Smart Awards Level 2 SA010 – Work in Medium Risk Confined Spaces

Key Information

Name

Smart Awards Level 2 SA010 – Work in Medium Risk Confined Spaces

Accreditation

This qualification is approved by:

• Ofqual: Qualification number 610/2931/2

Level

2

Duration

2 days

Guided Learning Hours (Ofqual)

14

Time/Notional Learning Hours (SQA Accreditation)

Ofqual Total Qualification

16

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.

2

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.

Learners must have a face fit certificate and fitted mask (FFP3) or respiration hood (for learners not clean shaven) to complete this qualification

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 Work in Medium Risk Confined Spaces 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 in confined spaces.

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 a medium risk confined space, 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 four 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 SA010 – Work in Medium Risk Confined Spaces qualification:

• Adequate facilities for the storage of equipment used in practical assessments 
• Inspection and maintenance staff (PPE & Work Equipment) 
• Facility for storing ‘quarantined’ equipment 
• Adequate changing facilities and security for learners’ personal belongings 
• Assessment task briefing room(s) for up to 8 learners 
• Showers and toilets for both sexes should be available near to the assessment facility. The assessment briefing room, messing, and changing facilities shall be within proximity (30 minutes) to a range of suitable confined space facilities as appropriate to the assessment. 
• The practical assessment simulated confined space must have dimensions and structures which allow the candidate to experience relevant kinaesthetic sensory changes as well as the deployment of people and materials for the task being assessed. (See rig requirements)
• Simulated confined spaces must be chosen with great care to reflect the various classifications given in each section (high, medium, or low risk) below. (See rig requirements)
• Choice must also follow suitable risk assessments to consider the special case of learners with non-proven skills and ability. 
• The final choice of confined spaces used should provide a range of access openings, which reflect history and current usage. These will be required to practice lifting, signing, guarding, entry and exit routines as well as emergency and escape procedures. (See rig requirements)
• The internal profile of the chosen confined space must be able to reflect the confined space classification and the range of skills a candidate must prove during the assessment
• 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 SA010 – Work in Medium Risk Confined Spaces

• Ofqual: Qualification number 610/2931/2

Minimum TQT for this pathway = 16

Minimum number of credits = 2

Minimum number of units = 1

Minimum number of GLH = 14

Minimum number of assessment time = 1

Other learning time = 1

Unit Number

Unit title

Level

M/O

GLH

ASS

OTHER LEARNING

TQT

CREDITS

T/650/7729

Medium Risk Confined Space

2

M

14

1

1

16

2

1. Know the relevant legislation, guidance, and organisation requirements for working safely in confined spaces

1.1 Outline the main principles of health and safety and environmental legislation and regulations

1.2 State your individual responsibilities for maintaining your own and others health and safety in the workplace

1.3 State the requirements placed upon you and your organisation by current legislation

1.4 State the current industry guidance concerning working safely in confined spaces

1.5 Outline your own organisation’s policies, procedures and working practices relevant to working safely in confined spaces

1.6 Outline your organisation’s ‘Permit to Work’ procedures

1.7 State how to identify weils disease and sewage decontamination

2. Know how to work safely in confined spaces

2.1 Explain how enclosed areas could become confined spaces due to the presence of a hazard

2.2 List the principal types of hazards associated with working in a confined space

3. Be able to carry out a risk Assessment                                                                                                                                          

3.1 Identify risks and their controls

3.2 Identify risks associated with static discharges and how to minimise risk of static discharge

3.3 Identify the principal factors to be considered when assessing risk

3.4 Demonstrate how to assess risk for working safely in confined space

3.5 Identify how to reduce the risk to an acceptable level for the work to be carried out

4. Know how to deal with emergencies                                                                                                                                                     

4.1 Explain how emergency situations can arise in a confined space

4.2 Outline procedures for dealing with emergencies

4.3 Describe communications and reporting systems for emergency situations

5. Be able to demonstrate safe systems of work

5.1 Demonstrate procedures and methods of working, suitable to low or medium risk environments and local conditions

5.2 Monitor conditions and work activity

5.3 Communicate with others whilst working in confined spaces

5.4 Report routine and non-routine work activities and resolving problems

6. Be able to carry out pre use inspections

6.1 Confirm that gas detectors are operating correctly, and are suited to the atmosphere suspected to be present

6.2 Undertake all appropriate pre-operational checks correctly, including air quality and safe access

6.3 Wear suitable PPE, including where appropriate, masks that are suited for the purpose and in date

7. Be able to work safely in confined spaces

7.1 Demonstrate workplace safety

7.2 Carry out safe systems of work operations

7.3 Demonstrate fall arrest systems

7.4 Carry out safe entry and exits