Career Opportunities After Completing a CAT & Genny Course

 The utility industry is an important industry and with the ongoing expansion of the industry, there is a growing need for qualified professionals. If you are looking for a promising career with great potential, then consider investigating the prospects available after completing a CAT & Genny Course.  This course is dedicated to teaching the skills required to locate underground utility accurately before excavation, construction, and maintenance operations. 

So, what are the available career prospects after you have successfully completed the course? Here are some great options:

● Cable Locator

This is arguably the most obvious career option. Cable locators are the quiet heroes of the building and construction industry.  

Cable locators employ Cable Avoidance Tools (CATs) and signal generators (Gennies) to locate and mark the position of buried cables and pipes prior to any excavation. This avoids expensive damage to infrastructure, ensures safe working conditions for personnel, and prevents service interruption. 

● Utility Surveyor

Similar to cable locating, utility surveying tends to have a wider remit. Surveyors not only locate underground utilities but also survey and record their position. This information is invaluable to the planning of new building schemes, the design of improvements to infrastructure, and the upkeep of existing networks of utilities.  Goodanalytical skills and attention to detail are a prerequisite for this role.

● Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Technician

A CAT & Genny course is electromagnetic detection-based but can be an excellent steppingstone to Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology work. GPR employs radio waves to produce images of subsurface structures and provides a complementary technique for locating utilities, especially non-metallic pipes which a CAT & Genny set may not be able to locate. Having both CAT & Genny and GPR capabilities makes you an extremely desirable employee. 

● Pipeline Inspector

Pipelines are heavily used in the oil and gas industry to transport products. Pipeline inspectors employ numerous techniques, including CAT & Genny equipment, to monitor the integrity and safety of these critical assets. They detect potential leaks, determine the condition of the pipeline, and monitor regulatory compliance.

● Site Supervisor/Foreman

Cable locating or utility surveying experience can be applied to supervisory positions. Site supervisors oversee construction sites, ensuring work is efficiently and safely accomplished. 

Outside of these particular careers, the skills learned in a CAT & Genny course are applicable in a wide range of other fields, such as civil engineering, telecommunications, and even archaeology. The skill of precise underground utility location is highly transferable and can lead to a wide range of opportunities.

An investment in a CAT & Genny Course is an investment in your future. So, if you want a challenging and fulfilling career, find out the opportunities that lie ahead for you after you have finished a CAT & Genny Course.

Why You Need Sygma Solutions CAT And Genny Training

If you are involved in construction work of any sort, then using the CAT and Genny to locate underground services is a given. These tools can help to find exactly where services run, what type of service they are, how deep down they are, and more. They most certainly are clever pieces of technology, but you need training in order to ensure that you use them in the right way. In addition, you also need to be aware of the fact that they have some limitations, and you need to know what to do if you run up against a problem. 

For instance, one limitation can be depth. You might use the CAT and Genny together (we always recommend using them in combination) and the result shows that there is nothing at the point at which you need to dig. Before you rush off and start merrily digging with your JCB, safe in that knowledge, it is also possible that you could be wrong.

What Do You Do?

For example, the result may have been because of the depth of the service. Some tools can only read to a certain depth, and so anything below that will not show. What do you do?

It’s actually very simple. You start digging, preferably by hand, and when you have got down about a foot you run another survey. This time you may find that the utility that is there shows up. These are the sorts of situations that we teach you how to handle safely when you use the training courses that we provide at Sygma Solutions. 

You may also be able to dig down if, for instance, you only need to go to a depth of two feet, while another service is at a depth of four. This is rather a question of “horses for courses”, but unless you have the knowledge you can still make mistakes. 

Our team has over 100 years of experience in the manufacture and use of the various tools that are needed to locate underground services. We also provide Mala GPR locators and have several available for hire should you need to use them. 

Our job in the somewhat mystical world of underground services is to ensure that you and your team have the knowledge and expertise that we ourselves possess by the time you have finished your course. Then you can proceed with confidence.

Avoid Cable Strikes with Comprehensive Cable Avoidance Training

To operate the many tools and equipment used in the construction industry, operators need to be properly trained. One of the most important pieces of equipment for anyone working underground is CAT &Genny.

What are CAT and Genny?

Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny) are two distinct tools that makeup CAT and Genny. While the Signal Generator tool generates a particular signal that the CAT detects, the Cable Avoidance Tool is used to locate pipes and cables beneath.

Why CAT & Genny Training Is Vital for All Construction Workers

Picture yourself excavating and unintentionally running upon an underground wire. There may be serious repercussions for the infrastructure and environment in addition to the person involved.

This emphasises how crucial it is to have precise detection and localisation capabilities for subterranean cables.

Operatives and supervisors whose jobs require identifying these hidden dangers during excavation or street work projects are the main target audience for this priceless CAT training.

Workers guarantee a better safety buffer against the risks of unintentional cable strikes by incorporating the CAT &Genny training into their skill set, which lowers the possibility of injuries and related expenses.

Advantages of CAT and Genny Training

It's not necessary to rely solely on luck to navigate the underground network of wires and services. Participants in the CAT &Genny training gain the following benefits:

Increased Security

Delegates can reduce the likelihood of cable strikes and protect themselves, their coworkers, and the surrounding infrastructure by developing their cable-detecting abilities.

Proficiency in Identifying Services

Delegates learn how to identify subterranean utilities and turn possible dangers into mapped-out areas through practical instruction and real-world situations.

Time-Saving Education

The extensive CAT training is effectively condensed into a single day of instruction. Participants who complete the course receive a certification attesting to their proficiency in cable avoidance, which is good for three years.

The CAT &Genny course offers a stimulating educational experience that blends theoretical understanding with practical application.

The goal of the course is to:

• Provide a well-rounded combination of theory and practical activities. This guarantees that participants will understand the ideas and be able to use them in practical situations. 

• Encourage lively class conversations by using case studies that explore historical events and offer insights. Group interactions encourage members to share their experiences and insights, which further stimulates learning. 

• Give practical demonstrations a lot of weight. Participants are given instructions on how to find a range of buried services, guaranteeing that they are prepared to deal with a number of situations in the field. At the same time, adherence to industry best practices is consistently reinforced. 

• Emphasise how important it is to comprehend and analyse street plans. These layouts are essential blueprints that provide hints about the possible subterranean network of services.

A thorough process that strikes a balance between theoretical understanding and practical applications guarantees that each delegate becomes more knowledgeable and cautious.

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. 

Digging Blind? Equip Yourself with Reliable Radiodetection Skills

 

Professionals who complete radio detection training are more equipped to harness the potential of radio detection equipment. These technologies may be operated by people who have received the necessary training to ensure precise identification of subsurface utilities across a variety of businesses. This training helps avoid costly mistakes and safety dangers during excavation and maintenance, in addition to improving operational efficiency.

The RD4000 is the first web-enabled cable and pipe locating system in the world. Users can sign up online to access system support, additional features, and upgrades.

The RD4000 Location System

The RD4000 Location System surpasses other solutions, offering more than just web access. This advanced technology excels in both features and performance while maintaining simplicity of use. With the RD4000, you have an economical technique for locating buried services such as water, gas, electricity, telecom, CatV, and sewer lines.

Cutting-edge technology with the RD7000

Radiodetection’s RD7100 features the most cutting-edge locating technologies, with each model tailored to a specific industry sector. Users benefit from menu selections and capabilities suited to their particular needs. The RD7000, equipped with four active and two passive frequencies, is an accurate and easy-to-use tool for most site-finding tasks. Its IP65-rated shell and high-contrast screen allow it to be used in any weather condition.

The RD7000 offers advanced sonde frequencies for tracing conduits and ducts, along with higher frequencies to find high-impedance cables within large bundled pairs. It also enables the tracing of sheathed home wires at higher frequencies without needing grounding connections. The 8kHz Fault Find mode, along with the Radiodetection A-Frame, allows cable sheath faults to be identified with precision—up to 10 cm accuracy.

The RD8000: Power and Precision

The RD8000 family offers powerful, versatile cable, pipe, and RF marker locators, designed for use in the utility locating sector. It delivers speed, precision, and reliability, making it a cost-effective solution for any application. The RD8000’s blend of digital and analogue circuits allows users to detect even the faintest signals from hard-to-locate utilities.

Large, highly contrasted backlit LCD panels on both the locator and transmitter provide clear information in any lighting. Throughout the RD8000 transmitter and finder range, its intuitive and responsive interface with instantly recognised symbols guarantees straightforward operation.

 

Radiodetection training provides essential knowledge and hands-on experience with advanced utility locating tools, empowering users to perform their tasks with greater accuracy and confidence.

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.