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Skill Development Course

Proximity Warning Alert System (PWAS)

Develop practical knowledge and skills to understand proximity warning systems, identify vehicle–pedestrian hazards, respond to alerts and support safe mobile-equipment operations.

Short Course

Skill Development

1 Days

Suggested Duration

8

Core Modules

Practical

Workplace Focus

Flexible

Delivery Options

Certificate

On Completion
ABOUT THE COURSE

Proximity Warning Alert System (PWAS)

This practical course develops the knowledge and skills needed to understand proximity warning systems used around mobile plant, vehicles and lifting equipment. Participants learn to recognise vehicle–pedestrian collision hazards, understand detection technologies and respond appropriately to proximity alerts.


The course covers system components, detection zones, warning signals, pre-use checks, system limitations, fault reporting and the integration of PWAS with workplace risk controls.

Course Overview
Course Type
Skill Development
Subject
Proximity Detection & Plant–Pedestrian Safety
Level

Professional / Practical

Duration

1 Days

Delivery
Online / Classroom / Blended
Assessment

Knowledge Assessment / Practical Activities

Certificate
SafeQual AB
Language
English
Course Modules

Proximity Warning Alert System Topics

A practical programme covering proximity detection, collision prevention and safe mobile-equipment operations.
MODULE 01

PWAS Fundamentals

Purpose, applications, operating principles and the role of proximity warning systems in workplace safety.
MODULE 02

PWAS Technologies & Components

Sensors, tags, alarms, displays, detection zones and common system configurations.
MODULE 03

Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment

Vehicle–pedestrian interactions, blind spots, collision hazards and risk-control measures.

MODULE 04

Detection Zones & Warning Levels

Warning distances, alert stages, detection coverage and site-specific operating conditions.
MODULE 05

Pre-Use Inspection & Functional Checks

Visual inspections, system status, sensor condition, alarm testing and defect reporting.

MODULE 06

Alarm Response & Safe Operating Procedures

Interpreting alerts, stopping safely, communication, escalation and restart conditions.
MODULE 07

Traffic Management & System Limitations

Pedestrian segregation, reversing controls, exclusion zones, false alerts, missed detections and equipment faults.
MODULE 08

Practical Scenarios & Competency Assessment

Scenario-based collision prevention, safe response demonstrations, emergency procedures and assessment of understanding.

Learning Outcomes

What Participants Will Learn

Explain the purpose and fundamental operating principles of Proximity Warning Alert Systems (PWAS).

Identify common collision hazards involving mobile plant, vehicles and pedestrians.

Recognise key PWAS components, including sensors, tags, displays and warning devices.

Understand detection zones, warning distances and different alert levels.

Perform basic pre-use checks in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

Interpret visual and audible alerts and follow appropriate response procedures.

Identify system limitations, including blind spots, false alerts and missed detections.

Apply safe operating practices when working around proximity-equipped mobile equipment.

Explain the importance of pedestrian segregation, exclusion zones and site traffic management.

Report system faults, damaged components and abnormal warning behaviour.

Demonstrate appropriate responses to simulated proximity-warning scenarios.

Explain how PWAS supports wider collision-prevention measures and continual safety improvement.

Who Should Attend?

Designed for Proximity Detection & Plant–Pedestrian Safety

HSE & Safety Professionals

For HSE officers, safety engineers and supervisors responsible for managing mobile-plant risks and preventing workplace collisions.

Plant & Equipment Operators

For crane, excavator, forklift, telehandler and other mobile-equipment operators who use or work with proximity warning systems.

Banksmen, Traffic Marshals & Supervisors

For personnel coordinating vehicle movements, pedestrian routes, exclusion zones and safe site traffic arrangements.

Maintenance & Technical Personnel

For personnel involved in basic system checks, fault reporting, equipment maintenance coordination and operational readiness.
Certification

SafeQual AB Certificate

SafeQual AB Certificate Participants who successfully complete the required training and applicable assessment requirements will receive the relevant SafeQual AB Certificate in Proximity Warning Alert System (PWAS), subject to formal course and certificate approval.
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