Safe Work Leader 1

This course is designed to convert persons with the current COSS competence to SWL1. They will also pass the pre-qualifier assessment and have been nominated by their line manager/sponsor to enable them to attain the SWL conversion and subsequent competence.

The SWL competence is required to be held by anyone who is required to plan and set up a safe system of work on or near the line for a group (two or more). An SWL can also carry out the duties of an IWA provided there are no medical restrictions that would prevent this.

The SWL conversion course will take delegates through the procedures as set out in the extant Rule Books; Handbook 6; Handbook 7, Handbook 8, Handbook 9, Handbook 10, Handbook 13, Handbook 20 (General duties of an SWL outside a possession) and Handbook 21 (SWL blocking a line).

The course includes the importance of using the correct planning protocols, applying the SSOW and adopting the appropriate behaviours to be able to carry out this role safely and effectively.

At the end of the training the delegate will be able to:

LO1 – Carry out the Safe Work Leader (SWL) role

• Introduction
• Describe SWL Breakdown
• Explain Accountability & Responsibility

LO2 – Apply Safety Management

• List Non-technical skills
• Describe human factors
• Explain Communication Skills
• Deliver Briefing Practice

LO3 – Understand Risk/Hazard Identification

• List 5 step-assessment
• Identify risks & hazards
• Describe controlling measures

LO4 – Identify Health & Well-being risks

• Explain Healthy & Well-being risks to the workgroup
• Describe Health & Well-being management measures

LO5 – Employ the Safe Work Pack process

• Explain the business process
• List SSOW methods
• Create a safe work pack

LO6 – Conduct SSOW worksite briefing

• Prepare a SWP briefing

1. Must be a minimum age of 18.
2. Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card endorsed with PTS, IWA, COSS.
3. Must have a good level of literacy to meet Entry Qualifications.
4. Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card and meet the requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021
5. Competence and Training in Track Safety. Holds valid and current COSS certification.
6. Must meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Medical Fitness Level 1.
7. Must meet the requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L1/OHS/051 (Drugs & Alcohol).

SWL 1 Recertification is computer based using the Rail Exams platform. Candidates are only allowed to start an assessment with permission from an Invigilator (this is a Trainer who holds Safe Work Leader 1 Trainer without tech) The course is designed to refresh persons who hold SWL1 or SWL2 competencies as part of their duties on Network Rail Infrastructure. It is designed to convey the content of the revised NR/L2/OHS/019 Standard and the introduction of the Safe Work Pack documentation.