CSTS warns street works re-assessment is on the way
Regulations scheduled for 2008 will introduce mandatory re-assessment of street work skills.
They will apply to all operatives and supervisors re-registering with the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR). Setting the pace for training and assessment providers, CSTS is already prepared to stage re-assessments and refresher courses.
For every street works, NRSWA section 67 requires that at least one operative is qualified. A qualified supervisor must also be assigned to the site. Under current legislation, re-registering as a qualified individual simply involves paying a five-yearly fee. However, Department for Transport communications state this will change later this year.
When the new Qualifications Regulations come into force utility companies and contractors will have a period of several months to prepare. Following this, employees wanting to renew a five-year registration will have to pass a multiple choice test paper. There will be no practical testing although this remains an essential part of a first time assessment.
CSTS provides training and assessment in each of the 16 standard units of competence for street works operatives and supervisors. In all there are 10 full qualifications in street works, the component units for which can typically be completed in a five-day course.
Ken White, Manager of Audit and Evaluation and NRSWA Co-ordinator, believes the new Regulation will not be a red tape exercise:
“There are many cases where individuals get their initial accreditation and then do not get the regular operational experience, or keep up with developments. This is often because of a temporary move away from street works. Re-assessment will ensure their knowledge is checked and, if necessary, brought up to scratch. Consistent professional development will contribute to fewer remedial works and safer working on the roads.”
A leader in health and safety training and consultancy, CSTS Ltd was established in 1988 and now has 10 full-time instructors, some qualified to IOSH/Cert Ed. With branches in Warrington, London and with seven training sites, CSTS has many accreditations to Awarding Bodies, quality, environmental and H&S standards, including OHSAS 18001:1999 (Occupational Health & Safety Management).
