Overview
SHEA Water (Safety, Health & Environmental Awareness for Water) is the UK water industry’s standard Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness scheme for anyone working on operational water sites. It is a CSCS Alliance scheme, so a SHEA Water registration also carries CSCS Logo recognition – giving cardholders access to CSCS-controlled operational sites without needing to carry a separate card.
The scheme was developed in collaboration with employers and key stakeholders from across the water and utilities sector, so its content is directly relevant to real site risks – helping to improve workforce safety and reduce the costs associated with injury, illness, or accidents.
From the 1st October 2026 the CSCS partner card status is being removed from all EUSR SHEA cards. The SHEA course will still lead to a green labourer CSCS card, but it will be a separate card and at an additional cost. Blue and gold CSCS cards can also be applied for, but proof of qualifications/skills/training will be required. Further information on these changes can be found on the EUSR website here.
Please note: anyone entering a clean water site or working on the clean water network (“Restricted Operations”) must also hold a valid National Water Hygiene EUSR registration in addition to SHEA Water.
Who is it for
SHEA Water is for anyone working on operational sites across the water and utilities sector, including site operatives, contractors, and supervisors who need a recognised, portable health, safety and environmental awareness qualification.
When do the courses run?
This SHEA Water course is delivered online in a single day. You can select a date and time that suits through the booking button .
If you would like to request trainer-led (classroom) training please contact us here.
Why SHEA Water Training?
Holding a SHEA Water registration demonstrates that an individual understands their workplace responsibilities and can identify, control and respond to the hazards and emergencies typical of operational water sites. Because it’s a CSCS Alliance scheme, it also gives cardholders CSCS-recognised access to controlled sites, reducing the need to hold multiple cards. It’s recognised by CITB for short-course duration funding purposes and maps to the standards for the CITB Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment.
Learning Outcomes
The SHEA Water programme consists of 8 modules:
- Module 1: Understanding our workplace responsibilities
- Module 2: Understanding the effects of our work on the environment
- Module 3: Identifying and controlling risks
- Module 4: Common hazards and controls in the workplace
- Module 5: Occupational health hazards
- Module 6: Responding to emergencies
- Module 20: Clean and waste water operations
- Module 21: Highway working and excavations (Water)
Assessment
Each module is assessed through a multiple-choice assessment, set by EUSR.
Renewal
SHEA Water registration is valid for three years. You will receive a virtual card to display on your mobile phone using the Vircarda app, as well as the physical card.
Key Information
Duration: One day
Online Delivery: this course can be attended remotely
Group Bookings: can be arranged in-person or as online delivery on request.
If you would like to request in-person trainer led training please contact us here.
Certification: is usually issued with 48hours of completing the training but can be fast tracked if required and lasts for 3 years.
Pricing & Booking
Cost – £170+VAT
COMING SOON
Water - Area Manager
“This a great alternative to travelling to a classroom. We were able to sit the training while we waited for the weather to clear up. The team are very helpful, it was nice to be able to pick up the phone and speak to a real person – Thanks for your help Clio!”
Course Content
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Benefits for Learners and Managers
- Improved safety culture: Personnel gain an appreciation of the role of functional safety in preventing accidents and reducing risk.
- Regulatory compliance: Understanding IEC 61511 and related standards helps organisations meet legislative requirements and industry best practice.
- Enhanced competence: The course forms part of the CompEx competency pathway, supporting future progression to more advanced modules.
- Cross‑functional awareness: Both technical and non‑technical staff develop a shared language and understanding, improving collaboration across departments.
- Cost‑effective training: With no prerequisites and flexible delivery options, FSF is an accessible introduction to functional safety for a broad audience.
Course Content
- Functional safety principles – introduction to functional safety, safety integrity levels (SIL) and the role of SIS.
- Standards and regulation – overview of IEC 61511 and IEC 61508, differences between sector‑specific standards and how they integrate with ATEX/DSEAR requirements.
- Lifecycle phases – hazard and risk analysis, specification of SIFs, design and engineering, installation, validation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
- Testing and proof concepts – types of proof testing, coverage and interpretation of test results.
- Overrides, inhibits and management of change – safe management of overrides and inhibits, and the importance of robust procedures.
- Assessments and audits – conducting functional safety assessments and audits to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
Course Content
FAQs
Benefits for Learners and Managers
Completing the Functional Safety Foundation course delivers the following benefits:
- Improved safety culture: Personnel gain an appreciation of the role of functional safety in preventing accidents and reducing risk.
- Regulatory compliance: Understanding IEC 61511 and related standards helps organisations meet legislative requirements and industry best practice.
- Enhanced competence: The course forms part of the CompEx competency pathway, supporting future progression to more advanced modules.
- Cross‑functional awareness: Both technical and non‑technical staff develop a shared language and understanding, improving collaboration across departments.
- Cost‑effective training: With no prerequisites and flexible delivery options, FSF is an accessible introduction to functional safety for a broad audience.
Course Content
- Functional safety principles – introduction to functional safety, safety integrity levels (SIL) and the role of SIS.
- Standards and regulation – overview of IEC 61511 and IEC 61508, differences between sector‑specific standards and how they integrate with ATEX/DSEAR requirements.
- Lifecycle phases – hazard and risk analysis, specification of SIFs, design and engineering, installation, validation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
- Testing and proof concepts – types of proof testing, coverage and interpretation of test results.
- Overrides, inhibits and management of change – safe management of overrides and inhibits, and the importance of robust procedures.
- Assessments and audits – conducting functional safety assessments and audits to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
Course Outcomes
- Understand IEC 61511 and related functional safety standards.
- Describe functional safety lifecycle phases.
- Recognise operation, maintenance, testing and audit requirements for safety instrumented functions.
- Apply basic risk reduction strategies and appreciate the role of safety systems in hazardous industries.
Who Should Attend
- Operators, maintenance technicians and supervisors
- Process engineers, asset engineers and plant managers.
- HSE advisors, project managers and other personnel requiring functional safety awareness.
- Open to technical and non‑technical staff – no prerequisites.
Delivery & Pricing
- Duration: Two‑day theory‑only course (8–10 hours guided learning).
- Formats: In person at our Sunbury‑on‑Thames centre, live virtual classroom or on‑site delivery for groups.
- Cost: Price on application; discounts available for group bookings.
- Upcoming dates: Please contact us for the next available session.
Certification & Recognition
- Awarded the CompEx Functional Safety Foundation Certificate on passing the exam.
- Assessment via online multiple‑choice exam (30 questions, 45 minutes).
- Certification demonstrates understanding of functional safety principles and supports progression within the CompEx competency pathway.
FAQs
General
SHEA Water (Safety, Health & Environmental Awareness for Water) is the water industry's standard Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness scheme. It's a CSCS Alliance scheme, so your EUSR card also carries CSCS Logo recognition, giving you access to CSCS-controlled operational sites without needing to carry a separate card.
Anyone working on operational sites across the water and utilities sector, including site operatives, contractors, and supervisors, who needs a recognised health, safety and environmental awareness qualification to access those sites.
Both. You can book as an individual, or your organisation can arrange bulk/group bookings so your whole team gets registered at once.
No prior experience is necessary. The course is suitable for beginners as well as experienced professionals seeking certification or renewal.
They're separate registrations that cover different risks. SHEA Water covers general health, safety and environmental awareness for operational sites, while National Water Hygiene specifically covers safe drinking water practices. Anyone entering a clean water site or working on the clean water network ("Restricted Operations") needs a valid National Water Hygiene registration in addition to SHEA Water.
Course Details
The course is complete within one day and you can select a date and time that best suits you.
The course covers 8 modules: understanding our workplace responsibilities, the effects of our work on the environment, identifying and controlling risks, common hazards and controls in the workplace, occupational health hazards, responding to emergencies, clean and waste water operations, and highway working and excavations (water)
As this is an online course, the training is theoretical and includes interactive modules, videos, and quizzes to ensure understanding. Practical application will occur on-site during your work.
Each module is assessed through a multiple-choice assessment, set by EUSR. You must pass these to receive your certification.
Certification
Once you pass the assessment, you will receive a virtual card to display on your mobile phone using the Vircarda app, as well as the physical card.
Your card is issued once you've successfully completed the training and passed the assessments.
Certification is usually issued within 48 hours of completing the training but can be fast-tracked on request.
Yes, this course is suitable for those renewing their SHEA Water certification.
Your registration is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Yes. SHEA Water is a nationally recognised EUSR scheme and a CSCS Alliance scheme, so it's recognised by UK water companies and CSCS-controlled sites across the country.
E-Learning Platform
You only need an internet connection and a device like a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The course platform is accessible from all modern browsers.
Our support team is available to assist you with any technical difficulties. Simply contact us here.
Yes, we offer options for group registrations with potential discounts for bulk enrollments.