Ireland · Safe Pass · First card

How to get your first Safe Pass card in Ireland

Starting a construction job in Ireland? Ask your employer what you need for your first day. If Safe Pass is on the list, book a one-day course with a SOLAS-approved tutor. You can start learning about common site hazards while you wait for your course date.

Try a free lesson

1 day: Tutor-led training
16+: Minimum age on the day
4 years: Card validity

Book your first Safe Pass course

Check which training your role requires
Safe Pass is general safety awareness training. Ireland’s Health and Safety Authority lists craft workers, apprentices, general construction workers and on-site security workers among those who need it. If you’ll operate certain plant or do specified work such as scaffolding, check whether you also need an Irish CSCS card.
Find a SOLAS-approved tutor
Search the official construction course listings. Ask the tutor about the date, fee, language arrangements and documents before you book. If your employer is organising training, check whether they’ve already booked a place for you.
Get your details ready
You must be at least 16 on the course date. An Irish PPS number is the standard requirement. SOLAS lists separate arrangements for certain temporary workers coming from abroad. If this applies to you, ask your tutor and employer what they need before booking. Check which ID and photographs to bring.
Attend, complete the assessment and check your card
Attend the full day and take the multiple-choice assessment. The approved tutor registers successful participants with SOLAS. Check your personal details on the application and ask your employer what they need to see before you start on site.

Worker handling a box in a warehouse — Manual handling is one of the topics you can start exploring before the course.

What will you cover on the day?

How a site stays safe

You’ll cover basic health and safety responsibilities, preventing and reporting accidents, and recognising unsafe situations.

Hazards you’ll meet at work

The SOLAS programme covers working at height, excavations, electricity, construction equipment and vehicles. Think about the tasks you’ll be asked to do in your first week.

Keeping yourself and others safe

You’ll also cover personal protective equipment, manual handling and fire safety. Use the free lessons below to get familiar with those topics before the class.

Before your course date I’ve checked that the tutor is SOLAS-approved.I’ve confirmed what ID and other details the tutor needs.I’ve asked my employer about site induction and any role-specific training.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my first Safe Pass card online?

For your first card, book the one-day programme with an approved tutor. SOLAS also has a test-centre route for eligible renewals.

Is Safe Pass a work permit?

Safe Pass records construction safety awareness training. Your right to work and permission to enter a particular site are separate matters.

Do I also need Manual Handling or Working at Heights?

Ask your employer what your tasks require. Both are available as separate Safety Courses courses. In Ireland, our full courses for these two subjects include a recorded practical assessment and instructor approval before certification.

Already have a card? See how to renew your Safe Pass.

Official sources

Start learning for free before your Safe Pass course

Pick a topic and try its first lesson now. Safety Courses previews cover related workplace hazards. Your Safe Pass card comes through the official SOLAS process.