SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK PLANNER [SSOWP]

COURSE INFORMATION

SSOWP - Prerequisites

  • Minimum Age:

    Participants must be at least 18 years old.

  • Literacy Standards:

    Must have a good level of literacy to meet Entry Qualifications.

  • Candidates must hold either:

    Participants must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card and comply with the requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety.
    SPO1 as a section planner (Network Rail candidates only)

  • Medical Fitness:

    Participants must meet the medical requirements outlined in Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 (Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements).

  • Drug and Alcohol Standards:

    Compliance with Network Rail Specification NR/L1/OHS/00120 (Drugs & Alcohol)

    is mandatory. Any person attending SSOWP shall have undergone a drugs and alcohol testing and achieved a negative result within the last 5 years and evidence provided. Where a person already holds PTS there in no requirement to undertake a new D&A test.

SSOWP - Course info

  • Course Aim:

    The Safe System of Work Planner (SSOWP) course is designed to provide delegates with comprehensive knowledge and essential skills required to effectively plan, create, and implement safe systems of work on Network Rail infrastructure. This training ensures delegates can accurately develop and communicate robust safety measures, aligning with regulatory compliance and industry standards to protect railway workers and maintain operational efficiency.

  • Course Objectives:

    Upon completion of the course, delegates will be able to:

    • Clearly define and undertake the responsibilities of a Safe System of Work Planner.

    • Develop and document accurate Safe Work Packs (SWPs), ensuring they meet all regulatory and operational requirements.

    • Understand and apply relevant Network Rail standards, guidelines, and procedures when planning safe work systems.

    • Effectively communicate planned safety arrangements to relevant personnel and stakeholders.

    • Evaluate potential risks and hazards, and incorporate appropriate risk controls within Safe Work Packs.

    • Identify and implement contingency plans for potential operational deviations or emergency situations.

    • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of railway terminology, infrastructure, and operational procedures essential for safety planning.

  • Assessment criteria:
    Delegates' competence is assessed through:

    • Knowledge Assessment:

      A formal written examination consisting of scenario-based and multiple-choice questions, designed to assess theoretical understanding of safe work planning principles and practices. A defined minimum score is required to pass.

    • Practical Assessment:

      Delegates will demonstrate the practical ability to create, evaluate, and communicate a comprehensive Safe Work Pack through simulated exercises and scenarios, reflecting real operational environments and challenges.

  • Course Delivery:

    This comprehensive course combines classroom instruction, engaging visual presentations, group discussions, and practical planning exercises. Delegates will actively participate in realistic scenarios that mimic actual railway operations, allowing for hands-on experience in safe work planning, risk assessment, and operational decision-making.

SSOWP Course:

Duration | Structure | Prerequisites


Duration: The SSOWP Initial course spans: 4 days | 2 days recertification

Maximum Delegates per Course: Up to 8 learners

COURSE SESSIONS

  • Session 1: Welcome and Introduction

  • Session 2: The Safe System of Work Planning Process and NR/L2/OHS/019

  • Session 3: The Safe System of Work Requirements

  • Session 4: Importance of the Quality of Safe Work Packs

  • Session 5: Warning Systems

  • Session 6: Planning for Individuals Working Alone

  • Session 7: Position of Safety and Restrictions

  • Session 8: Sources of Information

  • Session 9: Signalling types

  • Session 10: Line Blockage Availability

  • Session 11: Planning Line Blockages

  • Session 12: Possessions

  • Session 13: Sidings

  • Session 14: Knowledge Assessment

  • Session 15: RT9909 & NR3180 exercises

  • Session 16: Case Study and Assessments

  • Recertification Sessions (2 Days): Introduction & Course Workbook, Deliver Training Assessment

STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

SSOWP course information.

Question 1: What do I need to bring on Day 1?

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Question 2:Do I need to bring a laptop to the course?

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Question 3: Does this competency have workplace assessments?

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Question 4: Do you have a SSOWP Quiz | SSOWP revision tools?

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CONTACT DETAILS

Ty Cynon, Navigation Park.

Abercynon. RCT. South Wales.

CF45 4SN

Unit 4b Battlers Green Farm
Common Lane. Radlett. Herts
WD7 8PH

Phone: 01443 303009

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