Welcome to BH Safe Pass Course Dublin
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Safe Pass Awareness Programme
The Safe Pass Awareness Programme is a mandatory one-day health and safety training course in Ireland, designed for workers in the construction industry to ensure they can work safely on construction sites without posing risks to themselves or others. Managed by SOLAS, Ireland’s state agency for further education and training, the programme aims to raise safety awareness and reduce accidents and health hazards in the construction sector. It is a legal requirement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 for all construction workers, including general workers, craft workers, apprentices, trainees, and on-site security personnel, to hold a valid Safe Pass registration card.
Key Objectives of Safe Pass Course
• Raise Safety Standards: Enhance awareness of health and safety practices to prevent accidents and ill health on construction sites.
• Ensure Training: Guarantee that all site personnel undergo basic health and safety training.
• Maintain Records: Keep a register of workers who have completed the programme.
• Issue Certification: Provide a Safe Pass registration card to participants, valid for 4 years, confirming completion of the course.
Who Needs to take Safe Pass Course?
The programme is mandatory for:
• General construction workers and craft workers.
• Apprentices and trainees, including those under the Standards Based Apprenticeship Scheme.
• On-site personnel like security staff or delivery drivers (e.g., concrete truck drivers) who regularly work on construction sites.
• Students on work placements at construction sites.
• Any personnel specified by the Minister under the 2013 Regulations.
Employers or contractors may also require all site visitors to hold a Safe Pass, even if not legally mandated.
Safe Pass Course Content
The one-day course (typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 or 5:00 PM) covers essential health and safety topics, including:
• Health and safety legislation and construction regulations.
• Accident reporting and prevention.
• Risk assessments and hazard identification.
• Safe use of construction vehicles and equipment.
• Personal safety, including personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Manual handling, noise, and vibration risks.
• Working with electricity, underground, and overhead services.
• Personal health and welfare on-site.
The course is delivered by SOLAS-approved tutors through classroom-based instruction, using PowerPoint presentations, discussions, and videos. Participants must complete a multiple-choice questionnaire at the end to demonstrate understanding.
Safe Pass Training Requirements for Participation
• Age: Participants must be at least 16 years old.
• Identification: An Irish PPS number, UK National Insurance Number, or a SOLAS-issued Process Number (for non-residents temporarily employed in Ireland) is required.
• Language: A good understanding of English is necessary, though courses in other languages (e.g., Polish) are available in some locations. Special needs should be communicated when booking.
• Documentation: Participants need a passport-sized photo, photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license), and, in some cases, a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
• Class Size: Minimum of 4 and maximum of 20 participants, per SOLAS rules.
Safe Pass Course Certification and Renewal
• Upon successful completion, participants receive a Safe Pass registration card, valid for 4 years.
• Renewal requires attending another full-day course.
• Replacement cards for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost €32 and require an online application with a high-quality passport photo. Cards are typically issued within 2-3 weeks.
Cost of Safe Pass Course and Employer Responsibilities
• Cost: €150 Employers generally cover the cost, as required by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which also mandates paid time off for training without loss of wages.
• Unemployed Workers: Those offered a construction job but needing a Safe Pass may get funding through their local Intreo centre via the Training Support Grant.
• Contractual Obligations: Employees are not required to refund training costs if they leave their job, unless specified in their contract.