What Training is Required to Safely Work on a Construction Site?
Knowledge is power within any professional field. However, certain industries need to take safety as well as hands-on training into account. The construction sector is a perfect example in this sense. It is therefore a good idea to quickly examine a handful of the most important certifications that may be required in order to adhere to current regulations within the industry.
Certification with the CSCS Scheme
Obtaining the proper training on a construction site will often involve the ability to obtain what is known as a CSCS card. Sometimes referred to as the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, this qualification encompasses a broad array of skills (depending upon your area of expertise). However, keep in mind that most employers within the construction industry will require that their workers possess a valid CSCS card. Before obtaining this card, you will first need to satisfactorily pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environmental examination. You can then book an appointment with a firm which offers CSCS qualifications. The card will cost £30 pounds and depending upon the certification in question, it will remain valid for between two and five years.
CPCS Skills and the Associated Card
A Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card is mandatory for those who will be operating machinery within a construction site. This certification also illustrates that you appreciate the proper safety protocols that need to be in place at all times. A handful of examples which will require the possession of a valid CPCS card include:
- - Tower cranes
- - Telescopic forklifts
- - Excavators
- - Mechanical hoists
Cards will last between two and five years. The blue card (two years) cannot be renewed once it has expired. The red CPCS card is able to be renewed after five years. Please note that preliminary qualifications are required for each variant, so be sure to examine your options in greater detail. The price of a CPCS card can range between £500 and £2,000 pounds.
SMSTS Certification
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a programme intended to provide users with an in-depth knowledge of common safety regulations as well as risk assessment techniques while on a construction site. Anyone who bears a significant amount of responsibility will often be required to possess a valid SMSTS card. The most common examples include:
- - Project managers
- - Site managers
- - Site supervisors
However, keep in mind that foreman and similar mid-level professionals may also choose to obtain this certification. It will remain valid for five years and the entire course lasts a total of five days. Prices start (at the time that this article was written) at £595 pounds.
SSSTS Health and Safety Courses
SSSTS is an acronym for Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. Similar to the card mentioned above, this qualification is intended to provide individuals with a greater appreciation of health and safety within the construction sector. As above, it is generally reserved for those who are in a supervisory position although mid-range workers could benefit from such a knowledge base. In addition to site supervisors, some other roles which can employ the SSSTS scheme include:
- - Foreman
- - Gangers
- - Team leaders
The card will remain valid for five years and it can be obtained by booking a session at the official CITB website. Prices will range between £200 and £300 pounds.
The Critical Role of First-Aid Qualifications
This is known as a First-Aid at Work certification. While employees are encouraged to take this course, it is mainly intended for managers. Attendees will be provided with all of the most relevant first-aid knowledge in regards to the construction industry and the card itself will remain valid for three years. Sessions will normally last for three days and the prices generally range between £250 and £350 pounds.
Setting Priorities for On-Site Efficiency and Safety
As we can see, there are a number of different qualifications which can be used in order to ensure the safety of everyone within the construction sector. While each of these programmes will require some form of financial outlay, the fact of the matter is that they provide an excellent knowledge base that can be adapted to suit various scenarios. Let us also not fail to mention that possessing these qualifications is an excellent skill to place on a CV.
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