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Essential Safety and Competency Training for Working on LU Track Areas

The Basic Track Awareness (BTA) course is an entry-level requirement for anyone who needs to work in or around railway tracks on the London Underground. It ensures you understand how to stay safe in the track environment when trains or maintenance vehicles are moving and when electrical currents may still be active.

The course also acts as the mandatory first step before progressing to more advanced London Underground track safety training. On successful completion, you’ll be awarded a BTA certificate valid for two years.

This course can also be taken as a refresher for existing BTA competency holders to update and confirm their knowledge of working safely in the track environment.

What does the training involve?

BTA training teaches you how to:

  • Recognise track components and features
  • Work safely under the supervision of a qualified safety professional
  • Follow current legislation and London Underground safety rules
  • Respond correctly in emergency situations
  • Apply safety knowledge during a supervised track walk

Requirements before attending:

  • A Sentinel card showing completion of the LU-WSSI induction
  • A valid London Underground medical assessment (valid for five years)
  • Manager’s Declaration TSW029 form (Refresher only)
  • In-date BTA or expired within the last 14 days (Refresher only)

PPE requirements (bring your own):

  • High-visibility clothing with your sponsor’s name printed on it
  • Sturdy safety footwear – (PPE is not provided by the training centre.)
  • PPE is not required for the Refresher Course as it is theory only.

Course Content

  • Track components and features
  • The roles of safety professionals
  • Emergency procedures and response actions
  • Legislation and LU safety rules (Refresher only)
  • Written theory assessment (80% pass mark)
  • Supervised track walk in a safe, controlled environment (not included in the Refresher Course)

How is this delivered?

The course is run as a one-day programme, always during daylight hours for the practical track element.

  • Start time: 9:00 am (arrive by 8:45 am for paperwork checks)
  • Format: Morning classroom session, followed by a written theory test and an afternoon practical track walk
  • Written test: 80% pass mark required
  • Outcome: Basic Track Awareness certificate, valid for two years
  • The BTA Refresher course is delivered as a one-day theory session, with both day and night options available.

Course Duration

1 Day

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