CITB Environmental Awareness Course

Clients and employers are not only concerned with the impact of construction projects on the health and safety of the workers and public, but also on the impact these projects have in the short and long term on our environment. In order to better understand this impact, the SEATS course course was created.

The Site Environmental Awareness Training (SEATS) course was developed by members of the UK Contractors Group (Costain, Skanska and Wates) and CITB-Construction Skills (Construction Industry Training Board - Cskills). It is managed and accredited by Site Safety Plus, which is run by the CITB and as with the existing SSSTS and SMSTS courses, will be delivered through a network of accredited CITB trainers.

Purpose of the SEATS course

The aim of SEATS training is to teach site managers and supervisors on how construction can have an impact on the environment. It is also suitable for those who need to have a greater understanding of this issue, such as contractors and subcontractors.

Delegates will be trained on how to be aware of best practice with regards to construction and the environment and how to apply these best practice rules to the site they are working on. Achieving compliance to current environmental legislation is key, and how compliance is monitored and regulated. Delegates will need to be trained in their own responsibilities pertaining to their job role with regards to the environment

What does the course cover?

SEATS courses cover a range of environmental issues that apply to site managers and supervisors in construction.

Specific topics covered include:

• The importance of the environment
• Environmental Management Systems and their implementation on site
• Ecological issues on site.
• Contaminated Land
• Management of Waste on the construction site
• Pollution and Water Management
• Being a Good Neighbour during the construction process
• The use and management of Energy and Resources on site

It also covers the relevant legislation and ways to achieve compliance with this legislation, as well as good and best practice techniques on site.

As with many of the site safety plus courses, candidates are given official notes that they can take with them once the course has finished and use as a reference. For SEATS these notes are known as GE 700, check with your provider that these are included in the cost of the course.

How long is the course?

The SEATS course lasts for one day. Whilst this may not seem long, it has great value, both in helping contractors to protect the environment and by helping to improve public relations between contractors and residents.

Where Can I Train?

SEATS courses are available nationwide; try using an online service provider to find the closest location offering the course to you.

The SEATS course can also be delivered at your location, for a group of 4+ employees. In- house courses can also be tailored to the specific needs of the company. Speak to your training provider to see how this can be done for you, however this content will not be part of the exam. 

How is the course assessed?

SEATS Courses are assessed by a multiple-choice test. Candidates will need to get a minimum of 18 answers out of 25 correct (72%), to pass. There is also a group discussion, where candidates will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding gained in the course.