CSCS Exemptions: Non-Construction Occupations
Not everyone who needs access to a construction site needs a CSCS card.
If you are carrying out construction work, you should hold the appropriate CSCS-logoed card for the work you undertake.
If you are attending a construction site to carry out a non-construction activity, you should not be expected to hold a CSCS-logoed card solely to access the site.
The activity you are carrying out determines whether you need a card, not simply your job title.
Who may be exempt from needing a CSCS card?
Some roles need to access construction sites regularly or occasionally without carrying out construction work.
Depending on the activities being undertaken, examples of occupations that may be exempt in the energy and utilities sector include:
- Design Engineers
- Network and Utility Planners
- Project Planners and Schedulers
- Operational and Performance Analysts
- Control Room and SCADA Operators
- Visitors, clients and regulators
- Regulatory, Compliance and Assurance Professionals
- Environmental Advisors
- Health, Safety and Quality Auditors
- Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveyors
- Senior Managers and Directors
- Inspectors
Important: Being listed above does not automatically mean someone is exempt. If an individual is carrying out construction or installation activities, the appropriate CSCS-logoed card may still be required.
What if a site still asks me for a CSCS card?
If you are attending a site to carry out a non-construction activity, you should not be expected to hold a CSCS-logoed card solely to gain access.
You may still be required to follow the site’s own access arrangements, such as:
Completing a site induction
Meeting site-specific health and safety requirements
Following supervision or escorting arrangements
Still unsure if you need a CSCS card?
We can help you understand whether a CSCS card is required for the activities being undertaken.
About this guidance
Energy & Utility Skills has worked with the Utilities Sector Representative Organisation (USRO) and CSCS Ltd to review which utility sector occupations fall within the scope of construction work and which are considered non-construction occupations.
This guidance has been discussed with and ratified by CSCS Ltd and reflects current guidance regarding non-construction occupations and site access requirements.
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