Stay safe when working in or around underground telecoms structures. Our Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety course at the Utilities Training North West Training Centre in Accrington, gives you the practical skills and knowledge needed to recognise hazards, test atmospheres, and work safely in underground environments.
Who is SA002 Underground Safety for?
This course is ideal for anyone working in or around the external underground telecoms network, including:
- Telecommunications engineers and cablers
- Fibre installation and maintenance technicians
- Network surveyors and assessors
- Civils / utilities teams working near telecoms underground chambers
- Contractors working on Openreach / PIA or similar networks
If you work on or near underground structures, ducts, chambers or operational buildings, SA002 is the recognised safety standard many clients now expect.
Course overview
Duration: 1 day
Delivery: Classroom & practical, at our North West Training Centre (Accrington)
Awarding body: Smart Awards (Ofqual-recognised)
Assessment: Multiple-choice online assessment plus practical observation
Certification: Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety certificate – typically valid for 3 years
The qualification focuses on gas testing and cover lifting, and on the wider safety requirements of working in and around underground telecoms structures.
What you’ll learn
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
Safely work in underground chambers
- Identify typical underground telecoms structures and operational buildings
- Set up a safe working area, including barriers and signing/lighting as required
- Recognise common hazards such as traffic, slips/trips, flooding, and poor access
Gas testing & atmosphere checks
- Understand the main hazardous gases that may be present underground
- Use gas detection equipment correctly (e.g. four-gas monitors)
- Interpret readings and decide on safe actions if unsafe levels are detected
Cover lifting & access
- Select and use appropriate cover lifting equipment (keys, hooks, hydraulic lifters)
- Check the condition and stability of covers and frames before lifting
- Apply safe manual handling techniques to avoid injury
- Safely secure opened covers and maintain a protected work area
Legislation & best practice
- Understand key health and safety legislation relevant to underground work
- Follow industry best practice for telecoms and utilities environments
- Recognise when work needs to stop due to unsafe conditions and how to escalate
Why train with Utilities Training (North West)?
- Accredited provider – Approved to deliver Smart Awards programmes for the utilities and telecoms sector.
- Industry-experienced trainers – Instructors with hands-on background in telecoms, utilities and street works.
- North West Training Centre, Accrington – Easily accessible from across the North West, with dedicated practical areas for underground and civils training.
- Flexible dates & group bookings – Public course dates plus options for closed courses for your team on-site or at our centre.
Typical course structure (1 day)
- Welcome & introduction
- Hazards in underground telecoms environments
- Health & Safety law and responsibilities
- Gas testing theory and equipment
- Practical gas testing exercises
- Cover types and safe lifting methods
- Practical cover lifting & site set-up
- Review, Q&A and written assessment
Entry requirements
- No formal academic prerequisites – SA002 is open to new entrants and experienced workers.
- Delegates should be physically able to lift covers and access chambers as part of the practical elements.
- A basic understanding of health and safety on construction/utility sites is helpful but not essential.
What’s included
- Full day of training with an experienced instructor
- Use of gas monitors, cover lifters and associated equipment during the course
- Course handbook / supporting materials
- Smart Awards registration and certification (on successful completion)
How to book
To check upcoming SA002 Underground Safety dates at our North West Training Centre in Accrington or to arrange a dedicated course for your team:
- Call the office on the number shown on our website
- Email our bookings team
- Or complete the online enquiry / booking form and select SA002 Underground Safety – Accrington
(We can also deliver other Smart Awards such as SA001 Overhead Safety and SA006 Safe Working in Civils – ideal for building a complete PIA/telecoms training package.)
Frequently Asked Questions – SA002 Underground Safety (North West)
1. How long does the SA002 course take?
SA002 is a 1-day course, run as a full classroom and practical day at our Accrington training centre.
2. Do I need any previous qualifications?
No formal qualifications are required. The course is designed for those working, or planning to work, in underground telecoms or utility environments.
3. Is the qualification recognised by industry?
Yes. SA002 is a Smart Awards qualification, widely recognised by telecoms and utilities employers, including contractors working on Openreach and PIA networks.
4. How long is my SA002 certificate valid for?
Smart Awards SA002 certification is typically valid for 3 years, after which you’ll need to renew (often via a refresher route such as SA002R, depending on provider and scheme rules at the time).
5. Is there an exam?
Yes. You’ll complete a multiple-choice written assessment and your trainer will also assess your practical performance in areas such as gas testing and cover lifting.
6. What do I need to bring with me?
- Suitable PPE (at a minimum: safety boots and high-visibility clothing; hard hat and gloves are strongly recommended)
- Photographic ID for registration
- Pen and notebook if you want to take additional notes
We provide all training equipment required for the course.
7. Is SA002 the same as SA002a?
No.
- SA002 is the full practical underground safety qualification, including hands-on gas testing and cover lifting.
- SA002a is typically an awareness-only version delivered online or in a classroom, without practical elements.
If you’ll be physically working in chambers, ducts or underground structures, SA002 is usually the required standard.
8. Is this course only for telecoms workers?
It’s designed primarily for the telecoms network environment, but it’s also suitable for civils and utilities operatives who regularly work near telecoms underground structures or joint-use chambers.
9. Can you deliver SA002 at our site?
Yes, subject to having suitable facilities and equipment and enough delegates, we can deliver SA002 on your premises or at another agreed location, or you can send candidates to our North West Training Centre.
10. What other courses go well with SA002?
Popular combinations include:
- SA001 Overhead Safety – for pole and ladder work
- SA006 Safe Working in Civils – for civils teams and excavation work
- EUSR SHEA and NRSWA / Street Works qualifications
These create a comprehensive safety and compliance package for telecoms and utilities teams.