Course overview
The SMSTS course spans over five days and can be taken in various formats, such as intensive block courses or spread over several weeks. The course involves a mix of classroom-based teaching, group discussions, case studies, and practical exercises.
Course Types
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) course can be delivered through various formats to accommodate different learning preferences and logistical requirements.
Virtual Classroom **Popular**
Conducted online, this format is accessible and flexible, ideal for those with tight schedules or remote locations. It relies on technology like video conferencing for interactive elements and requires a stable internet connection.
Face to Face Classroom
This traditional format involves physical attendance in a structured classroom environment. It offers direct interaction with trainers and peers, hands-on activities, and is conducive to focused learning and immediate feedback.
On Site Learning
Tailored to the workplace, this format brings customised training directly to the job site. It allows for the direct application of skills in a real-world context, is convenient for training teams, and enhances team building.
How long is the course?
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) course typically spans over five days. This duration can be structured in different ways depending on the training provider and the format of the course.
Course Certification
Upon successful completion of the SMSTS course, participants receive a certificate. This certification process usually involves:
- Assessment: Participants are typically assessed through a combination of methods, which may include a multiple-choice test and a practical or group project.
- Validity: The SMSTS certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue.
- Refresher Course: After five years, a shorter SMSTS refresher course is required to renew the certification. This ensures that site managers remain up-to-date with the latest health and safety practices and legislative changes.
Pre-requisites
There are no formal entry requirements, however, delegates should hold, or be about to hold, the role of a site manager. Previous health and safety knowledge is recommended. Those without previous health and safety management experience are recommended to sit the two-day SSSTS course. Delegates must be competent in written and spoken English necessary for operating efficiently at site management level
Modules breakdown
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) course covers a comprehensive range of topics, ensuring that site managers are well-equipped to handle health and safety responsibilities on construction sites. The core modules include:
- Introduction to Health and Safety Law and Permits to Work
- Understanding the legal responsibilities.
- Overview of health and safety law and enforcement.
- Risk Assessment and Method Statements
- Principles of risk assessment.
- Writing and implementing method statements.
- Proactive and Reactive Monitoring
- Monitoring safety performance.
- Understanding the importance of proactive and reactive measures.
- Accident Investigation and Reporting
- Procedures for reporting accidents and incidents.
- Conducting effective accident investigations.
- Site Set-Up and Security
- Planning and setting up a safe construction site.
- Site security and public safety measures.
- Fire Prevention and Control
- Fire hazards and risks.
- Fire prevention and control measures.
- Hazardous Substances (COSHH)
- Understanding Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
- Managing hazardous substances on site.
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
- Understanding CDM regulations.
- Roles and responsibilities under CDM.
- Working at Height
- Risks associated with working at height.
- Safe practices for working at height.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Selection and use of appropriate PPE.
- Legal requirements for PPE.
- Manual Handling
- Risks of manual handling.
- Safe manual handling techniques.
- Health and Welfare
- Ensuring health and welfare on site.
- Managing stress and mental health.
- Environmental Management
- Environmental management on construction sites.
- Sustainable practices and waste management.
- Occupational Health
- Understanding occupational health issues.
- Noise and vibration, dust and fumes management.
- Electrical and Mechanical Work
- Safety considerations for electrical and mechanical work.
- Excavations and Confined Spaces
- Managing safety in excavations and confined spaces.
- Temporary Works
- Understanding the importance and management of temporary works.