Scheme (NOPS)

This qualification is fully aligned with the requirements of the Network Operative Passport Scheme (NOPS). Successful completion of this qualification is recorded within the NOPS system, ensuring operatives are visible and verifiable to employers and site access systems across the industry.

Prerequisites and Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements and Smart Awards will not restrict access on the grounds of prior academic attainment, employment, geographic location, or any other grounds. There are no barriers to access or progression, supporting inclusivity and equal opportunity for all learners.
Learners must have a basic understanding of the English language for regulated qualifications that are approved by Ofqual or SQA Accreditation.
Please note: The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) requires at least one person on site to hold a Street Works card to work on the highway. This Smart Awards accreditation is based on a pre-requisite that any work on the highway requires appropriate Street Works accreditation to be held by an individual working on site, and that this individual is qualified to check that the planned provision of footways, traffic lanes and safety zones determined by the site survey meets with the requirements of the site location and approved procedures and practices required by the NRSWA 1991.
Some companies’ policies may vary where more than one person on site is required to hold a valid Street Works card.

Mandatory units and optional routes to completion.

Learners must complete the Underground Safety unit in full to achieve this qualification. No optional units or routes are available.

Additional requirements to achieve this qualification.

None

Methods of Assessment

This qualification will be assessed through a practical and theory test. The aim of the assessment is to ensure successful learners have adequate knowledge and understanding of working underground in a telecommunications environment.
Assessment guidance, assessor requirements and additional qualification documentation is supplied to approved Smart Awards centres via Quartz.

Theory test

Learners are required to pass a 20-question multiple-choice test, with questions randomly selected from a secure question bank to ensure comprehensive coverage of all assessment criteria. The test is timed, and learners will have 30 minutes to complete it.
All multiple-choice tests are conducted online via the Smart Awards online assessment platform.

Practical assessment

During the practical assessment, the learner will demonstrate competency when performing all pre works checks, setting up the site and safely entering an underground chamber, then clearing the site. The learner will have 30 minutes to complete the practical assessment

Grading

Learners will be graded (Fail or Pass) on an achievement or non-achievement basis.
The final grade will be determined by collective performance in the two assessment tools (theory and practical).
Learners are required to achieve both the theory and practical assessments to achieve the qualification.

• Theory – To achieve a pass, 80% or more is required.
• Practical – If one major fault is given the learner will automatically fail.
• Learners must receive fewer than six minor faults to pass the practical assessment.

If there are major health and safety failures due to learners’ actions or understanding, the assessment MUST be stopped. The learner should be taken to a suitable area to be explained the reason for stopping the assessment and that his assessment is deemed as failed.
Guidance on the major failures that should result in stopping the assessment is provided in the practical assessment.

Reasonable adjustments and special considerations

Smart Awards approved centres that have learners with specific requirements should refer to the Smart Awards Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy and Procedure. This document outlines the support available to ensure fair access to assessments. It can be found on the Smart Awards website at www.smartawards.co.uk

Recognition of Prior Learning

Smart Awards is committed to supporting Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and has established a dedicated policy and set of procedures to guide and assist approved centres in its implementation. The full policy is available on the Smart Awards website at www.smartawards.co.uk

Required resources and site requirements for delivering this Qualification

To ensure a safe and effective learning and assessment environment, the following site requirements must be met for the delivery of the SA002 Underground Safety qualification:

• Access to a suitable training area that simulates real-world underground telecoms environments, including chambers, duct, or other relevant infrastructure.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn by all learners and assessors, including safety helmets, high-visibility clothing, gloves, and appropriate footwear.
• The site must comply with current health and safety regulations, including safe access/egress, signage, and emergency procedures.
• Adequate first aid provision must be available on-site throughout the training and assessment period.
• The site must provide access to classroom or indoor facilities for the delivery of theoretical content and the completion of the online multiple-choice assessment.

SMART AWARDS LEVEL 2 in SA002 UNDERGROUND SAFETY

• Ofqual: Qualification number 603/7546/02
• SQA Accreditation. Qualification number R639 04

Minimum TQT for this pathway = 10

Minimum number of credits = 1

Minimum number of units = 1

Minimum number of GLH = 8

Minimum number of assessment time = 1

Other learning time = 1

Unit Number

Unit title

Level

M/O

GLH

ASS

OTHER LEARNING

TQT

CREDITS

J/618/7223

Underground Safety

2

M

8

1

1

10

1

1. Be able to work safely

1.1.  Identify the hazards and risks associated with the working area and the proposed work.

1.2.  Work in a way which maintains health and safety and is consistent with relevant legislation and industry good practice.

1.3.  Use correct personal protective equipment (PPE).

1.4.  Undertake equipment and tool safety checks.

1.5.  Carry out work to minimise environmental damage.

2. Be able to carry out gas testing safely

2.1.  Carry out a site-specific risk assessment

2.2.  Use safe method adopted by industry for testing gas in chambers and operational buildings.

2.3.  Use testing tools and equipment in accordance with work instructions.

2.4.  Check condition of gas testing tools and equipment.

2.5.  Perform gas and water test safely.

3. Be able to demonstrate safe methods of testing for lifting covers before working underground

3.1.  Use correct manual handling methods.

3.2.  Use tools and equipment used in the industry for lifting covers from joint boxes and manholes safely.

3.3.  Remove and replace joint box and carriageway covers safely.

3.4.  Use utility prints to aid in the location of chambers.

4. Know relevant health and safety legislation and industry good practice

4.1.  Outline the key health and safety legislation and industry good practice.

4.2.  Outline the key health and safety regulations that need to be observed when working underground.

4.3.  Describe how to use and maintain tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.

4.4.  Outline the emergency planning procedures relevant to the work area.

5. Know the hazards of working in underground chambers or structures

5.1.  State the dangers when entering underground chambers or structures.

5.2.  Outline the equipment used by industry for detecting gas.

5.3.  Describe what needs to be done if gas is found.

5.4.  State the types of gases.

5.5.  State safe working in locations which, potentially, have hazardous gas.

5.6.  Outline the reporting requirements where gas has been found.

5.7.  Outline the requirements for water testing.

5.8.  Describe how to keep own safety and safety of others.

6. Know how to carry out cover lifting safely

6.1.  State how to manage the risks associated with cover lifting.

6.2.  State how to avoid injury to operatives and the general public.

6.3.  Outline the different covers used.

6.4.  Describe how to identify polluted water in underground structures in line with environmental requirements.

6.5.  State how to avoid damage to underground apparatus.