I work on the roads, what training do I need?

Posted on written by Marvin

NRSWA Courses - I work on the road what training do I need

If you are working on the roads, whether you are digging up the roads, reinstating or just need to barrier of an area while you are cutting a tree or working in a distribution board you will need to complete NRSWA training.

What NRSWA training units do I need for what jobs?

If you are the one who is going to be carrying out the digging/setting out work, you will need to complete the NRSWA Operative training. There are 9 different units for the operative training. If you aren’t going to be doing any of the setting out or digging, but have been told that you need a NRSWA ticket, you will need to complete the NRSWA Supervisor course. Completing the Supervisor course and receiving your Supervisor card doesn’t qualify you to carry out work of an Operative.

If you are setting out barriers and signs for work to take place, you will need Units LA and unit O1. These are called key units, which must be undertaken to complete any other units regarding digging and replacing the road surface. Like the example above of a tree surgeon, if you are setting out barriers and signs to protect yourself and the public then you can complete the O1 signing, lighting and guarding unit (often referred to as the SLG unit) on its own.

What is the difference between Operative and Supervisor units?

The NRSW (New Roads and Street Works) Act states that you can not be an Operative and a Supervisor on site. You can hold both qualifications, and many people do, but you can not supervise yourself completing the work! Supervisors do not need to be on site all the time, however they must be there to check after a site has been left overnight or once signing. lighting and guarding has been set up for example.

NRSWA Operative units and codes

LA – Location & avoidance of underground apparatus
O1- Signing, lighting and guarding
O2 – Excavation in the highway
O3 – Reinstatement & compaction of backfill materials
O4 – Reinstatement of sub base & road in non bituminous materials
O5 – Reinstatement of cold-lay bituminous materials
O6 – Reinstatement of hot lay bituminous materials (subject to centre)
O7 – Reinstatement of concrete slabs (subject to centre)
O8 – Reinstatement of modular surfaces and concrete footways

NRSWA Supervisor units and codes

LA – Location and avoidance of underground apparatus
S1 – Monitoring, signing, lighting and guarding
S2 – Monitoring excavation in the highway
S3 – Monitoring reinstatement & compaction of backfill layer
S4 – Monitoring reinstatement of sub and road base in non bituminous material
S5 – Monitoring reinstatement of bituminous materials (subject to centre)
S6 – Monitoring reinstatement of concrete slabs (subject to centre)
S7 – Monitoring reinstatement of modular surfaces and concrete footways

Booking a NRSWA training course

We run the NRSWA courses UK wide at training centres. The unit combinations vary at each of the training centres. The most popular unit combination on the Operative or Supervisor training is the full course (minus O7 or S6). To complete the full course is 5 days of training. You can check prices, locations and dates on the NRSWA Operative or the NRSWA Supervisor pages. You can also make bookings directly on our website if you know what units you need.

If you have any questions about NRSWA training, which course is suitable for you or to find out when the soonest is that you can get booked onto a course please do not hesitate to contact us.

42 Responses to “I work on the roads, what training do I need?”

  1. Kevin payne

    I have done my chapter 8 signage course. Can I litter pick fast rds 40 mph to 60mph on this course

    Reply
    • Amy Glover

      Hi Kevin,

      The signing, lighting and guarding course covers works on ‘single carriage ways, and dual carriage ways with a speed limit of 40mph or more’. It is best to contact the local authority of where you will be litter picking to check with them directly that you are covered on these roads with the Chapter 8 course, and whether they could support in terms of a supervisor if you are not part of a team.
      Thanks,
      Amy

      Reply
  2. Richard

    I would workers completing veg clearance on ver under TM require NRSWA ticket

    Reply
  3. Nathan Wedgbury

    We have cable jointers who will be working within coned off areas of the highway (under a Section 50), do they need to hold a NRSWA card?

    Reply
    • Amy Glover

      Hi Nathan,

      Thank you for your question. I would love to be able to give you a straight forward answer, however, there are a few points to consider in your comment. I have passed your email address onto a member of our training team who will be in contact soon to run through the situation you have and any training that you may want to consider for your team.

      Amy

      Reply
  4. hal charteris

    I am responsible for a ditch that runs along the verge by the highway, in a cul de sac with little traffic. I will not be digging up the highway, but removing silt from the ditch. Can you let me know what qualification i need as an operator of the digger and as a supervisor? Many thanks

    Reply
  5. Richard Richard Gillett

    I am a Works Manager for a local authority and i have received a request from a resident to put up temporary speed awareness signs alongside a 30mph road.
    Do I need training to do this?
    If so, what training do I need?
    The lamp columns that the signs will be attached to are very close to the road edge, so would traffic control be needed?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Eden

      Hi Richard, thank you for getting in touch. Our training advisor has emailed you the details. If you require further information, please let us know.

      Reply
  6. Dominic Roche

    Hi, if I hold a current card with all units, how many operatives can I have working with me who don’t have the qualifications?

    Reply
    • Amy Glover

      Hi Dominic, thanks for getting in touch.
      As far as I am aware, there must be at least one qualified supervisor for the site and one qualified operative working at the site. Ideally, all those working on roads should have the qualifications to do so. However, the number of unqualified operatives allowed may vary depending on the rules of the council for that area, so I would suggest getting in touch with them for confirmation of numbers.
      Amy

      Reply
  7. Clive Stewart

    Morning Team,
    I’m potentially due to work on a scaffold sited in a two way traffic management system. Do I require road side training?
    Regards Clive Stewart

    Reply
    • Amy Glover

      Hi Clive,
      Thank you for getting in touch with us! As long as you are not working directly on the road itself or setting up the two way traffic management system, I don’t believe you would need any streetworks training. However, we strongly advise that you check with the principle contractor on the job to confirm this. Due to the proximity to the road, it is likely a risk assessment will be completed to assess everyone’s safety.
      I hope that helps!
      Amy

      Reply
  8. Steven McIntosh

    I got my Lantra t2 two way lights training and assessment on a 30mph but my company says now I am allowed to put 2way up too 60mph single carriageway is this true

    Reply
    • Amy Glover

      Hi Steven,
      Just to be sure, I would contact Lantra themselves or the provider of your training and assessment to answer your question. You are right to check what you are qualified for, rather than take someone else’s word for it.
      As a comparison, the NRSWA Signing Lighting and Guarding training that we provide qualifies you to set up on a single carriageway up to 50mph.
      Thanks,
      Amy

      Reply
  9. Marty

    Hello. I am a qualified 180/360 excavator operator of 30 yrs. I am being told by my employer here on the Isle of Man that I need to sit a 5 day streetworks course to carry on working on the highway. All my work is machine based so I do not see any need for me to do this. Am I right?

    Reply
    • Thomas Williamson

      Hi Marty,

      Different councils have different requirements for working on the roads, it is best to check with your local council to ensure you are working safely.

      Some employers may ask you to take the NRSWA to lower risks following internal risk assessments.

      Thanks
      Tom

      Reply
  10. stephen johnstone

    i work in scotland for a local authority do i need a street works ticket to fix potholes and gullys on certain rds and put out signs cones thanks

    Reply
  11. Andrew

    I am currently booked to do NRSWA operative course, what knowledge do I need for the course. I have started reading the “reading materials” in my confirmation email but reading everything is over 300 pages. Is there is slimmed down version of information I need to learn before the course or will I be told everything I need to know during the 5 day course

    Reply
    • Sam Barton

      Hi Andrew,

      Everything you need is covered during the course, there aren’t any entry requirements.

      We provide the documents more as a reference you may find useful while working. If you’re unsure of anything during the course speak to your trainer, they’ll point you in the right direction and will be happy to help.

      Hope this helps, and if there’s anything else please let me know.

      Sam

      Reply
  12. Adrian curtis

    My company I work for hire traffic lights out and asked me to do a battery change with out training or working on roads without training. I refused is this correct for me to do so as I didn’t feel comfortable doing the job. I was thinking more the lights going down and having to set them up with out knowledge by myself.

    Reply
    • Sam Barton

      Hi Adrian,

      Legally in most situations setting out traffic lights, signs and cones you need a streetworks card. If you don’t have one they shouldn’t be asking you to do it.

      Even in situations where you don’t need a card, your employer is responsible for ensuring you are adequately trained to do the task they’re asking you to do. If something went wrong the HSE would want to see evidence of your competence.

      Generally speaking, if you aren’t comfortable doing something, don’t do it. It’s not worth putting yourself in harms way.

      If there’s anything else please let me know, and stay safe.
      Sam

      Reply
  13. Carol Higgins

    Hi
    My husband has been offered a job as a site auditor, does he just need unit 2 for signing, lighting and guarding?

    Reply
    • Nisha Dhingra

      Hi Carol,

      Thank you for your comment. Your query will depend on whether your husband will be working or supervising the setting out of traffic lights, signs, cones and barriers in compliance with NRSWA. If his job role will require him to work on the roads he will need the Unit 2 Signing, Lighting and Guarding course. If he will be supervising the roads, he will need the Unit 10 Signing, Lighting and Guarding course.

      For further information please feel free to call on 0800 0213 264 and a member from our training team will be happy to help you.

      I hope I have been able to help.

      Kind regards,

      Nisha

      Reply
  14. Anthony Mitchell

    I hold my unit 2 lighting and guarding qualification. You mention that this covers you for roads up to 50mph but I have been asked to set up traffic signals on a 60mph single carriageway as the red book covers this. I am a bit confused could you point me to the info that specifies that unit 2 does not cover you for 60 mph roads as I am agency and do not want to turn down work without just cause. thank you

    Reply
    • Nisha Dhingra

      Hi Anthony,

      Thank you for your comment. As a guideline it usually states the Unit 2 Signing, Lighting and Guarding course covers roads up to 50 mph, however it can also be up to 60 mph on single carriage ways. I would advise you to contact the local council if you would like validation on this matter. In addition, please feel free to call us on 0800 0213 264 to speak with a member from our training team, who will be happy to clarify any concerns you have.

      I hope I have been able to help.

      Kind regards,

      Nisha

      Reply
  15. David

    What cards do I need to work on the roads putting crones out

    Reply
    • Nisha Dhingra

      Hi David,

      Thank you for your comment. If you will be solely working on roads and putting cones out, you will need a yellow Streetworks card which you can attain after completing the NRSWA Unit 2 Signing, Lighting and Guarding course. Here at Project Skill Solutions we offer a range of Streetworks courses, including the NRSWA Unit 2, Signing, Lighting and Guarding course. For further information or if you would like to book your course please click here.

      I hope I have been able to help.

      Kind regards,

      Nisha

      Reply
  16. Mike brown

    Hi there
    I have recently passed my streetworks card and have a road closure which involves me going on a A road to put signs out am i allowed on this road as other people have told me i cant as i haven’t the right ticket to do so

    Reply
    • Nisha Dhingra

      Hi Mike,

      Many thanks for your comment. Furthermore, in relation to your query your Street Works card will not allow you to put road signs out on duel-carriageways.

      In order for you to have this right, you will need to take a lantra course which will give you authority to do this. However we do not provide lantra courses here at Project Skills Solutions. I would advise you to seek for a training provider who does provide the courses.

      I hope I have been able to help.

      Kind regards,

      Nisha

      Reply
    • Ross Glen

      I think a few people have already tried to get an answer for this but the replies have been a bit vague.

      Does the NRSWA operatives unit 2 cover operatives to set up sites on a single carriage way with a speed limit of 60mph so the typical countryside roads. This is assuming they have the correct amount and size of signage ie 750mm.

      The red book is great for giving guidance and what to do but not great in saying what training is required.

      This question could be posed again for a 40 and 50mph scenario

      Reply
      • Sam Barton

        Hi Ross,

        Thank you for your comment.

        Yes, unit 2 will cover you for single carriageway roads up to 60 mph, like you say typical countryside roads. However, we are getting feedback from people working in the industry that some contracts are asking for Lantra 12D instead of NRSWA unit 2. Something to keep in mind.

        Reply
  17. Neil collihole

    I have a street works card for lights signs and barriers. Which course do I need to be able to dig on the roads please and how much is the course?

    Reply
    • Nisha Dhingra

      Hi Neil,

      I would advise you to take the NRSWA Streetworks Operative course. The course will allow you to gain a City & Guild certificate for each unit and a Streetworks card ticket which will indicate your units of competence – this will be valid for a total of five years.

      The NRSWA Streetworks Operative course is required due to The New Roads and Street Works Act which requires anyone who executes, works for, or on behalf of a utility company, is qualified for the activities being carried out. Any street works site must have at least one qualified operative on site at all times during works, and the site must have a qualified supervisor appointed to the site who can oversee the works.

      In terms of the cost of the course – this can range depending on what training centre you would like to attend, or if you would like to book a trainer to come to your venue. However, feel free to have a look at our website and the various locations available where our courses are held – please see the link below.

      https://projss.co.uk/courses/nrswa-streetworks-operative/

      Alternatively, you can call our sales teams where you can get a quote. The sales team phone number is 0800 0213 263 – they’ll be happy to help you and book your course! I hope I have helped you with your query and feel free to ask any questions as needed.

      Here at Project Skills Solutions we aim to provide you with the best learning experience possible!

      Kind regards,

      Nisha

      Reply
  18. Bill thomas

    Hi can you please help I’m trying to find out if I’m able to put out a high speed tm ie closer on a local A road that is 60mph or does it only cover me 30 mph only
    As only hold a NRSWA unit 01 ( unit 2 )

    Reply
    • Sam Barton

      Hi Bill,

      A NRSWA card will only cover you on single carriage roads. Sounds like you may need the LANTRA qualification.

      Let me know if there’s anything else we can help with.
      Sam

      Reply
  19. Michael

    I have unit 2 signing lighting and gaurding am I allowed to work on a main 60 mph (A road ) road assuming its not traffic sensitive and i have correct size signage

    Reply
    • Sam Barton

      Hi Michael,

      No, I’m afraid the NRSWA card wouldn’t cover you for duel carriageways, if the A road is a single you should be ok but always check with your local authority, you’d need to look into a LANTRA course.

      Hope that helps,
      Sam

      Reply
  20. Andrew Lynn

    I am a cable jointer and do no excavation work, can I just do unit 2 , sign lighting and guarding.

    Reply
    • Kat Ely

      Hi Andrew,

      It does depend on what your local authority stipulate that you must complete, as well as the main contractor on site.

      If you are only needing to set out the signs, barriers and cones and completing no excavation work it would sound like its only unit 2, but its best for you to check with the above.

      If you have any other questions please get back in touch with the training team.

      Kind Regards, Kat.

      Reply
  21. Malick taal

    I want to do the NRSWA course.

    Reply
    • Kat Ely

      Hi Malick,

      If you email your NRSWA training course enquiry across to [email protected] or give us a call on 0800 0213 263 then we can let you know further details.

      Kind Regards,

      PSS Training Team.

      Reply

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