Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety Course
The Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety Course provides practical safety training for telecommunications, fibre and broadband engineers who need to work around underground network infrastructure. Delegates develop competence in hazard identification, atmospheric gas testing, chamber cover lifting, PPE, work-area preparation and safe access procedures. The course includes knowledge-based and practical assessment and is delivered at our specialist training centre in Crewe, Cheshire.
The Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety Course provides essential practical training for telecommunications engineers and operatives who need to work safely around underground network infrastructure, including chambers, ducts and access points. The course combines technical knowledge with hands-on activities covering underground hazards, gas testing, safe cover lifting, PPE and pre-entry safety checks.
Delegates learn how to identify potentially hazardous conditions, use atmospheric gas detection equipment correctly, assess chamber access risks and follow safe procedures before working around underground telecommunications infrastructure.
Training is delivered at our specialist centre in Crewe, Cheshire, using realistic underground network environments and practical safety exercises.
About this course:
The Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety Course is designed to give telecommunications engineers and operatives the knowledge and practical competence required to work safely around underground network infrastructure. The course focuses on the hazards, checks, equipment and working practices associated with underground chambers, ducts, access points and similar telecommunications environments.
Delegates develop practical skills in identifying underground hazards, carrying out pre-entry checks, using atmospheric gas detection equipment, interpreting results, selecting appropriate PPE and applying safe methods when lifting and replacing chamber covers.
Training combines technical instruction with practical activities so delegates can apply the required safety procedures in realistic underground network scenarios. The emphasis is on hazard awareness, safe access, correct use of equipment, gas testing and recognising when conditions are unsafe and work should not proceed.
Training is delivered at our specialist centre in Crewe, Cheshire, where delegates complete the required knowledge-based and practical assessment activities for the Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety qualification.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety Course, delegates will have developed the knowledge and practical competence required to work safely around underground telecommunications infrastructure.
Delegates should be able to:
✓ Recognise common hazards associated with underground telecommunications work
✓ Understand the risks presented by underground chambers and access points
✓ Carry out appropriate pre-work safety checks before accessing underground infrastructure
✓ Understand the purpose of atmospheric gas testing
✓ Use gas detection equipment correctly and interpret results appropriately
✓ Recognise potentially unsafe atmospheric conditions
✓ Understand the risks associated with chamber covers and access points
✓ Apply safe methods when lifting and replacing covers
✓ Use appropriate tools and equipment for cover-lifting activities
✓ Maintain a safe working area around underground access points
✓ Identify unsafe equipment, site conditions or access arrangements
✓ Follow safe systems of work when preparing to access underground infrastructure
✓ Understand when work should stop because conditions are unsafe
✓ Apply appropriate personal protective equipment requirements
✓ Demonstrate the practical competence required during Smart Awards SA002 assessment activities
Suitable for:
The Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety Course is designed for telecommunications engineers, fibre installers, civils operatives and contractors who need to work safely around underground chambers, ducts and access points. It is suitable for both new entrants and experienced personnel who require recognised competence in gas testing, chamber safety, cover lifting and underground working procedures.
This course is suitable for:
✓ Telecommunications engineers working around underground networks
✓ Fibre and broadband installers accessing underground chambers or ducts
✓ FTTP deployment engineers
✓ Civil operatives involved in telecommunications infrastructure work
✓ Contractors working on underground telecommunications projects
✓ New entrants preparing for underground network work
✓ Experienced engineers formalising or renewing their underground safety competence
✓ Operatives requiring practical training in atmospheric gas testing
✓ Personnel responsible for lifting and replacing underground access covers
✓ Organisations requiring consistent underground safety standards across field teams
Course modules:
The Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety course is structured around the essential safety knowledge and practical skills required before accessing underground telecommunications infrastructure. Delegates combine classroom learning with practical exercises covering hazard awareness, gas testing, cover lifting and safe preparation of the work area.
Underground Safety Fundamentals
✓ Recognising common hazards associated with underground telecommunications infrastructure
✓ Understanding the risks presented by chambers, access points and underground environments
✓ Personal protective equipment requirements
✓ Establishing and maintaining a safe working area✓ Safe systems of work and pre-task checks
Gas Testing
✓ Purpose of atmospheric gas testing
✓ Hazards associated with unsafe atmospheres
✓ Correct use of gas detection equipment
✓ Carrying out pre-entry atmospheric checks
✓ Interpreting gas detector readings
✓ Recognising conditions where access must not proceed
✓ Responding appropriately to unsafe atmospheric conditions
Cover Lifting
✓ Hazards associated with chamber covers and access points
✓ Selecting appropriate cover lifting equipment
✓ Safe positioning and lifting techniques
✓ Avoiding manual handling injuries and unsafe lifting practices
✓ Removing and replacing covers safely
✓ Maintaining control of the work area during cover lifting
Practical Assessment and Safety Application
✓ Practical gas testing exercises
✓ Safe cover lifting demonstrations and assessment
✓ Identifying unsafe equipment and site conditions
✓ Applying safe working procedures before underground access
✓ Knowledge and practical assessment activities required for the SA002 qualification
Certification Information:
On successful completion of the required knowledge and practical assessments, delegates achieve the Smart Awards Level 2 SA002 Underground Safety qualification.
The qualification demonstrates that the delegate has been assessed in the knowledge and practical skills required to work safely around underground telecommunications infrastructure. Assessment covers hazard identification, atmospheric gas testing, safe chamber cover lifting, PPE, preparation of the work area and safe systems of work.
Delegates must successfully complete all required assessment activities to achieve the SA002 qualification.
Successful completion supports the competence requirements associated with underground telecommunications work and NOPS registration.
Entry Requirements
No previous underground telecommunications experience is required. The Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety Course is suitable for both new entrants and experienced engineers who need to develop or demonstrate competence in gas testing, safe chamber cover lifting and underground safety procedures.
Delegates should be able to take part in practical training involving chamber covers, gas detection equipment and underground access preparation. They should also be prepared to follow safe working procedures and complete both knowledge-based and practical assessment activities.
SA002 does not qualify a delegate to enter or work within a confined space. Any confined-space training, employer requirements or site-specific competencies remain separate from this qualification.
Career Progression:
Completing the Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety Course provides a foundation for further training and progression in underground telecommunications, fibre deployment and Openreach PIA activities. Delegates can build on their SA002 competence with surveying, cabling, civils and advanced fibre qualifications.
Recommended progression routes include:
✓ Openreach PIA S6 Underground Surveying – for operatives progressing into surveying and planning underground routes within the Openreach Physical Infrastructure Access network
✓ Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling – for engineers progressing into telecommunications cable and sub-duct installation through Openreach ducts and chambers
✓ Smart Awards SA006 Safe Working in Civils – for personnel who need broader competence around telecommunications civils activities
✓ Fibre Optic Outside Plant Level 3 – for delegates progressing into external fibre installation, jointing, testing and outside-plant infrastructure work
✓ Further fibre testing, OTDR, fault-finding and network planning training for delegates moving into wider infrastructure roles
These progression routes can help delegates build a broader underground telecommunications skill set and progress into fibre deployment, surveying, cabling, civils and network infrastructure roles.
Price:
£180.00 + VAT
Duration:
1 Day.
Course Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety course?
The Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety course is designed for telecommunications engineers and operatives who need to work safely around underground network infrastructure. The training focuses on the hazards, checks and procedures associated with underground chambers, access points, atmospheric gas testing and safe chamber cover lifting.
Who should take the SA002 Underground Safety course?
The course is suitable for telecommunications engineers, fibre installers, broadband and FTTP engineers, civil operatives, surveyors, contractors and new entrants who may need to work around underground chambers, ducts and other telecommunications infrastructure.
Do I need previous underground telecoms experience?
No. Previous underground telecommunications experience is not required. The course is suitable for both new entrants and experienced engineers who need to develop or demonstrate competence in underground safety procedures.
What will I learn on the SA002 course?
Delegates learn how to recognise underground hazards, carry out atmospheric gas testing, use gas detection equipment correctly, lift and replace chamber covers safely, establish a safe working area and identify conditions where access or work should not proceed.
Does SA002 include practical training?
Yes. SA002 includes practical activities as well as knowledge-based learning. Delegates complete supervised exercises involving gas detection equipment, chamber cover lifting and safe preparation of underground work areas.
Does the course cover gas testing?
Yes. Atmospheric gas testing is a key part of SA002. Delegates learn why testing is required, how to use gas detection equipment correctly, how to interpret readings and what action to take when unsafe conditions are identified.
Does SA002 cover chamber cover lifting?
Yes. The course covers the hazards associated with chamber covers and the correct methods for lifting, removing and replacing covers using suitable equipment and safe working techniques.
Does SA002 allow me to enter a confined space?
No. The Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety qualification does not qualify a delegate to enter or work within a confined space. Separate confined-space training and any additional employer or site-specific competencies may be required.
What qualification will I achieve?
On successful completion of the required knowledge and practical assessments, delegates achieve the Smart Awards Level 2 SA002 Underground Safety qualification.
Is SA002 recorded on a NOPS card?
Yes. Successful completion is recorded through the Smart Awards Network Operative Passport Scheme (NOPS), providing a verifiable record of the delegate’s qualification and competence.
How long is the SA002 qualification valid for?
The Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety qualification is valid for three years from the certificate issue date.
What courses can I take after SA002?
Useful progression routes can include Openreach PIA S6 Underground Surveying, Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling, relevant Smart Awards refresher training and further fibre installation, testing and fault-finding courses.
Is SA002 useful for fibre broadband and FTTP engineers?
Yes. SA002 is highly relevant to fibre, broadband and FTTP engineers who need to work around underground ducts, chambers, access points and other telecommunications infrastructure.
Where is the Smart Awards SA002 training delivered?
Training is delivered at our specialist training centre in Crewe, Cheshire, where delegates complete both knowledge-based and practical activities in a purpose-built underground telecommunications training environment.
How is the SA002 course assessed?
Assessment includes both knowledge-based and practical activities. Delegates must demonstrate the required level of understanding and practical competence to successfully complete the qualification.
What Smart Awards SA002 course dates are available?
Please contact our training team for the latest Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety course dates and availability. Corporate and group bookings can also be arranged by request.