The New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) is an important piece of UK legislation. It governs how works are carried out on public highways. It aims to ensure that works on the highways are carried out safely and efficiently, whilst minimising disruption to the public. To achieve this, the NRSWA requires anyone working on public highways to have the necessary skills and knowledge to do their job safely and effectively. This is where NRSWA training comes in.
Is NRSWA training necessary?
NRSWA training is essential for anyone who works on the public highways in the UK. This includes people who work for utility companies, local authorities, and contractors who carry out works on behalf of them. The training is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to carry out their job safely and effectively. In addition, it ensures compliance with the NRSWA legislation. One of the main reasons why NRSWA training is important is safety. Working on public highways can be dangerous. Therefore it’s essential that individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their job without putting themselves or others at risk. NRSWA training covers a range of topics that are essential for safety, They include traffic management, working in a live carriageway, and excavations.
RoSPA report that setting up temporary traffic management for roadworks is one of the most dangerous jobs that roadworkers do. Therefore, if you have had the necessary training, this should reduce some of the risk because the safety of yourself and others is a key part of your training.
Location avoidance
The NRSWA location and avoidance training unit is essential because it will teach you how to identify and locate underground utilities, such as gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications, before any excavation work takes place. This unit covers the importance of identifying these utilities to avoid damage. As this could lead to service disruption, injury or even fatalities. The training also covers how to use equipment such as cable locators, and how to follow safe digging practices to ensure the safety of workers and the public. Without this training, you could inadvertently damage underground utilities. As mentioned, this could cause serious problems and potentially put lives at risk. Therefore, this unit is essential.
NRSWA Signing, Lighting and Guarding
Traffic management is a critical part of NRSWA training – it is one of the ‘Key Certificates’. This means you must have it to work on the roads and highways, both Operatives and Supervisors. It’s essential that workers have a good understanding of how to manage traffic safely. This can help to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injury to themselves and the public. Workers need to know how to set up traffic management measures, including cones and barriers, and how to communicate effectively with drivers and pedestrians.
You will be working in a live carriageway, this involves carrying out works on roads that are open to traffic. Workers need to know how to do this safely, including how to set up traffic management measures, how to use warning signs and lights, and how to work with other workers to ensure everyone is safe.
NRSWA Excavating
Workers carrying out works on public highways commonly perform excavations. They must possess the knowledge of safe excavation practices such as setting up barriers and signs to alert drivers, operating excavating equipment safely, and backfilling the excavation once the work is finished.
NRSWA training also covers other important topics, including the use of equipment, the management of materials, and the disposal of waste. Workers need to know how to use equipment safely, how to handle materials, and how to dispose of waste in a responsible way.
Get NRSWA trained to be compliant
Another important reason why NRSWA training is essential is compliance. The NRSWA legislation sets out strict rules and regulations for works carried out on public highways. You need to know these rules and regulations and how to comply with them. By doing so, you can avoid legal problems and ensure that the work you are doing is being carried out to the required standard.
NRSWA training also provides you with an opportunity for professional development. By completing the training, you can demonstrate their commitment to learning and improving your skills. This can help you to progress in your careers and open up new opportunities for you in the highways industry.
Have more questions about NRSWA training? Speak to a member of our team via the online chat or give us a call on 0800 0213 263.
Alternatively, to select your NRSWA and book online 24/7, see our NRSWA courses.
Prepare for your NRSWA Streetworks course
Want to prepare for your NRSWA Streetworks course, try out our practice quiz here.