Introducing our Utility Safety Health and Environmental Awareness (Power) Course – also known as SHEA Power

The SHEA Power course is one of the Utility Safety Health and Environment Awareness (SHEA) portfolio of schemes that has been developed in conjunction with industry to provide a uniform approach to health, safety and environmental awareness training across the utilities sector, in line with Health and Safety Executive guidelines.

Utility SHEA (Power) comprises of ten modules. The eight core modules are common to all utility industries and form the basis of health, safety and environmental law and practices. There are two additional modules that are specific to the power industry which cover power generation and distribution and specific hazards to the power industry. It is designed to provide on-site evidence that an individual has demonstrated an appropriate level of knowledge and awareness. It is a passport scheme and does not indicate any level of technical competence or skilled expertise.

CSCS Affiliation

The Utility SHEA (Power) scheme is affiliated with the CSCS to allow electricity industry workers access to construction sites for purposes of utilities work without the need to complete a separate CSCS card.

Course Content

The course content and delivery specification has been developed through consultation with the power industry. Training material is produced and managed by EUSR on the industry’s behalf. The content is reviewed periodically and consists of ten modules. All modules must be completed. The course may only be delivered by trainers approved and licensed by EUSR.

The course will be delivered through the context of the electricity transmission and distribution industries.

Modules

Module 1:
Power Generation & Distribution (Power specific module)

• Describe the various forms for power generation
• Explain how power is transmitted and distributed (Substations, Overhead Lines, Underground Cables, etc
• Identify the difference between high voltage and low voltage
• Identify network components & voltages

Module 2:
Your Responsibilities

• State the duties of their employer under the Health & Safety at Work etc. act (1974) not to allow injury to occur to their employees and other persons
• Explain requirements for instruction, information and training
• State their duties under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act (1974) not to harm themselves or other persons
• Describe the role and powers of HSE inspectors
• State the principles followed in the Construction, Design & Management Regulations (2015) (CDM)
• Explain the role of a Safety Policy and a Safety Management System
• Briefly explain the costs associates with poor environmental management
• Describe the responsibilities of the Environmental Agency and Scottish Environmental Agency

Module 3
Risk Assessment

• Define hazards (potential to cause harm)
• Define risk
• Describe the 5-step approach to risk assessment
• State hazards associated with people, equipment, materials, working environment and natural environment
• Describe appropriate control measures
• Describe the principles behind risk reduction methods including the hierarchy of control, using ‘real world’ examples
• State types of PPE which can be used
• Explain the need for PPE
• Explain the responsibilities of the employer to provide and maintain PPE
• State their responsibilities to wear, maintain and store PPE
• Explain how PPE is selected

Module 4
Workplace Procedures

• State hazards associated with access and egress, to place of work e.g. falls from height, slips, trips etc
• State the reasons for good housekeeping
• Describe the welfare provision required
• Define the terms: ‘hazard’, ‘near miss’ and ‘accident’
• Explain the required reporting processes for near miss, accidents, work related illnesses and dangerous occurrences
• Explain why all accidents should be reported, however minor
• State general emergency procedures e.g. fire evacuation and first aid
• Explain the need to assist in any investigations
• Recognised extinguisher types and their correct use.

Module 5
Power Industry Hazards (Power specific module)

• Identify and explain the hazards associated with electricity, including shocks, burns, arcing, direct contact and induced/impressed voltages
• Recognise the need for control measures
• Be aware of DNO safety rules
• Understand the limitations of written authorisation (DNO and company)

Module 6
Physical Hazards (Part 1)

• State the responsibilities of employers and employees under the Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
• Describe the use of appropriate safety equipment e.g. lifting aids
• State basic checks required prior to operating portable electrical tools
• State the risks from transport
• Describe how to ensure the mobile plant is operated safely
• Demonstrate understanding of the need for plant inspections
• State the need for specific plant training
• State the basic conditions required to be met in order to comply with the Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) (1998)
• State the basic principles applied within working at height regulations
• Describe how ladders are used safely
• State safe distances from overhead services at which plant and equipment can be used safely and the requirements if it is necessary to work closer
• State the requirements when working in the vicinity of a railway

Module 7
Physical Hazards (Part 2)

• Describe hazards associated with excavations
• Explain the hazards of working with gas / power / water
• Describe why markers alone may not be an accurate indicator of the position of underground services
• Describe how to locate underground services safely
• Explain why all excavations must be made safe from collapse
• State the requirements for impaction of supported excavations under CDM regulations
• Define a confined space and describe hazards associated with them
• Explain who can enter a confined space

Module 8
Hazards to Health (Part 1)

• Explain the considerations prior to moving a load
• Describe the potential effects of noise
• State the level of noise at which hearing protection must be made available and at which it must be worn
• State causes of Hand Arm Vibration
• Describe signs and effects of Hand Arm Vibration and how it can be prevented
• State causes of Whole Body Vibration and how the risk can be minimised

Module 9
Hazards to Health (Part 2)

• State appropriate risk assessments regarding COSHH
• Describe potential effects of health on hazardous substances
• State types of biohazards
• State risk areas for leptospirosis and describe how to minimise the hazards associated with it
• State risk areas for hypodermic needles and describe how to minimise the hazards associated with them
• Explain the role of Occupational Health
• Describe examples of physical, chemical and biological hazards that can affect the employee’s health and safety
• Describe the considerations in order to use VDUs safely

Module 10
The Environment

• Describe key environmental considerations
• Explain how your activities can affect the environment
• Describe potential causes of environmental damage
• State and give examples of different types of waste
• State the waste hierarchy
• Explain how to store waste safely
• Explain why waste should not be disposed of in water courses or burned
• State high risk areas for hazardous materials
• Describe the procedure for dealing with an emergency spillage
• Explain reporting requirements for environmental incidents

Duration

One-day programme. The card is valid for three years.

Assessment

Multiple choice examination for each of the eight modules. Four out of each five questions must be passed. Accreditation is from Energy and Utility Skills.

Maximum Number of Attendees

12 people.

What should I bring to the course?

Proof of identity such as a passport, driving licence or similar.