Is CAT training essential for construction workers?

Cable avoidance training, or CAT training, is not only essential for construction workers; it is also vital. Here’s why:

● Safety comes first - Did you know that a complex network of utilities is buried under your feet? These utilities are your gas pipes, power lines, water mains, and communication cables. Striking any one of these lines during construction or excavation may have catastrophic consequences, causing injury or even death and widespread disruption of services. CAT training equips construction workers with the skills and knowledge required to detect and avoid these underground hazards. 

● Legal obligation - Besides ensuring the safety of everyone in and around the construction site, CAT training is made mandatory by law for construction workers in several countries, including in the UK. Failure to adhere to this regulation results in hefty fines, and the worksite might even be shut down. 

● Reduced risk and enhanced efficiency - Accidents involving buried utilities are time-consuming and costly. CAT training reduces the risk of such incidents, ensuring a smoother workflow and successful completion of the construction project. 

● Peace of mind - Knowing you have taken the necessary steps to safely work on your construction project fosters a sense of confidence and security on the worksite. This translates to a more productive and focused workforce. 

What does CAT training cover?

Typically, CAT training equips working with the following knowledge and skills:

● Comprehension of underground utilities - Construction workers learn about the different types of utilities buried underground and the potential risks they pose. 

● Safe digging practices - This includes hand excavation or digging techniques near suspected underground utilities and the importance of using appropriate equipment for locating. 

● Using cable avoidance tools - The training program covers the operation of different locating tools like ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators. 

Who requires CAT training?

You may think that CAT training is reserved for heavy machinery operators, but it is actually important for a wider range of construction personnel. 

● Groundworkers - Preparing the worksite involves excavation activities that require CAT training. 

● General labourers - If they are involved in digging the ground or working near underground utilities, they need this training. 

● Supervisors - Supervisors are responsible for ensuring proper safety protocols, and hence, they require this training. 

In summation, CAT training is not an optional extra in the construction industry. It is a necessity and ensures workers' safety, project efficiency, and legal compliance. So, construction workers must prioritise CAT training. 

Exploring the Essential Skills for Utility Mapping Professionals

Below the surface of the ground, there is an intricate network of underground utilities. These include water pipes, power lines and communication cables. These underground utilities play an important role in everyday life. However, these hidden utilities pose a grave danger if their location is not identified during excavation or construction projects. To avoid such dangers, construction and excavation companies hire utility mapping professionals. Their job is to ensure the efficiency and safety of infrastructure development and create a safe work environment.

In order to excel in this dynamic field, a combination of personal qualities and technical expertise is required. You need to have the right utility mapping qualification, which can be achieved through training. Some of the necessary skills of a utility mapping professional are:

●       Technical proficiency

The utility mapping professional must have a deep understanding of surveying methodologies and principles. This includes proficiency with different surveying equipment like ground penetrating radars, electromagnetic locators, and so on. The utility mapping professional must also have competency in utilisingspecialised mapping software for analysis, data collection, and generating accurate utility maps.

●       Visualisation and spatial awareness

The professional must have the skills to visualise the 2D layout of underground utilities beneath a flat surface. They must have the capability to interpret complicated data and translate it into concise and clear maps that can be understood easily by construction workers, engineers, and other stakeholders.

●       Problem-solving and analytical thinking skills

Identifying discrepancies, interpreting ambiguous data, and troubleshooting techniques problems are regular occurrences in utility mapping. Professionals with a problem-solving mindset and strong analytical skills can navigate these challenges and ensure the accuracy of their findings.

●       Attention to detail

Even the smallest errors in utility mapping have significant consequences. Hence, the professionals take a meticulous approach to identifying the location of the underground utilities. So, the utility mapping professional must have an eye for detail and precision.

●       Safety awareness

It is risky to work in close proximity to underground utilities. Hence, a strong understanding of safety protocols is required. Also, the utility mapping professional must know how to use protective equipment. This is essential in creating a safe work site.

So, do you have utility mapping qualification to shine in this field? If you are interested in becoming a utility mapping professional, you can join training courses and learn the essential skills required for this job. Remember, you must not take this job lightly, as many lives depend on your mapping proficiency.

Why You Should Take A Radiodetection® Training Course

When working on any construction project, one of the most important things to do at the beginning is to carry out a survey of the site in order to ascertain what, if any, services run under the surface. Even if it is a new site that has never been built upon, it is still possible that there may be services running through it if there are other buildings nearby.

This means that it is necessary for an operative to use all means possible to carry out a survey, which, in turn, means having the required knowledge of how to use all the various items of equipment that can be used to do that. These are mainly the CAT, Genny, and GPR tools that can provide the information needed in most cases.

Today, there are many versions of such tools, and they have become more and more sophisticated over the years. Along with that, it means that you need to undertake a course run by experts in how these tools work, what their limitations are (and they do have some), and how to ensure that you use best practice before any excavation begins so that the work proceeds with maximum safety and security.

The Latest Model From Radiodetection

Radiodetection® is one of the well-established manufacturers of such tools and has just produced a model with additional features compared with the previous RD8000. Their latest model locator is the RD8100 which has automatic usage logging with GPS positioning.

This incorporates such things as a shallow locate warning which provides both visual and audible warnings when in the presence of cables and pipes that are only just under the surface. It also includes several other advanced systems enabling it to save up to 1,000 survey measurements including the depth of the utility, and these can be sent to a mobile using Bluetooth. Not only that, but you can now calibrate it from a PC.

As with many of these underground utility location tools, they are not just something that you can take out of the box and start in half an hour. Ideally, you should take a Radiodetection training course where you can learn about all of the different features and the right way to use them. As we have said elsewhere, you don’t buy a car, read the manual, and start off down the road if you have never driven before! A Radiodetection® course will, quite literally, set you off on the right foot.

Buying CAT AndGenny? Things You Need To Consider

If you are in the business of surveying land for the location of underground services then you will obviously need the right tools for the job, these being mainly the CAT and Genny. At Sygma Solutions, as the foremost provider of training operatives in the use of these tools we understand all the ins and outs of how they work, and which is compatible with what. If you need to purchase them, then you need to consider a number of different things.

Not the least of these is that some industries are very specific about which models and manufacturers they will allow to be used on their sites. Network Rail is one. The majority, but not all, of the cable avoidance tools produced by the companies Radiodetection and Cable Detection are now approved for use on their sites. However, if you are using one that is not approved then you will not be allowed on site, or worse still, required to leave, leading to lost income and possible penalties. Many other main contractors also have their rules regarding these tools.

Much the same applies to signal generators. Just because you have a CAT that is approved doesn’t necessarily mean that your Genny will be too. While it might work together with your CAT, it may not be on the contractor’s list. So, it is well worthwhile to determine which models are approved and also whether you will require a calibration certificate. 

Operatives Need Training And Experience

Whatever the situation, the fact remains that no matter how good the tools are and the fact that they are approved, the people who are using them need to have had not only the appropriate training but also some experience in their use. This is particularly true when dealing with certain situations – types of ground, depth of services, multiple services in the same area, and so on.

This is why the CAT and Genny training that we provide at Sygma Solutions is invaluable. Our team has over 100 years of combined experience in the use of these tools and there is nothing that we have not tackled or dealt with. Our training courses cover every possible situation, including those where there may be a false reading, or an apparently false one. For example, it is possible that the tools may not record a service in a position when there actually is one, simply because it is situated at below the depth at which the tool canread.

We cover everything so that operatives who have completed the training are fully compliant with main contractors’ requirements.

Sygma Solutions Provides The Cable Avoidance Training You Need

Sygma Solutions is noted as the foremost provider of training in the UK for the use of the various tools required for the location of underground services. Ensuring that you know for certain, or as near certain as possible, before carrying out any excavation work is critical, because if not, there can be serious consequences.

It is estimated that there are some 1.5 million kilometres of underground services in the UK and around four million excavation projects that take place every year. Accidentally hitting a gas pipe or electricity cable can obviously cause life-changing injuries to workers, and yet there are around 60,000 cable strikes every year. Between 2014 and 2020 there were no less than 3,972 injuries, including fatalities, caused by striking underground services. However, these are only the ones that have been reported to the HSE, so in fact, there will be many others that have not been reported for one reason or another.

There are, of course, also considerable costs involved when such incidents occur. Apart from injuries, there can be traffic disruption, loss of business to the local traders, and also the cost of repairing the damage among other things. In fact, according to a report in localgov.co.uk the actual cost of a utility strike is 29 times the direct cost arising from repair. So, if the repair cost, say, £6,000, the true cost is £174,000.

Apart from the actual costs, there is also reputational damage, particularly now that we have social media, where gossip spreads like wildfire.

Training At All Levels

All of this is why your operatives need the training that we provide at Sygma Solutions. We can provide training at all levels from new operatives who need to learn from the basics upwards to those who are on the ladder and need further or advanced training. These are the sorts of requirements that are being demanded for operatives to work on underground service location on more and more sites such as National Rail and Heathrow Airport for instance.

Your operatives may require Level2 Cable Avoidance Training for example. Our Level 2 Cable Avoidance Training will ensure that your operatives are fully up to speed. They can undertake the classroom work either physically on our site in Wigan or on your site if you prefer. In addition, we also now offer online training as well.

Either way, your operatives will also need to undertake on-site training using the tools such as the CAT and Genny, but again this can be done at your premises if you wish.

A brief guide to cable avoidance training

To make a difference, you must stay ahead in your field. One of the ways to stay ahead of others in the rat race is by equipping yourself with the latest knowledge and skills. If you are a professional in excavation or construction, you need to up your skills by enrolling for CAT training. Continue reading to know the importance of this course and the key aspects covered in the training.

CAT Training: What is its importance?

During construction and excavation projects, workers are unknowingly close to underground services like gas pipelines, water mains or electric cables. If a rigorous site survey is not completed before excavating it, the workers will be at risk of striking the underground services. This might lead to accidents, financial losses and hefty fines. Hence, cable avoidance training is essential for maintaining the safety of the workers and ensuring the underground utility services are detected and identified before any excavation work begins.

Furthermore, cable avoidance training is essential to be compliant with the law. The legal requirement of any construction or excavation project is that a proper cable avoidance survey is conducted to ensure the work will not disrupt the essential services or cause fatal accidents.

If you are equipped with proper CAT training, you will be able to ensure smooth operations and the prevention of delays and service disruptions.

What are the vital aspects covered in CAT training?

In CAT training, the essential topics covered are:

●       Identification of the underground utilities and understanding their significance

●       Practical training and hands-on experience in operating cable avoidance tools

●       Emphasis on risk assessment and safe working practices

●       Adherence to legal requirements and gaining insights into the industry’s safety standards

Who must enrol for cable avoidance training courses?

●       Construction workers involved in building projects or excavation work. CAT training ensures they have the knowledge and skills required to carry out their tasks without damaging vital services.

●       Professionals responsible for repairing and maintaining utility services, such as electricity, water and gas.

●       Site managers overseeing excavation and construction sites.

●       Independent contractors

In summation, cable avoidance training is not just another course. It is a training programme focused on legal compliance and safety. Whether you are a utility service provider or construction worker, you will significantly benefit from cable avoidance training. You will be able to learn how to detect underground services and how to operate CAT tools.

The Importance Of Underground Services Location Prior To Excavating

Before embarking on any construction or excavation project, it is essential to prioritise safety and efficiency by identifying the location of underground services. Failure to do so can lead to severe consequences, such as service disruptions, accidents, and costly damages. Sygma Solutions, a leading provider of comprehensive training programmes, including our Underground Surveyor Course and EUSR CAT & Genny Training, emphasises the significance of proper underground services location to ensure successful and risk-free projects.

Underground services, such as gas pipelines, water mains, electricity cables, and telecommunication lines, form the lifelines of urban infrastructure. However, these vital utilities are often hidden from view, making them susceptible to accidental damage during construction or excavation works. Identifying their precise location is crucial to safeguarding these services and preventing potential dangers to both workers and the public.

Safety is paramount in any construction project, and it begins with knowing what lies beneath the ground. Undertaking the Underground Surveyor Course offered by Sygma Solutions equips professionals with the knowledge and expertise to use state-of-the-art technology to accurately locate underground services. Armed with this information, workers can implement safety precautions and develop suitable excavation strategies, mitigating the risk of accidents and utility damage.

Damage to underground services can lead to costly repairs and project delays. Proper training, such as our EUSR Cat and Genny Training, enables workers to interpret the data obtained from underground utility locating equipment, allowing them to make informed decisions. By minimising the chances of hitting existing infrastructure, construction companies can save significant expenses and complete projects within budget and on schedule.

Utilising Advanced Technology

Sygma Solutions' Underground Surveyor Course and EUSR Cat and Genny Training use advanced technology like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Cable Avoidance Tools (CATs) to detect and map underground services. GPR employs electromagnetic radiation to produce a pulse that detects subsurface objects, providing precise information on utility locations. The CAT, on the other hand, detects the presence of buried metallic and non-metallic services, allowing workers to mark their positions accurately.

Beyond safety and cost considerations, there are legal requirements that mandate proper underground services location before commencing construction. Regulatory bodies often impose strict guidelines to protect public utilities, and non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and legal repercussions. Sygma Solutions' training programs educate participants about these regulations, ensuring they remain compliant and avoid potential legal issues.

Undertaking any form of excavation without first identifying the location of underground services is a significant risk that no responsible construction company should take. Sygma Solutions' comprehensive training programs, including the Underground Surveyor Course and EUSR Cat and Genny Training, are designed to equip operatives with the necessary skills to carry out accurate underground utility locating.