"I need to see your safety passport before you can come on site."
The phrase 1000s hear everyday in the UK
What's a safety passport?
When contractors have successfully completed a relevant safety training course, they are generally issued with a "plasticised" photographic pass that has to be shown on site arrival as proof that you have the appropriate training.
Passports may have an expiry date.
Which one do I need?
In the UK there are 5 major safety passport/safety qualification schemes:
- Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG also known as SCATS)
- Safety Pass Alliance (SPA in conjunction with MPQC, EPIC & UKPIA)
- Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH)
- Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Each is relevant to a different industry and your client may have a preference as to which one they want you to have. It is always best to check with them. For a description of each scheme, see below.
Where can I get one?
Once you find the course for you below, just click 'Find a course' to be taken to an official training provider's website. We have chosed training providers who have their own training venues and will also travel to your company to suit your needs.
CCNSG
The CCNSG passport, formerly known as the SCATS card, was the original safety passport of them all and tends to be used most in Power Generation, Steel, Oil, Gas and Chemicals industries. It is a generic scheme, which is not industry specific and is therefore open to clients outside of the engineering construction industry. The passport is obtained after taking two days of basic generic health and safety training and passing some multiple choice tests.
How long do they last?
This passport has to be renewed every 3 years by sitting on a 1 day renewal course.
How long do they last?
These passports have to be renewed every 3 years by sitting on a 1 day renewal course.
SPA
The SPA Passport is a modular passport which has been developed with numerous industry sectors, including Food & Drink, Quarry, Petrol Retail, General Manufacturing, Building Maintenance, Pharma, Construction, Ports, Logistics, Landfill and others. The first day is "The Core Day" providing generic Health & Safety training. The second day is industry specific and addresses the particular safety needs of that sector.Did you know? You may be exempt from having to sit on the 'core' day if you hold another safety passport. Call the info line on 0161 926 9510 for a list of exemptions.
IOSH
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is a British organisation for Health and Safety professionals, it is the only Chartered body for Health & Safety worldwide. IOSH are committed to maintaining high standards and creating a world of work which is safe. It is one of the world leaders in Health & Safety Training with over 130,000 people taking their courses every year. Two of the flagship courses are IOSH Managing Safely and IOSH Working Safely.
How long do they last?
Once achieved, these certificates do not have an expiry date.
How long do they last?
Once achieved, these certificates do not have an expiry date.
CIEH
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) set standards and accredit courses in environmental health. They are an awarding organisation for vocational qualifications and have a suite of certified qualifications including food safety, health and safety topics like Stress Awareness, Manual Handling and Conflict Management, first aid and environmental protection.
CSCS
The CSCS card is primarily used in the construction industry. There is no required training. To obtain a CSCS card workers are required to have completed a 45-minute multiple-choice test on health and safety in construction. It is a screen-based test and there are a maximum of 40 questions to answer. Workers can choose to attend a construction health and safety awareness course beforehand.
How long do they last?
The expiry date of these cards varies depending on their colour and level