Keep your teams protected from hazardous airborne substances with our Smart Awards SA003 – Safe Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) course, delivered at our dedicated Utilities Training North West training centre.
This Smart Awards–accredited programme gives learners the knowledge and skills to select, fit and use suitable RPE correctly, helping employers meet their legal duties and workers stay safe on site.
Who is the SA003 Course For?
SA003 is ideal for anyone in the utilities, civils, construction or telecommunications sectors who may be exposed to dusts, fumes, fibres, vapours or other harmful airborne contaminants, including:
- Telecoms and fibre engineers
- Utility and civils operatives
- Street works and groundworks teams
- Supervisors and team leaders
- Contractors and sub-contractors working on client sites
There are no formal entry requirements and the course is open to anyone aged 16 and over.
Course Overview
Qualification: Smart Awards SA003 – Safe Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Awarding Body: Smart Awards
Location: Utilities Training North West Training Centre (North West England)
Duration: Typically a half-day course (AM or PM session)
Assessment: Knowledge-based assessment (multiple choice online test)
Certification: Smart Awards SA003 accreditation certificate on successful completion
This course focuses on a single module – Safe Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment – and is designed to ensure learners can confidently choose and use adequate and suitable RPE in line with current health and safety legislation.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
- Explain why RPE is needed and the health risks associated with breathing in hazardous substances.
- Identify different types of RPE (e.g. disposable, reusable, powered respirators, breathing apparatus) and where each type is appropriate.
- Select suitable RPE for specific tasks, considering:
- The type of contaminant
- Concentration and exposure levels
- Working environment and task
- The individual wearer (fit, comfort, medical considerations)
- Correctly fit and use RPE, including pre-use checks and safe donning and doffing techniques.
- Understand legal and regulatory requirements related to RPE and the employer/employee responsibilities.
- Describe the basics of inspection, care and maintenance of RPE to ensure it remains effective and compliant.
The training mixes clear explanation, discussions and scenario-based examples relevant to utilities and telecoms work.
Benefits of SA003 for Employers & Delegates
For employers:
- Demonstrates commitment to health and safety and helps support compliance with UK regulations.
- Reduces the risk of ill-health, claims and lost time caused by exposure to airborne hazards.
- Provides recognised Smart Awards accreditation that clients and principal contractors understand and expect.
For delegates:
- Builds confidence in choosing and using the right RPE on real jobs.
- Enhances employability and supports career progression within utilities, civils and telecoms.
- Provides a nationally recognised certificate from Smart Awards upon successful completion.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age: 16+
- Experience: No formal prior experience required; suitable for new entrants as well as experienced operatives needing accreditation or refresher training.
- Delegates must have a reasonable understanding of spoken and written English to engage with the training and assessment.
If you have any specific learning needs or require reasonable adjustments, please let us know when booking and we will work with you to support access to the qualification.
Course Format & Delivery
Training is delivered by experienced industry instructors at our Utilities Training North West centre, using real-life examples from utilities and telecoms environments.
Typical format:
- Classroom-based theory session
- Demonstration of different types of RPE
- Guided practice in correct fitting and safe use (where appropriate)
- Final knowledge check / assessment
Group sizes are kept manageable so that each delegate can ask questions and get the support they need.
Price & Booking
For current prices, available dates, or to arrange group bookings for your team:
- Use our online enquiry / register interest form
- Or contact our office and ask about Smart Awards SA003 – Safe Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment at the Utilities Training North West training centre.
(You can adapt the contact and booking details here to match your actual phone, email and enquiry form links.)
Frequently Asked Questions – SA003 at Utilities Training North West
1. What is Smart Awards SA003?
Smart Awards SA003 is a nationally recognised health & safety accreditation focused on the safe selection and use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in the workplace. It sets out the knowledge and understanding required to choose suitable RPE and use it correctly to control exposure to airborne hazards.
2. How long does the course take?
SA003 is typically delivered as a half-day course, making it easy to fit around operational demands while still giving delegates focused, high-impact training.
3. Is there any practical element?
The emphasis of SA003 is on knowledge and correct use of RPE rather than heavy physical practical work. At our North West centre we:
- Demonstrate different types of RPE
- Show how to carry out basic checks and correct fitting
- Provide guided practice where appropriate
If you require full face-fit testing or more extensive practical sessions, this can often be arranged as a separate or add-on service.
4. Do I need previous experience with RPE?
No. There are no formal entry requirements and no prior RPE experience is necessary. The course is suitable both for new starters and for experienced workers who need an updated, Smart Awards–accredited qualification on respiratory protection.
5. What qualification will I receive?
On successfully completing the assessment, you’ll receive a Smart Awards SA003 – Safe Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment certificate. This confirms that you have met the knowledge requirements set out for the accreditation.
6. How long is the certificate valid for?
Smart Awards certifications are typically renewed on a 3-year cycle in line with industry expectations and best practice refresh intervals. (Always check your joining instructions or with our office for the latest Smart Awards guidance on certificate validity, as requirements can be updated.)
7. Can you deliver SA003 on our site?
SA003 is often delivered at our Utilities Training North West training centre, but subject to numbers, facilities and suitability of your location, on-site or in-house delivery may be possible. Speak to our team with your requirements and we’ll advise on the best option.
8. What should I bring with me?
We recommend delegates attend with:
- Standard site PPE (for example: safety boots, hi-vis, gloves and hard hat)
- Any prescription glasses they normally wear
- A notepad and pen
If specific RPE is used by your company and you wish us to reference it during the course, let us know in advance and, where possible, bring a sample unit.
9. Is this course suitable for supervisors?
Yes. Supervisors, team leaders and managers responsible for planning work and overseeing operatives will benefit from understanding how to:
- Specify appropriate RPE for tasks
- Check that RPE is being used correctly
- Support a positive safety culture around respiratory protection.
10. How do I book SA003 at the Utilities Training North West training centre?
To book:
- Visit our All Training / Smart Awards page and select SA003 – Safe Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment, then complete the “register interest” or booking form; or
- Contact our training office directly and request dates for SA003 at the North West centre or for a group booking at your site.