The hidden dangers below: why CAT and Genny training is essential

What are they?

CAT stands for cable avoidance tool, while a Genny is a signal generator. Both help identify, locate and avoid underground services including pipes, cables and other potentially dangerous infrastructure when excavating roads and pavements.

A CAT is handheld, battery-operated device which can find buried metallic utilities and carry out a comprehensive assessment. It can interpret a broad range of signals, including those from a Genny, plus radio and power signals.

The Genny applies a signal directly to a valve or junction box connected to an underground utility, or uses an inductive way of generating a signal the CAT can interpret. It allows operators to detect non-live wires and work out the depth of the utilities.

Essentially, the CAT picks up the signal the Genny emits, so operators can then follow the route of the utility.

What are the problems of damaging underground utilities?

Damaging underground utilities can lead to a number of potential dangers, including:

• Safety hazards such as explosions, fires or electric shocks from contact with electrical cables.
• Leaks from gas lines.
• Secondary damage – harming one utility can often trigger further issues to others, causing more complex problems.
• Outages of water and power supplies, while gas leaks always need immediate attention.

Safe underground work means good advance planning, using cable plans and applying safe digging techniques, as well as using cable-locating devices.

Why this training matters

As mentioned, inadvertently striking underground utilities can result in costly damage to property, severe injuries and even fatalities. Repairs can also be expensive, while projects could face severe delays.

Equally, regulations and safety standards demand proper training and working procedures in below-ground settings, so CAT and Genny training also provides regulatory compliance. (The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stresses that CAT and Genny scan operatives should be properly trained in using this equipment, as well as its limitations.)

The right training avoids the above-mentioned issues, and means staff can pinpoint underground utilities accurately and at speed, making for a more streamlined construction process with maximum efficiency and minimal downtime.

Who should do this training?

Essentially, the list encompasses operatives who’ll be working on or near excavations, including construction and utility workers, those who’ll be overseeing the excavation work (e.g. site managers), engineers and those whose job it is to ensure safety and compliance.

What does the course cover?

Sign up or CAT and Genny training and you can expect:

• A complete overview of the relevant equipment and the importance of using it properly in various modes, plus the different attachments associated with it.
• HSG47 Guidance – an HSE document advising on the dangers of working near or on underground utilities.
• How to use other tools including service drawings, visual markers, street furniture and surveys to produce the relevant Risk Assessments and Method Statement (RAMS) in the interests of everyone’s safety.
• The principles of PAS 128 Specification for underground utility identification, verification and location.

Certification

Once you’ve done this training, the relevant certification remains valid for three years. After certification has expired, you’ll need to book your refresher training.

CAT and Genny training from Pragmatic Consulting

Pragmatic Consulting offers high-quality, cost-effective training solutions for the utilities and construction sectors.

You don’t need any previous experience in this area to attend CAT and Genny training with Pragmatic Consulting, but we can’t offer these courses online, given their highly practical nature – although we can come to you to deliver them. Alternatively, attend one of our training centres at Stoneleigh Park or Trafford Park.

Our CAT and Genny courses are typically of one day’s duration and cover:

EUSR Category 1 and HSG47

EUSR Category 2 and Safe Digging – attendees will physically dig a minor excavation.

CABWI NRSWA Locate Avoidance (LA)

The first two courses are assessed using a combination of activities, oral, multiple-choice and written questions plus onsite assessment. Meanwhile, assessment for the third course consists of theory-based questions and you’ll need to score 80% to pass each unit. You will also need to undertake a practical assessment.

Additionally, we offer the more specialised two-day EUSR Endorsed HSG47 HV Subs training covering the extra demands of work on or near National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGE) HV substations, including NG-specific information, practical sessions and assessment in a live HV substation.

Book your course today via one of the links above – just call 01926 674340 or email support@pragmatic-consulting.co.uk if you have any queries.

You might also be interested in our blog: CAT and Genny Training

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