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SA011 – Locate and Clear Duct Blockages

SA011 – Locate and Clear Duct Blockages

For telecoms and utilities operatives working on underground networks

The Smart Awards SA011 Locate and Clear Duct Blockages accreditation is designed for people working on the telecoms underground network who need to safely find, expose and clear blockages in ducts and pipes.

At Utilities Training’s North West Training Centre in Accrington, this practical, hands-on course gives you the skills and knowledge to:

  • Locate the source of a blockage in telecoms ducting
  • Excavate safely where required
  • Clear the obstruction using approved methods
  • Reinstate the surface and leave the site safe and compliant

The course follows the official Smart Awards SA011 standard, which assesses your ability to work effectively in a construction utility environment and safely clear blockages in telecoms pipe networks.

Why train with Utilities Training?

  • North West Training Centre in Accrington – dedicated utilities and telecoms training facility.
  • Approved Smart Awards provider alongside other recognised bodies such as CITB, City & Guilds, Highfield, EUSR, NPORS, CABWI, IPAF and more.
  • Industry-experienced trainers with real-world civils and telecoms backgrounds.
  • Small, practical groups so everyone gets time on the tools.
  • Courses run for North West & national clients, with open courses and private group bookings available.

Frequently Asked Questions About

This course is ideal for:
• Telecoms and utilities operatives working on underground networks
• Civils gangs installing or maintaining duct routes
• Engineers and technicians who need to locate and clear duct blockages as part of their role
• Contractors working on Openreach, CityFibre, Virgin Media or other fibre and copper networks (subject to individual client requirements)

By the end of the course, you should be able to:
Safety, legislation and standards
• Explain key health & safety legislation, codes of practice and company procedures related to working in streets and on utility networks
• Carry out and review site-specific risk assessments, method statements and control measures
• Identify hazards when working around underground services, excavations, roads and footways
Locating duct blockages
• Interpret plans, records and markings to identify possible blockage locations
• Use appropriate techniques and tools to trace duct routes
• Identify the presence and type of blockage in telecoms pipework
Clearing duct blockages
• Select the correct equipment (e.g. rods, rope, draw wire, winch systems) for clearing the obstruction
• Apply safe working practices during clearance, including manual handling, tool safety and confined space awareness
• Prove the duct is clear and ready for cable installation

Course duration & delivery
• Typical duration: 1 day (including theory and practical assessment)
• Location: North West Training Centre, Accrington (classroom and practical training area)
• Format: Face-to-face course with practical elements – not suitable as pure e-learning
Group / employer bookings
For companies, SA011 can be arranged as a dedicated course for your team at our Accrington centre. Where facilities allow and subject to minimum numbers, Utilities Training may also be able to deliver at suitable client premises.

You will be assessed through:
• A written / multiple-choice theory assessment
• A practical assessment where you demonstrate safe methods of locating and clearing duct blockages in a simulated work environment
On successful completion, you will receive:
• A Smart Awards SA011 – Locate and Clear Duct Blockages certificate
• The qualification is typically valid for 3 years, after which you will need to complete a refresher or re-take the qualification, in line with Smart Awards policy.
Your SA011 achievement can also be added to a NOPS (Network Operative Passport Scheme) card, giving employers a quick way to verify your telecoms safety accreditations on site.

The SA011 unit is designed to assess a learner’s ability to safely locate, identify, and clear blockages in underground duct systems. It ensures workers can maintain duct integrity and restore access for cable installation or maintenance.

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