Utilities Training

Smart Awards SA005 – Safe Moving & Handling

At Utilities Training – North West Training Centre, Accrington

Make manual handling safer, smarter and fully compliant with an industry-recognised Smart Awards qualification.

Our SA005 Safe Moving & Handling course at the North West Training Centre (Unit 2, Link Place, Link Lane, Accrington, BB5 1AE) is designed for people working in utilities, construction and telecoms who move tools, equipment and materials as part of their job.

Accredited by Smart Awards, this course develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to move and handle loads safely, reduce injuries and meet current health & safety legislation.

Who is SA005 for?

This course is ideal for:

  • Operatives working in telecoms, gas, water, power and civils/utilities
  • Street works / NRSWA operatives and supervisors
  • Warehouse, yard, depot and site staff
  • New starters needing core manual handling skills
  • Existing staff needing formal, accredited manual handling training

Whether you’re new to the industry or experienced and looking to refresh and formalise your skills, SA005 is suitable for you.

Course Overview

The Smart Awards SA005 Safe Moving & Handling accreditation focuses on safe, practical handling in real-world construction and utility environments. You’ll learn how to:

  • Recognise hazards and risk factors in moving and handling tasks
  • Apply the principles of safe lifting and carrying
  • Use good posture and ergonomic techniques
  • Select and use appropriate handling aids and equipment safely
  • Plan and carry out lifts as part of a dynamic risk assessment
  • Comply with UK health and safety legislation and industry best practice

Accreditation: Smart Awards – SA005 Safe Moving & Handling (Manual Handling)

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, delegates should be able to:

  • Identify hazards and risk factors associated with poor moving and handling
  • Describe and demonstrate the principles of safe moving and handling
  • Move and handle typical utilities equipment and tools safely and confidently
  • Explain their responsibilities under relevant health & safety legislation
  • Contribute to a safer workplace with fewer manual handling incidents

Course Content

Typical topics include:

  • Introduction to safe moving & handling in utilities/construction
  • Anatomy & biomechanics – how the spine and joints are affected by lifting
  • Types of manual handling risks (load, environment, individual, task)
  • Risk assessment and manual handling regulations
  • Safe lifting techniques – single person and team lifts
  • Handling awkward loads, tools and equipment used in utilities work
  • Use of mechanical aids / handling equipment where appropriate
  • Practical demonstration and practice of correct techniques
  • Review, questions and final assessment

Duration & Format

  • Format: Classroom-based training with practical exercises
  • Typical duration: Short, intensive course (often delivered as a half-day session depending on provider and schedule)
  • Location:
    • North West Training Centre
      Unit 2 Link Place, Link Lane, Accrington, Lancs, BB5 1AE

For exact dates, start times and any alternative delivery options (e.g. on-site company courses), please refer to Utilities Training’s upcoming course listings or contact the team directly.

Entry Requirements

  • Minimum age: 16+
  • No formal qualifications or prior experience required
  • A basic level of literacy and numeracy is helpful to complete the assessment
  • Delegates should be physically able to take part in light practical handling activities (reasonable adjustments can be discussed in advance)

Assessment & Certification

  • Assessment methods commonly include:
    • Short theory test (e.g. multiple-choice questions)
    • Practical observation of safe moving & handling techniques
  • On successful completion, delegates receive a Smart Awards SA005 Safe Moving & Handling certificate.
  • Certificates are typically valid for 3 years, after which refresher training is recommended.

Why Choose Utilities Training – North West Training Centre?

  • Sector specialists – Training focused on utilities, construction and related industries
  • Smart Awards approved provider with experienced instructors
  • Real-world scenarios based on the tasks you actually do on site
  • Modern, well-equipped training centre in Accrington, convenient for the wider North West region
  • Options for in-centre courses or private / in-company delivery (subject to numbers)

Frequently Asked Questions – SA005 Safe Moving & Handling

1. What is SA005 Safe Moving & Handling?

SA005 is a Smart Awards accredited manual handling course designed for people working in utilities, telecoms and construction. It focuses on safe techniques for moving and handling tools, equipment and materials, and on complying with current health & safety legislation.

2. Who should attend this course?

SA005 is suitable for:

  • Site operatives, gang members and labourers
  • People working in telecoms, power, gas, water, civils and street works
  • Yard and warehouse staff in utilities and construction supply chains
  • Anyone whose job involves regular manual handling of loads

If you handle tools, equipment or materials as part of your role, this course is relevant to you.

3. Do I need any previous training or qualifications?

No. There are no formal prerequisites. You just need to be 16 or over and able to take part in basic handling activities. A reasonable standard of English helps with the assessment.

4. How long does the SA005 course take?

SA005 is a short course typically delivered as a half-day or one-day session, depending on the training schedule and provider. At the North West Training Centre, the exact timings are shown on the upcoming courses page or confirmed at booking.

5. What will I be able to do after the course?

After completing SA005 you should be able to:

  • Assess a lifting task and identify key risks
  • Use correct body mechanics and lifting techniques
  • Select appropriate handling aids where available
  • Apply safe systems of work in line with legislation and company procedures
  • Help reduce manual handling injuries on site

6. How is the course assessed?

Assessment usually involves:

  • A short theory test to confirm your understanding of safe moving and handling
  • Practical assessment, where an instructor observes your technique as you carry out typical handling tasks

This ensures you are competent in both knowledge and practical skills.

7. How long is the SA005 certificate valid?

The Smart Awards SA005 certificate is generally valid for 3 years. Many employers choose to refresh manual handling training every 3 years to keep staff up to date and maintain compliance.

8. Is SA005 recognised across the utilities sector?

Yes. Smart Awards qualifications are widely recognised across the UK utilities and telecoms sectors, aligning with relevant national occupational standards and industry expectations.

9. Can this course be delivered at our own site?

Utilities Training can often arrange on-site or private group delivery, subject to numbers, facilities and safety requirements. This is ideal if you have a team to train and want the content tailored to your workplace.

10. How do I book a place?

You can:

  • Check upcoming SA005 dates on the Utilities Training website under All Training / Quick View List, or
  • Contact the team directly by phone or email for availability, prices and group bookings.