We’re delighted to share that we are now an approved NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme) training provider.
This is a big step for us — and more importantly, it gives businesses across a range of industries a straightforward, recognised way to get their teams trained and certified.
A Practical Alternative to SOLAS CSCS Routes
For many businesses outside of construction — such as agriculture, food production, warehousing, and recycling — accessing operator certification hasn’t always been straightforward.
SOLAS CSCS courses are designed for the construction sector, meaning many operators in other industries aren’t eligible to attend.
NPORS provides a recognised alternative.
It allows companies to certify their operators to a high standard, without needing construction sector experience — helping you stay compliant and ensure your team is properly trained for the equipment they use every day.
Recognised, Industry-Approved Training
NPORS is one of the leading accreditation bodies across Ireland and the UK for plant operator training outside of construction. These courses are delivered to strict industry standards, giving you confidence that your team’s training is credible and widely recognised.
Designed for Real Working Environments
Our NPORS courses focus on practical, hands-on training that reflects real workplace conditions. Your team won’t just gain a ticket — they’ll build the skills and confidence to operate equipment safely and efficiently on-site.
Flexible Options for Your Business
We offer both public courses and on-site training, making it easier to train your team in a way that suits your operation. Courses Available
• NPORS Excavator as a Crane
• NPORS Vehicle Banksman
• NPORS Slinger Signaller
• NPORS Loading Shovel
• NPORS Skid Steer
• NPORS Teleporter
Becoming an NPORS-approved training centre is a proud milestone for us — NPORS certification helps demonstrate compliance, competence, and a strong commitment to safety — all of which are increasingly important across every industry, not just construction.
For companies operating under ISO standards (such as ISO 9001, 14001 or 45001), having certified, competent operators is a key part of meeting audit and compliance requirements. NPORS provides clear, recognised evidence of training that supports your health & safety and quality management systems.
If you’d like to chat about training for your team, just get in touch.
At National Training Solutions, we’ve always been passionate about helping organisations create safer workplaces. Alongside our accredited training courses, many of our clients have benefited from our consultancy and auditing support – services we’ve provided quietly for some time to help businesses meet compliance standards and improve safety culture.
Due to growing demand, we’re now making these services more widely available to both new and existing clients.
Our Services at a Glance
Service
What It Delivers
Why It Matters
Evacuation & Emergency Plans & Procedures
Development, review, and testing of emergency plans
Ensures readiness for incidents and regulatory compliance
PSCS Management, Compliance & Safety Files
Advice, documentation & oversight for Project Supervisors
Helps clients in construction or project-based sectors manage safety files
Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)
Creation, review, and training on safe work planning
Reduces accidents, improves job planning and consistency
Lead ISO Auditing (RICA & SSIP certified)
Independent audits & certification support
Enables clients to demonstrate compliance and raise trust
Health & Safety Inspections
Site audits, inspections and gas analysis
Identifies non-compliance before it leads to harm
Safety Statements
Drafting or review of legally required safety documents
Keeps clients aligned with regulatory mandates
Accident Investigation
Root cause analysis, reporting, follow-up plans
Learning from incidents to prevent recurrence
Health & Safety Talks
On-Site or remote briefings & Toolbox Talks
Helps reinforce safety culture across teams
Supply Chain Management
Oversight, evaluation & compliance monitoring of suppliers
Ensures that third-party risk doesn't undermine safety
You can learn more about each of these services here.
Getting Started
Working with us is straightforward.
Here’s how the process works:
1. Initial Consultation
We talk through your current setup, challenges, and goals.
2. Gap Analysis / Audit
We assess where you stand versus best practice or regulatory expectations.
3. Proposal & Roadmap
We present a plan, scope, timeline, and deliverables.
4. Implementation / Intervention
Whether documentation, training, system changes, or audits, we execute.
5. Review & Continuous Improvement
We revisit, refine, and help you build capability for the long run.
Whether you need a one-off audit or ongoing consultancy support, our goal is the same: to help you protect your people, meet compliance standards, and strengthen your safety culture.
📩 Ready to get started?
Get in touch with our team today to discuss how our consultancy and auditing services can support your business.
Contact Us
National Training Solutions
📞 Phone: 046 901 2407
✉️ Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
🌐 Website: www.nationaltrainingsolutions.ie
As an IPAF-accredited training provider, we have been made aware of fraudulent IPAF operator certificates being circulated across Ireland. These certificates are being promoted by unauthorised people online, who are offering so-called “renewals” in exchange for payment via online banking apps.
Why This Is a Big Deal These are not legitimate IPAF certificates. Operators with fake certs have not received proper training – which is a huge safety concern for everyone on site. And in the event of an incident, they and the company that they work for will be in breach of safety regulations.
How to Spot a Fake – and Stop It Site managers, contractors, and employers – we strongly recommend checking every IPAF PAL Card before allowing anyone to operate on your site. It’s easy to do:
Display a map and contact info for the training centre – where the training took place.
ePAL App – Extra Layer of Security
In addition to physical PAL Cards, operators also have access to the IPAF ePAL app, a secure digital version that offers even more verification details.
You’ll see:
Operator’s name and photograph
OP number
Assessment and expiry dates
Machine type/category
GPS map of the training centre location
Our contact info – so you can double-check with us directly if needed
What You Can Do Right Now
Don’t take any PAL Card or certificate at face value – verify it.
Use the ePAL app to confirm operator details straight from the source.
If something seems off, report it to IPAF or contact us – we’re happy to help.
We’re Here to Help We’re proud to deliver IPAF-accredited training that keeps your teams safe, compliant and fully certified to work with MEWPs. If you’re ever unsure about a certificate or want help with checking someone’s credentials, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Let’s keep our industry safe, honest, and professional.
The Training Support Grant (TSG) is a €1,000 grant provided by the Department of Social Protection (DSP). The grant is available annually to jobseekers and people on certain social welfare payments and schemes, to gain access to training that can support them in finding employment opportunities.
The grant is awarded when a Case Officer identifies a skills gap that may be preventing a jobseeker from gaining employment.
Do you qualify for the grant?
A Case Officer from DSP can approve the grant for individuals under the following circumstances:
The course is up to and including level 6 on the QQI.
A training need is identified that is not provided by DSP or another state provider, within an acceptable length of time or at a location accessible to the jobseeker.
The skills gap identified is related to both the needs of the jobseeker and labour market conditions.
The skills sought by the jobseeker are part of the agreed personal progression plan to enter or re-enter the labour market.
The jobseeker has provided reasonable evidence (e.g. an employment offer) or has identified a skills gap or an obligation to achieve accreditation (e.g. Safe Pass, Manual Handling, CSCS Accreditation).
What does my Training Support Grant cover?
Training can be approved by the Department of Social Protection up to a maximum amount of €1,000 per annum.
This grant can be used to book any of our available courses, which you can find on our website here.
Upon booking, we require a refundable deposit to be paid by the attendee to secure your place on the course, however this is refunded in full upon completion of the course. The only circumstance in which the attendee would not receive this refund back, is if the training is not attended or completed.
Deposit amounts are dependent upon the course type, this will be discussed with the attendee by our Training Team when booking.
How to apply:
The TSG grant can be applied for through your Case Officer at your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch. All applications must be made through a Case Officer.
The case officer will give you an Accreditation of Provider & Training Form (orange banner form). The applicant must send or bring this form to our office, where it can be completed by one of our Training Co-ordinators. Our team will complete this with the details of the course the applicant wants to complete, the date of the course and all necessary information required for the application.
The applicant will then return the completed Accreditation of Provider & Training Form to their Case Officer to process.
Once the application has been approved, the applicant will receive their Training Support Grant Form (green banner form). This can then be used to officially book a place on the approved course. The green bannered TSG form must be sent to our team to book your place, along with the refundable deposit mentioned earlier.
The Training Support Grant form is signed by the applicant and by us, the training provider, before being sent back to the Case Officer for payment after the course has been completed.
For more information:
You can reach out to us on 046 901 2407 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information regarding the process or to enquire about upcoming courses.
Confined spaces are inherently dangerous environments that can pose significant risks to workers. These spaces may have limited access, poor ventilation, or contain hazardous materials, making them potential sites for serious injury or even death. As such, it is crucial for workers to undergo confined space training, tailored to the level of risk associated with each environment—whether low, medium, or high.
What is a Confined Space?
A confined space is defined as an area that:
Is large enough for a person to enter and perform work,
Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit, and
Is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
Examples of confined spaces include:
Storage tanks and vessels
Pipelines and ductwork
Silos and grain bins
Tunnels, manholes, and sewers
These areas are prone to hazards such as oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, flammable atmospheres, and the risk of physical entrapment. Given the varied levels of danger, training is crucial to ensure that workers understand how to mitigate these risks.
Types of Confined Spaces: Low, Medium, and High Risk
Not all confined spaces are equally hazardous, and they are typically categorized based on their risk levels. Let's explore these categories:
A low risk confined space is one where the potential hazards are minimal or can be easily controlled. These spaces often have good ventilation, minimal exposure to harmful substances, and no risk of engulfment or entrapment.
Examples of low risk confined spaces include well-ventilated areas with adequate lighting, such as shallow trenches or small crawl spaces without dangerous chemicals or gases.
Key Characteristics of Low-Risk Confined Spaces:
Adequate ventilation and airflow
No hazardous atmosphere (e.g., toxic gases or lack of oxygen)
Minimal physical hazards (e.g., no risk of falls or entrapment)
Training for Low-Risk Confined Spaces:
Training for low risk confined spaces focuses on basic safety principles and ensuring workers are familiar with the space and potential hazards. This includes:
Hazard Awareness: Understanding the general risks of confined spaces.
Safe Entry Procedures: Learning how to safely enter and exit the confined space.
Monitoring Equipment: Knowing how to use basic equipment such as flashlights, handheld gas detectors, or oxygen meters to confirm that conditions remain safe.
Emergency Procedures: Although low-risk spaces typically do not present life-threatening hazards, workers must still be trained in emergency protocols, such as evacuating the space quickly in case of an unexpected event.
Medium-risk confined spaces present more substantial hazards than low-risk spaces, though the risks can typically be controlled through proper safety measures, such as ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and monitoring.
These spaces may have a potentially harmful atmosphere (e.g., low oxygen levels or mild toxic gas concentrations) or physical hazards that could be dangerous if left unchecked.
Examples of medium risk confined spaces include underground utility vaults, basements with limited ventilation, and spaces where hazardous gases may be present but controlled through adequate ventilation systems.
Key Characteristics of Medium-Risk Confined Spaces:
Potentially hazardous atmosphere that can be controlled (e.g., through ventilation)
Some physical hazards (e.g., risk of falls or electrical dangers)
Possible requirement for respiratory protection or specialized PPE
Training for Medium-Risk Confined Spaces:
Workers entering medium-risk confined spaces need more comprehensive training, covering both the basic safety principles from low-risk spaces and additional risk management techniques. This includes:
Risk Assessment: Workers must be trained to conduct risk assessments before entering the space, evaluating potential dangers such as oxygen deficiency or harmful gas levels. Workers must know how to work with a designated rescue team and use specialized rescue equipment, such as winches, tripods, and retrieval systems.
Use of Ventilation Systems: Workers should know how to operate ventilation equipment and monitor air quality to ensure safe working conditions inside the space.
PPE Usage: Proper training on the use of PPE, such as respirators or fall protection gear, is essential. Workers need to understand when and how to wear this equipment and how to inspect it for defects.
Continuous Monitoring: Workers are trained to monitor air quality continuously, using gas detectors and other tools to ensure conditions remain safe throughout the task.
High-risk confined spaces are the most dangerous and can pose life-threatening hazards if not properly managed. These spaces often involve toxic or flammable atmospheres, a lack of oxygen, or physical risks such as entrapment, engulfment, or drowning.
Examples of high-risk confined spaces include storage tanks containing hazardous chemicals, sewers with high levels of toxic gases, and spaces with the potential for flooding or collapsing.
Key Characteristics of High-Risk Confined Spaces:
Presence of life-threatening hazards (e.g., toxic gases, oxygen deficiency)
High potential for physical danger (e.g., engulfment or entrapment)
The need for advanced rescue plans and equipment
Training for High-Risk Confined Spaces:
Training for high-risk confined spaces is extensive and detailed, focusing on life-saving measures, advanced equipment, and emergency rescue procedures. Key elements of this training include:
Detailed Risk Assessment and Control Measures: Workers must conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify and control hazards before entry. Advanced control measures, such as continuous ventilation and gas monitoring, are necessary to reduce the risk.
Use of Advanced PPE: High-risk confined spaces often require more complex protective gear, such as self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) and full-body harnesses.
Emergency Procedures and Rescue Planning: In high-risk confined spaces, the risk of an emergency is much higher, so training focuses heavily on rescue procedures. Workers must know how to work with a designated rescue team and use specialized rescue equipment, such as winches, tripods, and retrieval systems.
Constant Communication and Monitoring: Continuous communication between workers inside the space and supervisors or monitors outside the space is vital. High-risk training includes the use of communication systems like radios or hard-wired intercoms, and how to maintain constant contact during operations.
The Importance of Proper Training
Confined space training is crucial for safeguarding workers across all risk levels. Without proper knowledge and preparation, workers are vulnerable to accidents that could lead to severe injuries or fatalities. By providing the appropriate training for low, medium, and high-risk confined spaces, employers can:
Ensure Compliance with Regulations: Confined space work is heavily regulated in most countries. Training ensures that workers meet these legal requirements.
Reduce Accidents and Save Lives: Training equips workers with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring that they can safely complete their tasks and avoid injury or death.
Foster a Culture of Safety: Training promotes a safety-first mindset among workers, encouraging them to follow protocols, use protective equipment, and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their coworkers.
Confined spaces, whether low, medium, or high risk, present significant dangers that require specialized knowledge and preparation. By investing in tailored confined space training, employers can ensure that workers are equipped to safely handle the unique challenges posed by each environment, reducing the likelihood of accidents and saving lives.
When it comes to roadworks and temporary traffic management systems, two crucial certifications come into play: the CSCS Health & Safety at Roadworks and Signing, Lighting, and Guarding at roadworks qualifications. Though both certifications focus on maintaining safety standards, they differ in their approach, content, and scope. Understanding these distinctions can help workers, managers, and companies choose the correct training, avoid hazards, and comply with legal requirements.
What is the CSCS Health & Safety at Roadworks Certification?
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card for Health & Safety at Roadworks is a crucial qualification for general roadwork labourers, supervisors, and operatives. This certification ensures that workers understand general health and safety principles applicable to roadworks environments, focusing on minimizing hazards, protecting workers, and ensuring that legal safety requirements are met.
Key Elements of the course include:
General Principles, hazards, risks and risk assessments.
PPE, Welfare Facilities and First Aid.
Temporary Traffic Management Elements & Traffic Control Methods.
Works in different roadside environments.
Evacuations, Falls and Falling Objects & Underground and Overhead Services.
What is the Signing, Lighting, and Guarding Certification?
The Signing, Lighting, and Guarding at Roadworks (SLG) qualification focuses specifically on traffic management around roadworks. It ensures that workers have the necessary skills to set up and maintain safe traffic management systems, minimizing disruption to road users and ensuring the safety of workers on-site. This course is aimed at supervisors, road operatives, and those who directly handle traffic control measures. It is particularly relevant for those in utilities, local authorities, and highway maintenance companies.
Key Elements of the course include:
Sign Placement and Visibility.
Traffic Control.
Lighting Requirements.
Guarding Roadworks.
Legal Compliance.
Key Differences Between CSCS Health & Safety at Roadworks and Signing, Lighting, and Guarding
Differences
CSCS SLG
CSCS Health & Safety at Roadworks
Course Duration
3 Days
1 Day
Can work alone setting up Signing, Lighting and Guarding Arrangements
Yes
No
Can work under CSCS SLG Card Holder
N/A
Yes
Can make changes to SLG Arrangements without permission
Yes
No
Can clean/correct/replace a sign that might have been moved or displaced
Yes
Yes
Safe Pass Required
Yes
Yes
Must be over 18 years old
Yes
Yes
Experience Required
9 Months in the past 2 years
Have some experience in the past 2 years
While both the CSCS Health & Safety at Roadworks and Signing, Lighting, and Guarding at Roadworks (SLG) certifications are designed to ensure safety at roadwork sites, they serve distinct purposes. The CSCS Health & Safety at Roadworks focuses on general safety measures for workers, addressing hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures, while the SLG certification is specifically tailored to managing traffic around roadworks, ensuring minimal disruption and protecting both workers and road users. Understanding the differences between these certifications is essential for selecting the right training and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. Whether managing general roadwork safety or overseeing traffic management, both certifications are crucial to achieving safe and legally compliant operations in the field of roadworks.
Contact our team now on 046 901 2407 for more information and to book yourself on to our next SLG or Health and Safety at Roadworks courses!
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