EUSR Cable Avoidance Training: Master Safe Utility Detection

The Energy & Utility Skills Register is an online database of training and skills in the energy and utility sectors. It comprises those who have completed EUSR HSG47 training and/or assessments. When you talk about utilities, you're talking about EUSR.

They are the primary authorities in granting and approving utilities-related credentials such as excavations, locating, gas, water and more. If you're looking for EUSR-certified qualifications, you'll be delighted to hear that the top institutions are completely authorised.

What is the EUSR course?

The EUSR HSG47 course focuses on finding utility services. This course is intended to give the most up-to-date information and training for anybody operating in or near subsurface utilities and overhead lines in order to prevent striking or causing damage. Anyone may attend, and there are no qualifications. It contains detailed information about a variety of utility-related topics, as well as instructions on cable avoidance technologies.

EUSR Category 1 and 2 Training

This training is aimed at people who operate in excavations and need to securely detect utility services using known and authorised detection procedures.

Objectives

Delegates will learn how to properly utilise a CAT and Genny to find subsurface services, as well as safe excavation practices.

Course content covers relevant regulations and how they apply to employing technology like CAT Genny.

●     The aim of the CAT and Genny concerning building projects

●     The goal of conducting an on-site survey of existing services, and the many types of surveys offered

●     Workers must wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

●     How to identify various utilities from site drawings and in-situ on the ground

●     Working in and near existing subsurface utilities presents hazards and risks.

●     The several functions of the CAT and their meaning

●     The several functions of the Genny and their meaning

●     Safe digging procedures around subterranean services include drilling trial holes and sustaining excavations properly.

●     How to deal with damaged services and what the consequences of service strikes

●     How to recognise various soil types when excavating and the hazards of collapse.

●     The impact of water infiltration and vibration on excavation stability

●     The need for proper segregation when operating near excavations

●     How to comply with environmental criteria for the storage of excavated soil

●     Understanding the many kinds of instruments that may be used for excavation

There are several possibilities for subsurface services and cable avoidance tool training. So it all relies on your motivations for training and the desired consequences once completed. 

Safeguarding Subterranean Excavation: CAT and Genny Training

The Importance of Safe Digging Practices

When you receive an excavation-related contract or utility assignment, it is your responsibility to be aware of the safety procedures associated with any subterranean facility. Working underground always carries the risk of encountering something in an unexpected location. Therefore, incorporating a safe work strategy when digging is crucial. Start by creating a detailed design, followed by locating and identifying any underground utilities, and using safe digging techniques. In addition to EUSR HSG47, operatives must complete a CAT Course.

Advantages for the Student

By taking this course, students will gain knowledge in the following areas and apply it practically to locate and avoid utility services:

●     Environmental, health, and safety duties

●     Site-specific risk assessment

●     Individual safety gear

●     Subterranean utility services risks

●     Health and safety laws and recommendations

●     Finding utility services using plans and approved techniques

●     The guiding principles and operations of the CAT and Genny

Benefits for Employers

Employers who send their employees to this course can expect the following advantages:

●     Reduced risk from health and safety hazards related to utility service damage

●     Lower costs associated with damaged equipment and utility services

What This Course Will Teach You

The standard for this course is based on the following National Occupational Standards:

●     EUSMUNC06: Locate and Avoid Services for Utility Networks Construction

●     EUSEPUS044: Location and Identification of Subterranean Utility Services in the Electricity Power Utilities Sector

The course also covers pertinent guidelines from HSE documents:

●     HSG47: Avoiding Danger from Underground Services

●     HSG150: Health and Safety in Construction

When the standard is met, participants will demonstrate successful performance by showcasing the following abilities and knowledge:

●     How to read line search documents and utility drawings

●     How to locate underground services using detection equipment

●     How to recognise the risks and hazards associated with subterranean services

What to Bring to the Course

Participants should bring the following items with them:

1. High-visibility jacket or vest
2. Passport photo for their EUSR card

Safety-Critical Training: Beyond the Basics

This safety-critical training increases the knowledge needed to safely locate underground utility services through both theoretical and practical examinations. The education goes beyond standard "in-house" sessions and aligns with both EUSR and National Occupational Standards. It is often referred to as EUSR HSG47 or CAT & Genny training.

This course is beneficial for individuals who need to read utility drawings and/or use service detection equipment to locate a range of subsurface services.

Guide to Conducting Site Surveys in Compliance with HSG47

Site surveys must be carried out in accordance with HSG47 to ensure the protection of all workers and underground utilities from the dangers of excavation. EUSR HSG47 is the guidance coming from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that allows people to minimise the risks from underground services.

The following is a step-by-step guide on undertaking site surveys based on HSG47 principles.

Step 1: Pre-Survey Planning

The first thing in preparing for any excavation work is planning. It initiates with the collection of available records and plans of underground utilities from utility providers. These records provide a rough idea regarding the presence of services at a site and their location. Again, these records are not updated in many cases and might not be accurate; therefore, verification has to be performed.

Step 2: Inspection and Marking the Site

This should be followed by a physical site inspection to locate any evident indications of underground utilities, including inspection covers, valve boxes, or surface scars. Such marking should be accompanied by appropriate marking methods, either by spray paint or flags, to indicate the presence of the utilities identified at their respective locations. It helps workers recognise possible hazards during excavation.

Step 3: Deploying Detection Equipment

The majority of services underground require advanced detection equipment to locate them precisely. Cable locators and GPR are the most common tools used by operators to detect metallic and non-metallic utilities. Those operating these devices should be suitably trained and competent for accurate readings. 

Step 4: Consulting Utility Providers

Communication with the utilities providers is vital in establishing if indeed there are utilities laid underground and their condition. The utility companies can offer recommendations and help in identifying specific utility locations and supervise the work if need be. 

Step 5: Documenting the Findings and Crafting a Safe Plan

All findings, immediately after a completed survey, should be well documented. This documentation should include detailed maps with descriptions of the identified utilities, plus any discrepancies noted in the survey. With this information, a safe excavation plan can be developed which delineates avoidance procedures that will prevent damage to utilities. Communicate this plan to all workers associated with the project and make them aware of potential hazards and safe practices.

Conclusion

It follows a multi-step process: careful planning, thorough inspection, and effective communication while conducting site surveys in compliance with EUSR HSG47. These guidelines, therefore, are very useful to construction and utility firms in minimising the risks associated with causing damage to underground services, hence ensuring that their workers and continuity of crucial utilities are safeguarded. 

Avoid Dangers from Underground Services with HSG47 Training

On a yearly basis, there are 60,000 reported cable strikes in the UK. Cable strikes lead to serious injuries, loss of reputation and temporary disablement of utility services. It also results in project delay and the company has to bear extra expenditure. Surprisingly, the cable strikes can be entirely prevented if a proper survey is conducted by certified and trained surveyors. There are a number of professional companies providing cable avoidance training programmes that teach candidates the use and limitations of the cable avoidance tools.

It is necessary that before excavation, an in-depth survey of the site is carried out with the use of CAT & Genny. These equipment help to accurately detect and locate the underground services. So, you will know exactly which areas to avoid when you start digging the ground. However, you need to make sure that the survey is carried out by someone who has EUSR HSG47 training from a professional company.

The EUSR (Energy and Utilities Skills Register) is a recognised and independent body that requires surveyors to be trained properly and to the highest level. So, anybody who completes proper training is handed with a card that allows the individual to work on several projects including HS2.
So, learn the correct use of CAT & Genny by signing up for a training programme. This will help you to create a safe working environment for your workers and yourself, as well as, the public in and around the excavation area.