Learning To Use Radio Detection Devices Takes time And Practice

Radiodetection is the manufacturer of a series of radio detection devices for locating and mapping underground cables and pipes.  They are used in more than 60 countries for the purpose of avoiding cables and pipes when a contractor has to excavate soil in any location. Who knows what might be down there – and more importantly exactly where it is located – before we start to dig? It would also be helpful to know just how deep a cable or pipe is. Damaging buried utilities can not only be extremely dangerous to operatives working on the ground, but it can also be very expensive.

The RD8100 range of precision locators is designed to be used to pinpoint accurately a range of different cables and pipes in a variety of locations.  These professional instruments represent the culmination of Radiodetection’s experience in the design and manufacture of locators.

However, using the RD8100 locators is not simply a matter of taking them out of the box and “off we go!” Learning how to use them takes time and practice in a number of different situations. Imagine never having seen a car before. You can’t just sit in the driver’s seat and drive. You need training in what and where all the gadgets are, what they do, how they do it, and how to use them. The same thing applies to the RD8100 range.

Read More Original Content at Radiodetection RD8100 training

City & Guilds Level 2 Cable Avoidance Training

There are some 60,000 cable strikes every year in the UK by engineers and contractors undertaking groundworks. The consequences can be serious for contractors and involve injury or death, delays, fines, intervention from the HSE, loss of reputation, and of course there are cost implications.

City & Guilds Level 2 Utility Avoidance training is designed to teach operatives how to use all the available tools for underground cable detection correctly in order to reduce the chances of a cable strike to the minimum. The training will enable operatives to explain reasons why excavations take place, the consequences of a strike, and state the responsibilities of both clients and contractors. The training covers gas, electricity, water, sewage, and telecoms cables.

Candidates will be able to identify types of drawings for different services, describe the sorts of inaccuracies that may be found in them, and interpret the data and detail. They will carry out risk assessments, select and use the correct safety equipment, and understand the correct methods of use for signal generators and cable avoidance tools. Candidates will also be able to carry out sweep searches of an area using the tools provided.

In order to obtain qualification cable avoidance level 2 candidates will have to understand and be able to explain safety considerations when excavating, methods of safe exposure of services, methods of identifying excavated services – together with their limitations, and identify potential service indicators that may be found. They will also be able to record and mark on updated plans.

What Is Involved In The Training In the Use Of The RD7000?

Locating pipes, cables, and markers underground is becoming increasingly complex. The operator’s job is more time consuming as the effects of ground distortion caused by different soil types and close proximity to other conductors take effect.

Any locator needs to be easy to use, highly accurate, and reliable, and the RD7000 meets these requirements. However, you can’t just take it out of the box and hit “go”. You need RD7000 training in its’ proper use in order to get the best out of it. 

This equipment is ergonomically designed and is lightweight which enables the operator to use it for long periods without tiring. It is also energy efficient and very well balanced which makes it comfortable to hold. Notwithstanding its light weight, it has an IP54 rating which means that it can be used in any environment. 

Read More Original Content at HSG47 training

Things to Consider When Purchasing A CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool)

When you are considering the purchase of a CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool) there are a number of things to watch out for.  

First, are you going to use the CAT on its’ own or in conjunction with a signal generator (Genny)? Best practice suggests that you should certainly use both in conjunction. When a CAT is used on its’ own in Power Mode it can only locate cables that have power running through them at the time. This is fine if you are working in, say, a shopping mall at night when the lights are on as you should be able to locate the cables quite easily.

However, it is a totally different matter if you are working in daylight hours as it is likely you won’t find them at all. Furthermore, only when used together will the CAT be able to locate plastic pipes, water pipes, telecoms, and so on. This is why in most instances it is critical to use the CAT and Genny together.

Do you need to know only the lateral position of the cable or would you like to know its’ depth as well? In the past, most CATs would only show the location of the cable, and not its’ depth. However, you can now buy a CAT that will show you the depth which is an extremely useful feature – some might say vital. This means that if you are only going to be digging down a couple of feet and you know that the cable is eight feet down you can proceed with much more confidence – although you should still err on the side of caution of course.

Another consideration is the distance you need to cover. Used in conjunction with a Genny, most CATs use two standard frequencies of 8khz and 33khz. However, some CATs have two extra frequencies available which permit signals to be detected over much longer distances. This can be extremely useful when you are operating over longer distances because it will save a lot of time as it avoids moving the Genny as you work the site.

Reasons Why You Need Cable Avoidance Equipment

Cable avoidance equipment can identify current strength, the depth of the buried cable or pipe, and location accessories to help contractors safely perform their job. There are three other key reasons why you need cable avoidance equipment:

1. Safety

Underground cables can have live electricity running through them, harmful chemicals, or other waste products. Cutting into the ground ‘blind’ is a recipe for disaster. Cable avoidance equipment adds a line of defence to this, to increase safety.

2. Compliance

Health and safety guidelines stipulate that it is the responsibility of the employer and the employee to use safe working practices. Cutting into the ground or removing ground without first adequately checking for cables is considered extremely high risk.

3. Do a proper job

Cable avoidance equipment can vastly reduce the chance of hitting a live cable or a gas or water pipe and is essential to all utility companies and contractors. By adequately identifying underground cables and avoiding any damage to them, contractors can do a proper job without any inefficiencies. This saves time and money.

Read more on : RD7000 Training

Using Cable Avoidance Tools Perfectly

A Cable Locator (CAT) is used for cable avoidance before any excavation work is carried out and is essential to avoid injury or even death. Cat & Geny devices are used by most because many people are killed or injured every year so using the equipment properly is essential. For an enhanced performance the use of th Signal Generator (Genny) which applies a signal to a cable or metal pipe so that harder to reach services can be traced.

A Signal Clamp is an easy and safe way to connect the Genny to a cable or a pipe in order to get an accurate tracing. It may also be useful to have a clamp in difficult or unsafe conditions where there is a live power cable or telecoms. It is recommended because precision is key when looking for cables and pipes that are underground. The cost and risks involved with striking a gas pipe are not worth thinking about so correct use of the equipment is essential.

How to take a reading

1. Select mode
2. Set the sensitivity to maximum
3. Hold on/off trigger in the on position
4. Search in grid pattern show
5. When the signal is detected, move the CAT forward and back and turn the sensitivity down until only the peak response can be heard and seen.

Read more on : Cat & Geny