The SMSTS course is one of the most important for Site Managers, yet if you are a Site Supervisor you may not even know what the course is, or what it is about. We've put together a quick guide to SMSTS courses so if this sounds like you, you can gain a better understanding.
SMSTS courses are provided by the CITB – the Construction Industry Training board. The board have created a number of courses within the Site Safety scheme which are well established and cover every factor required to be a Site Manager. SMSTS, itself is a five letter acronym standing for Site Management Safety Training Scheme.
The course is five days in length and aimed at existing Site Managers, as well as anyone involved with Site Management in the Construction industry. The course is also aimed at Site Supervisors who may be looking at training to become Site Managers in the future. Whilst the course isn't mandatory for everyone working in construction, it is highly recommended and essential for anyone working on a UKCG (United Kingdom Contractors Group) site.
The course is a classroom based training course led by tutors which is run across the country. All the courses are undertaken by CITB approved training providers giving the delegates the best chance of passing the course. As with most courses on our website, the course can be run at a venue provided by the training provider or alternatively if you have a number of delegates then the training can be run 'in-house'.
The content of the Site Management Safety Training Scheme course includes a variety of different subjects, all of which are necessary to succeed within construction. These subjects include understanding the legal background to safe site management and legislations. As well as this you need to demonstrate an awareness of regulations. You will also learn how to carry out risk assessments, set up sites safely as well as CDM regulations.
You will also be taught a number of safety points to consider, including scaffolding and working at heights. Delegates will also be taught how evacuations and demolitions work as well as the importance of accident reporting under RIDDOR regulations. It's vital as a Site Manager that you maintain a positive health and safety culture within your construction site, following best practice and communications.
In order to pass the SMSTS course, you need to ensure you attend all of the course days. Interaction within the class is also important, as it is considered to be an important part of a Site Managers job – poor communication can lead to accidents on-site you will also need to attend a SMSTS refresher course once the SMSTS course has expired in 5 years.
Candidates who successfully pass the course achieve a certificate that is valid for five years. After this point a Refresher course can be taken. Do you have any questions about the SMSTS course? Have you taken one before?