SA011 – Locate and Clear Duct Blockages

Who is the SA011 Smart Awards for?

The SA0011 - Locate and Clear Blockages Smart Awards accreditation is aimed at those working in the telecommunications industry on the utilities infrastructure.

What will you learn?

On successful completion of this 1 day course, delegates will be able to demonstrate the use of safe methods for locating and clearing blockages in the telecoms utility pipe networks when working on the utilities infrastructure. The purpose of this accreditation is to equip delegates with the knowledge and skills to locate and clear pipe blockage including how to excavate and reinstate surfaces on utility network plant.

SA011 - Locate and Clear Blockages Course Learning Outcomes

• Know the processes, regulations and legislations associated with working safely in locate and clear blockages in utilities
• Know the procedures, tools, equipment, and materials for excavation for locate and clear blockages in utilities, including excavation and reinstate surfaces on utility network plant
• Be able to carry out locate pipe blockage including excavation surfaces on utility network plant
• Be able to carry out clear and repair pipe blockage including reinstating surfaces on utility network plant

Streetworks

Please be aware 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.

Confined Spaces

This accreditation does not qualify an individual to enter a confined space. Those individuals who need to enter confined spaces MUST hold appropriate accreditation / accreditation to enter confined spaces. Any references made in this material to confined spaces are for information only and to make learners aware of the risks and presence of gases that may also be present in confined spaces.

You will be assessed via your practical and theory assessment, on the following criteria:

• Outline the legislation, codes of practice, procedures and the main responsibilities of the employer and employee in relation to health and safety, the environment, lone working, hazardous materials, excavations, tools and equipment, accidents, emergencies, roads, and street works
• State how to carry out and review site specific risk assessments and apply the necessary control measures

Outline the company structures, reporting lines, roles, responsibilities, and levels of authority inside and outside the highway operations team including site management structures

• State how to identify and apply safe handling and disposal procedures for hazardous and non-hazardous materials
• Outline the range, use and importance of personal protective equipment for the work activity and procedures for checking PPE is fit for purpose, including storing
• Describe the safe procedures for handling and using excavation equipment
• State how to protect the supply apparatus for utilities and other agencies, above and below ground services, built structures and the natural environment including foundations, tree roots, and natural watercourses
• State the types of hand and power tools, and motorised equipment, their uses and maintenance requirements including those used for compaction
• State how to confirm that the location of excavation, cavity and trenches is in accordance with instructions and work specifications
• State how to determine potential deep excavation, confined spaces, and hazardous materials and how to clarify where information appears to be incorrect or insufficient
• Outline the approved procedures and practices and statutory requirements to determine the requirement for excavation support
• Outline the requirements and methods used to track and locate underground services
• Outline the tools, equipment and materials and process used for identifying location of blockage in the utility pipe networks
• State the processes for making good the pipe after the blockage is cleared and the tests to confirm that this has been achieved successfully including the organisations processes
• Describe how to protect supply apparatus and sub-structures in accordance with relevant codes of practice
• Describe the impact of weather related to these activities
• Outline the regulations and dangers associated with asbestos
• Outline the requirements to maintain conditions, safety and security of excavations and the site in line with operational and regulatory requirements
• Describe the requirements to store and dispose of waste and surplus materials in accordance with work instructions and statutory and regulatory Codes of Practice
• Describe how to report any problems and record and store required data and information in organisational information systems
• Demonstrate how to prepare and use correct tools and equipment
• Carry out risk assessment and the control measures necessary for the works
• Demonstrate correct PPE requirements under the Personal Protective Equipment at work regulations and procedure for checking PPE is fit for purpose
• Monitor site safety and security and respond to any unsafe situations
• Locate and identify underground network plant including able to read utility prints
• Identify over ground signage and marker posts
• Interpret plans and drawings (Job Packs) and follow instructions
• Follow company procedure for identification and application of safe procedure for handling hazardous and non-hazardous materials
• Identify and adhere to processes when handling materials subject to COSHH regulations
• Follow organisations procedures for handling new, used, and contaminated materials
• Carry out safe dig processes
• Identify marking and carry out pilot hole to identify and locate blockage in network plant infrastructures
• Use industry methods and equipment for identifying and locating pipe blockage
• Follow organisations method statement for repair of various diameter pipe made of different materials
• Follow organisations method statement for repair of earthenware or Self Aligning pipe
• Follow organisations method statement for repair and removal of asbestos pipe
• Use the tools and materials for removing damaged sections of pipe and repairing the removed section to make good
• Identify and use correct repair kit for the pipe type using the organisations method statements
• Clear blockage in pipe bends and swept tees
• Clear blockages and affect a repair to pipes that are occupied by cables
• Test the box-to-box section of the repaired pipe network
• Reinstate the excavation in accordance with the NRSWA requirements
• Leave site secured, sign and guarded to the NRSWA requirements for the next activity, repair of network, to take place
• Clear the site and report the site status and record
• Store information to organisational requirements

Assessment

The course includes both practical and theory assessment.

• Practical Assessment - where you will demonstrate your knowledge of practical tasks
• Theory test which is composed of multiple choice questions

On receiving payment for your SA011 - Locate and Clear Duck Blockages, an email with your ‘course joining instructions’ is sent to you.
This document includes the following details:

• Your chosen course date
• Course start time at your chosen venue
• Address of your chosen venue, including a map screenshot
• Details of what to do if you need any special requirements to complete the course

You need to bring photographic ID, such as a driving licence or passport with you.

Lunch is not included, so please provide your own.

Entry Requirements

This qualification is available to anyone over the age of 16 years old. There are no formal entry requirements and Smart Awards will not restrict access on the grounds of prior academic attainment, age, employment, geographic location or any other grounds. There are no barriers that restrict access or progression, thereby promoting equality. It is expected however, that learners will have a level of literacy adequate to cope with both the theory and practical assessments.

Assessment

The course includes both practical and theory assessment.

• Practical Assessment - where you will demonstrate your knowledge of practical tasks
• Theory test which is composed of multiple choice questions

Certification

This Smart Awards certificate is valid for 3 years, you will then need to complete the qualification again or attend a refresher course if available, to renew your qualification.

Please download the course overview below, easy to print and email if you need to share course information with a manager or colleague. If you would like an overview sent to you, please fill out the form below.

Please download the course overview below, easy to print and email if you need to share course information with a manager or colleague. If you would like an overview sent to you, please fill out the form below.