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The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) – What You Need to Know

The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) was introduced by the UK Government and the Department for Transport (DfT) to regulate work carried out on public highways. This legislation ensures that street works are carried out safely, efficiently, and by qualified personnel.

What Does the Act Cover?

The Act primarily outlines responsibilities for utility companies, contractors, and other organisations working on public roads. It defines the need for qualified operatives and supervisors to ensure that street works are planned and executed in a way that safeguards both the workforce and the public.

Who Needs to Be Qualified?

A qualified operative must always be present on-site and must hold valid NRSWA units relevant to the specific work activity.
Supervisors do not need to be on-site at all times, but they must be available for consultation and guidance.

Important: For Signing, Lighting and Guarding (Unit O1/S1), all personnel involved in the setup, maintenance, or removal of roadwork signage must be fully trained and competent.

Understanding the Street Works Card (SWQR)

Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR cards) are issued to operatives and supervisors.
These cards are valid for five years.
Once expired, you are no longer considered competent to carry out any works on the public highway under NRSWA regulations.

How to Renew Your NRSWA Card

To maintain compliance:

You must reassess your units through a multiple-choice test.
Reassessment can be completed up to five years after the card’s expiry date.
It’s essential to present your current or expired SWQR card at the time of reassessment—certificates alone are not sufficient.

Can You Add Units Later?

Yes. Additional units can be added to a valid card. However:

The core units (LA, O1/S1) must still be in date.
Unit expiry dates may vary depending on when they were added.

Responsibilities and the Red Book

The Red Book (Safety at Street Works and Road Works) outlines how to conduct work safely. It makes a distinction:

Text in blue highlights actions that must be referred to the supervisor.
It is a legal requirement to follow these guidelines to remain compliant with street works legislation.

Summary

The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 is a cornerstone of roadwork safety and operational compliance in the UK. Whether you’re a contractor, utility provider, or subcontractor, holding the correct NRSWA qualifications and maintaining up-to-date certification is vital.

Failure to comply can result in fines, safety risks, and legal action. Always ensure your operatives are certified and supervisors are actively engaged in overseeing compliance.

If you are interested in Streetworks courses, find out more here.