Complete Guide to NRSWA Training

New roads and streetworks greatly affect our daily lives, shaping both our travel experiences and the communities around us. These projects are essential to modern infrastructure, as they improve accessibility and enhance safety.

The purpose of the New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) is to improve safety and reduce any disruption in this sector. Road maintenance and construction play such a vital role as it keeps residents safe and connected.

This blog gives a complete overview of NRSWA training to help guide professionals responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing road and street works.

What is Street Works and What Does NRSWA Mean?

Street works refer to activities carried out on or around public roads and pavements. This includes installing, repairing, or maintaining utilities - such as gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications - and other critical infrastructure.

It also covers activities such as road resurfacing, pothole repairs, traffic signal installations, and modifications to road layouts.

The term NRSWA stands for the New Roads and Street Works Act, a UK law enacted in 1991. This legislation provides guidance for managing street works and outlines the duties of utility companies and local authorities when performing work on public roads and highways.

What is The Red Book?

The NRSWA Red Book, formally known as 'Safety at Street Works and Road Works: A Code of Practice' provides comprehensive guidelines on best practices for the signage, lighting, and safety barriers used on highways.

This essential resource is aimed at utility companies, local authorities, and street work contractors.

The Red Book covers critical areas, including:

• Planning and conducting risk assessments
• Requirements for training
• Equipment standards
• Pre-work procedures
• Examples of carriageway projects
• Signage, lighting & guarding guidance

What is the NRSWA Card or Ticket?

After completing the course, delegates will be issued an NRSWA card, which verifies their course completion and eligibility to conduct street work.

Often referred to as a "streetworks ticket" or pass, this card is essential for demonstrating that the holder is qualified to perform street work legally, safely, and professionally. The back of the card lists the NRSWA units that have been completed.

The colour of the Streetworks card indicates the holder's level of expertise. Here’s an overview of what each card colour represents:

Yellow card - NRSWA Operative

Blue card - NRSWA Supervisor

White card - Combined card (Supervisor and Operative)

Can I Verify the NRSWA Card Online?

Individuals can check whether their NRSWA card is valid online via the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) or the website of the certification provider that issued their card.

SWQR maintains a database that allows individuals to check the status of their card. By entering the necessary information or card number, they can confirm the card's validity and expiry date.

This online verification system ensures that individuals holding NRSWA cards are properly certified and meet industry standards.

This gives employers, clients, and regulatory authorities confidence in their qualifications. It also helps prevent unqualified individuals from carrying out potentially dangerous tasks.

Is Completing NRSWA Training a Legal Requirement?

NRSWA training is a legal requirement for those performing street work in the UK.

Streetworks Operatives and Supervisors must hold the relevant NRSWA certification to prove their competence and ensure legal compliance with regulations.

What is Street Works Training?

NRSWA training consists of a range of courses designed to ensure that all individuals involved in road and street works are fully competent in their respective roles.

The training is organised to address various skill levels, from operatives to supervisors, ensuring compliance with safety standards and legal obligations.

The Act addresses multiple aspects of street works, such as planning, coordination, execution, and reinstatement.

It also sets out the training and certification requirements for personnel involved in street works to guarantee their competency and adherence to legal standards.

Who Should Complete NRSWA Training?

NRSWA is crucial training for a range of professionals working in street works and road construction. The following industries that typically require individuals to undergo NRSWA training are:

• Utility Workers: Install and maintain both underground and above-ground utilities, including water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications.
• Highway Authorities: Tasked with overseeing and maintaining public roads and highways.
• Construction Workers: Involved with the construction, repair, and upkeep of roads and infrastructure.
• Local Authority Inspectors: Inspectors who evaluate street works to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safety requirements.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: Companies and their employees are responsible for carrying out street works on behalf of utility providers or local governments.
• Traffic Management Operatives: Specialists who design and manage safe traffic control systems at street work sites.
• Health and Safety Personnel: Individuals tasked with ensuring health and safety regulations are followed at street work locations.

The NRSWA course is designed to align with the delegates individual roles in the industry, including positions such as:

• Operatives: Carry out the physical work on site such as excavation and reinstatement.
• Supervisors: Oversee the operatives and ensure compliance with safety and technical standards.

Each of these roles supports one another by handling distinct responsibilities and fostering collaboration that guarantees the project's success.

NRSWA Course Benefits

Delegate Benefits:

• Improved Safety: Guarantees that all staff are trained to carry out tasks with a focus on safety.
• Legal Compliance: Complies with the New Road and Street Works Act 1991, minimising the risk of legal penalties and work delays.
• Increased Efficiency: Trained operatives and supervisors are able to perform their duties more effectively, reducing downtime, errors, and financial losses for the business.
• Quality Control: Ensures consistent high-quality workmanship and prioritises public safety.
• Professional Growth: Offers recognised qualifications that boost professional credibility, enhance job security, and create future career opportunities.
• SWQR Card: Obtain a five-year valid SWQR card, certifying completion of the required training.

Community Benefits:

• Enhanced Infrastructure: NRSWA ensures street works are carried out effectively, resulting in better-maintained roads, sidewalks, and utility systems in local communities.
• Minimised Disruption: Through coordinated street work and reduced excavation, NRSWA minimises disruptions to traffic, pedestrians, and nearby businesses, enhancing the overall quality of life in communities.
• Improved Safety: Adhering to NRSWA regulations promotes safer working practices, lowering the risk of accidents and injuries for both workers and the public.
• Environmental Conservation: NRSWA promotes the use of eco-friendly materials and methods, reducing environmental impact and helping preserve the natural beauty of communities.
• Community Involvement: Local authorities and utility companies often engage with residents and businesses during the planning and coordination of street works under NRSWA, ensuring their concerns are addressed and fostering a sense of community involvement.

Contractor Benefits:

• Competitive Advantage: Obtaining NRSWA accreditation can significantly boost a contractor's reputation and market position by showcasing their dedication to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Access to Contracts: Many street work contracts require NRSWA accreditation, providing contractors with opportunities for business growth and access to new markets.
• Risk Management: The NRSWA guidelines enable contractors to identify and manage risks associated with street works, ensuring that projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

Overall, training in the New Road and Street Works Act offers numerous benefits for all involved, ensuring that individuals and organisations are equipped to meet industry standards

What NRSWA Courses Are Offered by 3B Training?

3B Training provides a range of street works courses for both Operatives and Supervisors, including options for reassessment. Explore the available courses here:

• NRSWA Operative Training
• NRSWA Supervisor Training
• NRSWA Reassessment Training Operative
• NRSWA Reassessment Training Supervisor
• NRSWA Signing, Lighting, and Guarding Operative
• NRSWA Signing, Lighting, and Guarding Supervisor
• NRSWA Reassessment Signing, Lighting, and Guarding Operative
• NRSWA Reassessment Signing, Lighting, and Guarding Supervisor

All of our NRSWA courses at 3B Training are accredited by CABWI. The suit of NRSWA Courses meets the standards set by the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR).

Upon successful completion of an accredited NRSWA course, individuals receive certification and an NRSWA card to show their competence.

To book a New Road and Street Works Act course by visiting 3btraining.com to place a booking or make an online enquiry.

NRSWA Training Modules

NRSWA training is divided into several modules. If the delegate doesn't require all of these modules they can select which is applicable to their role.

The mandatory units delegates must take on the course are LA and O1 or S1. Below is an overview of what each NRSWA course covers:

NRSWA Operatives:

• LA: Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus
• 01: Signing, Lighting, and Guarding
• 02: Excavation in the Road/Highway
• 03: Reinstatement and Compaction of Backfill Materials
• 04: Reinstatement of Sub-base and Road-base in Non-bituminous Materials
• 05: Reinstatement of Cold-lay Bituminous Materials
• 06: Reinstatement of Hot-lay Bituminous Materials
• 07: Reinstatement of Concrete Slabs
• 08: Reinstatement of Modular Surfaces and Concrete Footways

NRSWA Supervisors:

• LA: Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus
• S1: Managing Signing, Lighting, and Guarding
• S2: Monitoring Excavation in the Road/Highway
• S3: Monitoring Reinstatement and Compaction of Backfill Materials
• S4: Monitoring Reinstatement of Sub-base and Road-base in Non-bituminous Materials
• S5: Monitoring Reinstatement of Bituminous Materials
• S7: Monitoring Reinstatement of Modular Surfaces and Concrete Footways

Signing Lighting and Guarding Operatives:

• Ensuring the safety of workers and the public during street work operations
• Keeping pedestrian and vehicle movement uninterrupted while conducting work
• Adhering to work-related restrictions
• Implementing safe working procedures
• Proper arrangement of barriers, warning signs, lights, and other safety equipment
• Implementing special measures, including road closures, traffic diversions, and portable lighting
• Proper operation and placement of portable traffic lights and related equipment

Signing Lighting and Guarding Supervisors:

• Design a site layout with precise measurements and dimensions in accordance with applicable regulations
• Make development decisions and provide recommendations for action based on the site plan
• Oversee the surveying process, including the setup and takedown of the site

Do I Need To Be a Supervisor To Attend The Supervisor Course?

No, delegates don't need to be a supervisor to attend the NRSWA Supervisor Course.

While the course is intended for those who will be overseeing or managing street works, it is also suitable for individuals who are appointed to act as a supervisor, and monitor operators.

These courses are not a progressive pathway, meaning individuals can attend the Supervisor Course without needing to complete the Operative Course first.

Each course is independent, giving the flexibility to select the one that aligns best with the delegates current role and responsibilities.

What is The Duration of NRSWA Training?

The time it takes to complete a NRSWA course depends on which NRSWA course and how many units the delegate takes.

The street works training for both operators and supervisors usually takes five days, depending on the selected units. A NRSWA Reassessment will typically take two days to complete.

The Signing, Lighting, and Guarding course is conducted in one day, and the same applies to the reassessment. When combining units, the team at 3B will inform the booker of the total duration upon enquiry.

In general, the full suite of NRSWA courses can be completed within a standard work-week.

How is The NRSWA Delivered?

We offer our NRSWA courses as a public classroom course at our purpose-built venue in Leigh and Blackburn.

We also offer this course as an in-house option for large groups of delegates at our Leigh venue and we now offer this at out Blackburn venue. View the facilities in the video below.

To ensure delegates receive comprehensive training throughout this course, we do not offer it online. This is because it includes a practical component focused on excavation and reinstatement.

How Challenging Is It to Pass the NRSWA Course?

Completing an NRSWA course doesn't have to be difficult. With the right training provider offering support and a commitment to helping individuals learn, the chances of success are significantly improved.

All NRSWA courses include a practical component to demonstrate the proper use of equipment and techniques for street works. Following the practical assessment, delegates may need to take an exam, depending on the course.

To pass the NRSWA Operative Course, candidates must complete a multiple-choice exam and achieve a minimum score of 80%.

For the NRSWA Supervisor Course, the exam is an invigilated open-book format, also requiring a minimum 80% pass mark.

In conclusion, with adequate preparation and study, many delegates complete their NRSWA course successfully. If delegates don't pass the Operative course on their first attempt, they are allowed two resit opportunities.

Renewing a NRSWA Card?

To renew the NRSWA (New Roads and Street Works Act) card, follow these steps:

1. Check Expiry Date: Review the expiration date on the current NRSWA card. Be sure to renew it before it expires to prevent any gaps in certification.
2. Complete Refresher Training: Sign up for an NRSWA refresher training course. This will refresh knowledge and help individuals stay compliant with current standards and regulations.
3. Select an Accredited Training Provider: Choose a training provider that is accredited by the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR).
4. Attend and Pass the Course: Participate in the refresher course and successfully complete any required assessments. The course typically covers essential street works procedures, safety measures, and any recent legislative changes.
5. Submit Renewal Application: After finishing the refresher course, the training provider will generally submit the renewal application to the SWQR on the individual's behalf. Ensure all required documentation and fees are provided.
6. Receive The New Card: Once the application is approved, individuals receive their renewed NRSWA card, valid for another five years.

By following these steps, individuals can keep their NRSWA certification up-to-date, ensuring they can continue performing street works safely and in compliance with the law.

Book an NRSWA Reassessment