Recent headlines have highlighted significant issues with water quality across the UK, including widespread contamination and severe penalties for water companies failing to manage sewage spills effectively. Amidst these challenges, the importance of rigorous water hygiene standards has never been more apparent.

What is the EUSR National Water Hygiene Course?

The EUSR National Water Hygiene Course, often referred to as the ‘Blue Card’ scheme, is an essential training program for anyone working on clean water sites or involved in the maintenance and operation of water networks. The course ensures that workers understand the critical importance of maintaining high hygiene standards to protect public health.

Key Modules for this EUSR course:

1. The Importance of Water: Highlighting water's crucial role in public health.
2. Water as a Carrier of Disease: Examining how water can transmit diseases and the historical context of waterborne illnesses.
3. Potential Contamination and Its Consequences: Identifying sources of contamination and their impacts.
4. Preventing Contamination: Implementing best practices to maintain water quality.

Successful completion of the course, which includes a multiple-choice assessment, results in an EUSR registration valid for three years.

Why is an EUSR Card Important?

1. Industry Recognition: The EUSR card is widely recognised across the UK water industry, proving the holder’s competence in maintaining water hygiene standards.
2. Legal Compliance: Many water companies require this certification to comply with health and safety regulations.
3. Enhanced Employability: Holding an EUSR card boosts job prospects by demonstrating a commitment to high hygiene standards.
4. Safety Assurance: Certification helps minimise the risk of contamination incidents, protecting public health and company reputation.
5. Professional Development: The course equips individuals with valuable skills for career advancement.

Addressing Urgent Water Safety Challenges

Recent news underscores the urgent need for such training like EUSR training. Cases of faecal bacteria contamination have been reported in multiple UK regions, affecting water quality and public health. In response, authorities have urged stricter regulations and greater accountability for water companies. The EUSR course is a critical tool in addressing these challenges by ensuring that industry professionals are well-equipped to maintain and enhance water quality.

The course provided by Essential Site Skills aligns perfectly with these objectives, offering comprehensive training that covers all critical aspects of water hygiene, legal responsibilities, and practical measures to prevent contamination.

By completing this course and obtaining the EUSR card, individuals not only improve their professional credentials but also play a vital role in safeguarding public health during a time of heightened concern over water safety.

Get in Touch

We regularly run these courses online and across the UK. For support or more information, contact us at 0115 8970 529 or email [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions About EUSR Courses

What is an EUSR course?

An EUSR course refers to a training program that is part of the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR). EUSR courses are designed to provide workers in the energy and utilities sectors with the necessary skills, knowledge, and certifications to perform their jobs safely and effectively. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including health and safety, technical skills, and industry-specific knowledge.

For example, the EUSR National Water Hygiene Course ensures that individuals working in the water industry are trained to maintain high standards of hygiene and public health when handling potable water. Upon successful completion of an EUSR course, participants receive a registration card, often known as an EUSR card, which serves as proof of their qualification and competency in the relevant area.

EUSR courses are recognised across the UK and are often required by employers to ensure that workers comply with industry regulations and standards.

How much is an EUSR card?

The cost of an EUSR (Energy & Utility Skills Register) card depends on the type of card and service you choose:

1. New Registration, Renewal Registration, or Adding an Additional Registration Category:
   • Virtual Card only: £32.50 plus VAT
   • Virtual Card and Plastic Smart Card: £35.50 plus VAT
   • Plastic Smart Card only: £35.50 plus VAT
2. Replacement Plastic Smart Cards: £20.00 plus VAT (Replacement cards are not required for Virtual Cards).
3. Reissue of Card following Personal Information or Photo Update:
   • Virtual Card only: £20.00 plus VAT
   • Virtual Card and Plastic Smart Card: £23.00 plus VAT
   • Plastic Smart Card only: £23.00 plus VAT

These fees cover the issuance of the card and are generally included in the total cost of the training course, though it’s essential to confirm this with the training provider.

For example, if you're taking the National Water Hygiene Course, the total cost, including the training, assessment, and the EUSR card, typically ranges from £135 to £150. The EUSR card is valid for three years, after which you would need to renew it by retaking the relevant training and paying the associated fees again, including the card issuance fee.

For more detailed and up-to-date EUSR card and registration pricing, you can refer to the EUSR price list on their official website.

Is EUSR a CSCS?

No, EUSR (Energy & Utility Skills Register) is not the same as CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme).

• EUSR is a register that provides proof of training and skills for individuals working in the energy and utilities sectors, covering areas such as water, gas, power, and waste management. It includes various schemes like the National Water Hygiene Card (often called the "Blue Card") and other industry-specific qualifications.
• CSCS, on the other hand, is a certification scheme primarily for the construction industry. It provides proof that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out.

While both cards serve as proof of competence and safety awareness in their respective fields, they are used in different industries and are not interchangeable. However, there are instances where workers in the utilities sector might also need a CSCS card if they work on or around construction sites.

For more detailed information, it’s advisable to consult the official websites of both EUSR and CSCS.

What does the EUSR stand for?

EUSR stands for Energy & Utility Skills Register. It is a registration scheme used in the UK to verify the training, qualifications, and competence of individuals working in the energy and utilities sectors, such as water, gas, power, and waste management.

EUSR serves as a centralised record where employers can easily check if a worker has the necessary certifications and training to perform their job safely and effectively. The scheme covers various industry-specific certifications, such as the National Water Hygiene Card, which is essential for those working in the water industry.

How long does it take to get an EUSR card?

The time it takes to receive an EUSR card typically depends on the specific training provider and the process they use to submit the necessary documentation. Generally, once you have successfully completed your training and assessment, we will submit your details to the EUSR system.

After submission, it usually takes Essential Site Skills around 7 to 10 working days for the EUSR card to be processed and delivered. However, this timeframe can vary depending on how quickly the awarding body is processing registrations.

For virtual cards, which are increasingly common, you might receive access to your card more quickly since it's issued digitally.

How to get a new EUSR card?

To get a new EUSR (Energy & Utility Skills Register) card, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Required Training: If you're applying for a new card, you'll need to complete the relevant EUSR-approved training course, such as the National Water Hygiene Course. This course must be conducted by an approved training provider.
2. Provider Submission: After completing the training, your provider will submit your details to the EUSR system. This includes your personal information and proof of successful course completion.
3. Choose the Card Type:
   • Virtual Card: The standard option, available at a cost of £32.50 plus VAT.
   • Virtual + Plastic Smart Card or Plastic Smart Card only: Available at £35.50 plus VAT.
4. Receive Your Card: Once the submission is processed, your EUSR card will be issued. If you opted for a virtual card, you'll receive it digitally. For physical cards, delivery usually takes around 7 to 10 working days with Essential Site Skills.
5. Replacing a Card: If you need a replacement for a lost or damaged card, you can request a new one through your training provider or directly via the EUSR website. The replacement cost for a plastic smart card is £20.00 plus VAT.
6. EUSR Card Checker: You can view and verify your EUSR registration details using the EUSR Card Checker. This online tool allows you to check the status of your card and ensure your information is up to date.