NRSWA Signing, Lighting & Guarding Course1-Day Standalone Unit
Learn how to safely set up, maintain and monitor signing, lighting and guarding at street works sites — protecting workers, pedestrians and road users in line with NRSWA requirements.
Need this course urgently or on a specific date? We can deliver flexible SLG training to suit your requirements. Contact us to arrange.
What is Signing, Lighting & Guarding?
Signing, Lighting and Guarding (SLG) is the process of protecting a street works site so that the public, road users and the workforce can move safely around the excavation area. It covers everything from the placement of cones, barriers and warning signs through to temporary traffic lights and pedestrian walkways.
Under the New Roads and Street Works Act, every works site on the public highway must be properly signed, lit and guarded for the entire duration of the works. Poorly set-up sites create real danger — they put pedestrians at risk, cause confusion for drivers and can lead to serious injuries. Organisations that fail to meet these standards face enforcement action and significant penalties.
This unit teaches you the practical skills and knowledge to get site protection right from the start. Whether you are the operative placing the signs or the supervisor planning the layout, this training ensures you understand your responsibilities and can carry them out competently.
Already doing the 5-day course?
This unit is automatically included in the full 5-day Operative and 5-day Supervisor courses. You only need to book this standalone 1-day course if you require the SLG unit separately.
Operative vs Supervisor — What's the Difference?
This unit supports both operative and supervisor roles, but the focus and responsibilities differ. Here is what each role covers within the SLG unit.
Operative
O1 — Unit 2- Physically sets up and maintains signs, barriers and cones
- Installs lighting equipment and pedestrian walkways
- Checks site protection throughout the working day
- Adjusts and corrects the layout when conditions change
- Reports issues to the supervisor or site manager
Supervisor
S1 — Unit 10 Elements- Plans the site layout and signing arrangements
- Ensures compliance with codes of practice and safety standards
- Monitors the site set-up and maintains standards throughout
- Oversees traffic management controls and pedestrian routes
- Takes corrective action when standards are not being met
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course you will understand the principles behind effective site protection and be able to apply them in practice. The training covers both the regulatory framework and the hands-on skills needed to keep a works site safe and compliant.
Course Delivery
This is a one-day instructor-led course delivered at our training centre in Ripley, Derbyshire. The day combines classroom theory with practical discussion and realistic scenario work, so you leave with a clear understanding of how SLG applies on real sites.
The morning session covers the legal framework, codes of practice and the principles of effective site protection. The afternoon focuses on practical application — working through realistic site scenarios, discussing common mistakes and understanding what good SLG looks like in different road configurations. Assessment is completed during the course.
Classroom Theory
NRSWA requirements, codes of practice, sign types and their correct application for different road layouts.
Practical Discussion
Working through realistic scenarios to understand how SLG decisions are made on different site types.
Site Examples
Real-world examples of correct and incorrect site set-ups, with guidance on identifying and correcting issues.
Same-Day Assessment
Knowledge checks and assessment elements are completed during the course — no separate exam day required.
Assessment & Certification
Assessment is woven into the course throughout the day. Your instructor will check your understanding through knowledge-based questions, scenario discussions and practical assessment elements relevant to the SLG unit. There is no separate written examination.
On successful completion, the unit contributes to your Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) record. For operatives this covers Unit 2 (O1), and for supervisors it covers the relevant elements of Unit 10 (S1). SWQR registration is typically valid for five years in line with the standard NRSWA cycle.
On Successful Completion
- SLG unit registered on your SWQR record
- Contributes towards full Operative or Supervisor qualification
- Recognised by employers and highway authorities across the UK
- Valid for five years in line with standard NRSWA requirements
This unit is automatically included when completing the full 5-day NRSWA Operative or Supervisor course. Delegates only need to book this standalone course if they require the unit separately — for example, as a refresher or to add the SLG competency to an existing qualification.
Why Train with Apollo Quality & Assessment?
We deliver SLG training from our centre in Ripley, Derbyshire, serving contractors and organisations across Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield and the wider Midlands. Our approach is practical and compliance-focused — we give you clear guidance without unnecessary complexity.
Get in Touch
Need advice on whether to book the standalone SLG unit or the full Operative or Supervisor course? We are happy to help you work out the right option.
Send an EnquiryFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Under the New Roads and Street Works Act, anyone working on the public highway must ensure that works are properly signed, lit and guarded. This unit provides the competence needed to meet that requirement, whether you are an operative setting up the site or a supervisor planning and overseeing the layout.
No. This unit is already included within both the 5-day NRSWA Operative course and the 5-day NRSWA Supervisor course. You only need to book the standalone 1-day course if you require this unit separately — for example, as a refresher or because you need the SLG competency without completing the full qualification.
Yes. Supervisors who need to demonstrate competence in the planning and oversight of signing, lighting and guarding can attend this course as a standalone unit. The supervisor elements cover site layout planning, compliance monitoring and maintaining standards throughout the works.
The standalone Signing, Lighting & Guarding course is delivered in one day. It includes classroom theory, practical discussion, realistic scenarios and assessment, all completed within the same session.
If you do not meet the required standard during assessment, your instructor will explain the areas that need improvement. You will have the opportunity to re-attend on a future date to complete the unit. We want every delegate to succeed and will support you through the process.
Yes. We can deliver SLG training for groups at our centre in Ripley or at your site. Group bookings are a practical option for organisations that need to train multiple operatives or supervisors. Contact us to discuss dates, numbers and any on-site requirements.
You do not need to bring any specialist equipment. All training materials and resources are provided. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a form of photo ID for registration purposes.
On successful completion, the SLG unit contributes towards your Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) record. For operatives this covers Unit 2 (O1), and for supervisors it covers the relevant elements of Unit 10 (S1). Your SWQR registration is typically valid for five years in line with the standard NRSWA cycle.
Book Your SLG Course
Get certified in Signing, Lighting and Guarding with our practical one-day course. Delivered from our training centre in Ripley, Derbyshire — contact us for dates, pricing and availability.