Street works training and accreditation of operatives and supervisors
| Publisher: | Department for Transport |
| Publication type: | Instructional |
| Published date: | 21 July 2011 |
| Mode/topic: | Road management |
In England, the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (s.67) and The Street Works (Qualifications of Supervisors and Operatives) (England) Regulations 2009 require that during works being carried out by undertakers (as opposed to highway authorities) there is on site at all times at least one person with a prescribed qualification as an operative for the task being carried out when the execution of works involve opening the street. Where the execution of works involves breaking up or tunnelling under the street, a suitably qualified operative must be present as above and the works must be supervised by a person with a prescribed qualification as a supervisor for the task being carried out.
- New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
- The Street Works (Qualifications of Supervisors and Operatives) (England) Regulations 2009
Following the Red Tape Challenge initiative, which sought to identify overly bureaucratic and unnecessary regulation, the Government is consulting on scrapping the requirement for operatives and supervisors to hold specific qualifications.
Unless and until the regulations are repealed, the current requirements stand. More information about how to comply with them can be found below.
How to qualify, register and re-register
These qualifications must be registered on the Street Works Qualifications Register and the holder must be re-assessed every five years.
Obtaining qualifications
The City and Guilds of London Institute, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and the CABWI awarding body are approved for issuing certificates of competence relating to street works. Each of these bodies can provide details of training providers in your area. Those carrying out works for highway authorities should ask the highway authority and make their own judgements about what training is appropriate.
