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SA023 Banksman & Ground Support Services

SA023 Banksman & Ground Support Services

Safely manoeuvring plant & vehicle on-site including MEWPS

Course Overview

The Smart Awards SA023 Banksman – Ground Support Person for Elevating Platform and Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is a 1-day accreditation that gives delegates the knowledge and practical skills to safely guide and support EP/MEWP operators working at height and in restricted areas.

Delivered at the Utilities Training North West Training Centre, this course focuses on safe manoeuvring, effective communication, and hazard awareness so that ground support personnel can keep operators, colleagues and the public safe during lifting and access operations.

On successful completion, delegates achieve a Smart Awards SA023 certificate, typically valid for 3 years, subject to Smart Awards’ current rules.

Who Is SA023 For?

This course is ideal for:

  • Banksmen / signallers supporting EP/MEWP operations
  • Ground support staff in utilities, civils, telecoms, construction and highways
  • Supervisors, team leaders and chargehands responsible for work at height operations
  • New entrants looking to move into a ground support/banksman role

You do not need to be a MEWP operator yourself, but the course is designed for those working around EPs/MEWPs or planning to do so.

Why Train with Utilities Training North West?

  • Specialist utilities training centre – training built around real-world utilities and civils environments
  • Experienced instructors – tutors with industry background in MEWP and lifting operations
  • Hands-on approach – practical signalling, communication and ground support scenarios
  • Small group sizes – plenty of 1-to-1 feedback and time on practical exercises
  • Convenient North West location – easy access for employers across the region

(You can drop your own location, travel and parking info into this section.)

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the SA023 Banksman & Ground Support course, delegates will be able to:

  • Identify a safe and suitable area for EP/MEWP manoeuvres
  • Recognise and use approved hand signals and communication methods with operators
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of the banksman / ground support person
  • Identify different types of elevating platforms and MEWPs and the key safety controls
  • Assist the operator to manoeuvre safely in restricted spaces and at height
  • Recognise common site hazards and risks (ground conditions, overhead/underground services, pedestrians, traffic, weather, etc.)
  • Apply relevant health & safety legislation, organisational procedures and best practice
  • Respond appropriately in the event of an incident or emergency

The accreditation is set at Level 2, reflecting the ability to select and use relevant knowledge and procedures to complete well-defined tasks safely.

Course Content

Typical topics covered include:

  • Introduction to SA023 & legislation
    • Purpose of the Smart Award and industry expectations
    • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, PUWER, LOLER, Working at Height Regulations (overview)
  • Roles & responsibilities
    • Banksman / ground support responsibilities
    • Operator vs banksman – who does what
    • Limits of responsibility and authority
  • EP/MEWP awareness
    • Types of elevating platforms and MEWPs
    • Key components and safety devices
    • Pre-use checks and defects (overview for ground support staff)
  • Planning and site assessment
    • Assessing ground conditions, gradients and obstructions
    • Overhead hazards (cables, structures, vegetation)
    • Segregation of pedestrians and vehicles
    • Weather considerations and safe working limits
  • Communication and signalling
    • Standard banksman hand signals
    • Radio and verbal communication techniques
    • Maintaining clear lines of sight
    • Avoiding miscommunication and “signal confusion”
  • Safe manoeuvring
    • Guiding EP/MEWPs in restricted spaces
    • Managing blind spots and pinch points
    • Positioning the banksman safely
    • Working around other plant and traffic
  • Hazards, risk control & emergencies
    • Common incidents involving MEWPs and ground support
    • Controls and safe systems of work
    • Emergency procedures and reporting

Frequently Asked Questions About

A banksman or ground support person is responsible for guiding plant and access equipment – in this case EPs/MEWPs – to move safely on site. They use agreed hand signals or radios to direct the operator, monitor hazards, keep exclusion zones clear and help prevent collisions, tip-overs or contact with services and structures.

The course takes up to 1-day

Smart Awards certificates for SA023 are typically valid for 3 years. After this period, a refresher or re-assessment is recommended so that your knowledge and skills stay aligned with current legislation and best practice.

No formal experience is required, but SA023 is aimed at people who already work, or intend to work, around EPs/MEWPs in utilities, civils or construction. Some understanding of site operations is beneficial, and those driving or operating the equipment must hold appropriate operator training and licences.

Yes. SA023 is widely used across telecoms, utilities and civils sectors and is recognised as an industry accreditation for banksman/ground support roles in these environments.

Delegates complete:

A theory assessment (often multiple-choice) to check understanding of hazards, responsibilities and safe working procedures

A practical assessment, where they demonstrate safe signalling, positioning and ground support during MEWP/EP manoeuvres

Yes – subject to a suitable training area, equipment and site conditions, SA023 can often be delivered on-site for groups of delegates. This allows us to train your staff in their real working environment. Contact us to discuss on-site delivery requirements and minimum numbers.

Delegates should attend with standard site PPE (typically safety boots, high-visibility vest/jacket, hard hat, gloves and eye protection). If your organisation has specific PPE standards, these should be followed.

We also offer the IPAF spotter course which is online only

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