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SA005 – Safe Moving & Handling

SA005 – Safe Moving & Handling

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

Frequently Asked Questions About

Yes, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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