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SA001 Overhead Safety

SA001 Overhead Safety

Safe working on Ladders and Telegraph Poles

The Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety course is the industry-recognised qualification for anyone working on, or around, ladders and wooden poles in an overhead telecommunications environment.

Delivered at our North West training centre, this practical, hands-on course gives you the skills and confidence to work safely at height on external networks, in line with current health & safety legislation, industry good practice and Smart Awards standards.

By the end of the course you’ll understand the key hazards and controls involved in:

  • Working safely at height
  • Accessing and descending poles using ladders
  • Checking pole condition before climbing
  • Working safely on joint user poles (where power and telecoms share the same structure)

Successful delegates gain the Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety accreditation, typically valid for 3 years, after which a refresher course is required.

The SA001 programme is built around three core modules:

1. Overhead safety
  • Identify hazards and risks in an overhead work area
  • Apply safe systems of work and site controls
  • Use correct manual-handling techniques when moving ladders and equipment
  • Select and use PPE and fall-prevention / fall-arrest equipment correctly
  • Work in accordance with relevant health & safety legislation and telecoms industry standards
2. Pole checking
  • Read and interpret pole markings and safety labels
  • Assess pole condition and identify defects
  • Decide if a pole is safe to climb or needs to be reported / taken out of use
  • Record and communicate pole-safety concerns
3. Joint user poles
  • Understand the additional hazards of joint use with electrical utilities
  • Maintain safe minimum approach distances
  • Apply safe working practices around power infrastructure
  • Follow escalation and reporting procedures when hazards are found

Upcoming Courses

SA001 Overhead Safety including Joint User Poles

8 April 2026

8:30 AM

Accrington

£450.00 +VAT

Register

Frequently Asked Questions About

SA001 is a nationally recognised Smart Awards qualification that covers safe working on ladders and wooden poles in a telecommunications environment. It’s designed to ensure you understand the hazards, controls and legal requirements involved in overhead work, including pole checking and working on joint user poles.

In most cases, yes. SA001 (or an equivalent) is widely recognised as a mandatory safety requirement for engineers accessing external overhead telecoms networks, including Openreach and PIA. Many employers will not allow you to work on their network without it. For those not climbing there is an awareness only course which typically completes in 1 day.

The course is delivered as an intensive multi-day programme, typically over 2–3 days depending on provider, location and group size. At our North West centre we structure the timetable to balance classroom learning with plenty of practical time on the training poles.

The SA001 certificate is usually valid for 3 years. After this, you’ll need to complete the SA001R Overhead Safety Refresher to update your knowledge and demonstrate continued competence.

You’ll need to complete a multiple-choice test at the end of theory training to test your understanding of overhead hazards, legislation and safe working practices. You’ll also be assessed practically on ladder handling, pole checking and climbing techniques.

Absolutely. SA001 is a hands-on practical course. You’ll spend time:
• Conducting pole checks
• Setting up, securing and climbing ladders
• Demonstrating safe working positions on the pole
All practical work is supervised and assessed by experienced instructors, using appropriate PPE and fall-protection systems

No previous telecoms or work-at-height qualifications are required—SA001 is designed for novices and new entrants. However, you must be physically fit enough to safely climb ladders and poles, and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

We’ll confirm full joining instructions when you book, but typically you’ll need:
• Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• Suitable outdoor work clothing and safety footwear
• Any prescription glasses you require for reading/close work
We provide specialist equipment (ladders, harnesses, etc.) for use during the course.

The qualification must be renewed after 3 years.

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Approved & Accredited Training Provider

Utilities Training Limited (www.utilities.training) is a leading UK vocational training provider based in the North West, delivering high-quality, industry-recognised courses across a wide range of sectors. Specialising in street works, confined spaces, IPAF, NPORS, EUSR, and Smart Awards, the company is committed to equipping individuals and businesses with the skills needed to work safely and compliantly. With experienced instructors, modern facilities, and a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning, Utilities Training Limited has built a reputation for excellence, reliability, and supporting workforce development across the utilities and construction industries.

01254 369 620