HSG47, And Why You Should Follow This Guidance

The Health and Safety Executive HSG47 is aimed at all those involved in the commissioning, planning, managing, and carrying out work on, or near, underground services, as well as the owners and operators of the services. Following the guidance is not compulsory, unless otherwise stated, but if you do follow the guidance, under normal circumstances you will be doing enough to comply with the law. To quote the HSE "Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance".

It seems that the HSE is saying that, putting it politely, you would be doing yourself – and everyone else – a disservice by failing to follow the guidance provided. It further states "Underground services are widespread. Assume they are present unless you have been shown otherwise". That is an extremely sensible comment, since underground services can be found absolutely anywhere – even in an apparently open field. 

One of the major causes of injuries – many severe – is striking electric cables, Typical injuries are burns to the hands, face, and body, while electric shock is also possible, but less likely. Other nearby services may also be damaged, and these include plastic gas pipes. Damage to these can cause explosion and fire. There are two kinds of damage – damage that causes an immediate leak, and damage that causes a leak some time later. For instance, poor reinstatement may leave a pipe insufficiently supported.

Damage to a pipe carrying liquefied petroleum gas is greater than from natural gas as it is heavier than air and can travel for long distances underground and can accumulate in places such as cellars.

Damage to water pipes may not be so serious but can also cause injury, as a jet of water from a main can be hard enough to cause injury.

This is why understanding of all of the possible problems is so essential. There are companies that provide HSG47 training and ensure that operatives have a full and complete understanding of the potential problems. In fact, it cannot be over-emphasised that all operatives engaged in any sort of excavation should attend an HSG47 course.

Features Of The Latest CAT 4 From Radiodetection

CAT and Genny training is essential for all operatives whose job includes locating any type of underground services. The CAT 4 is the latest in the Radiodetection series of cable avoidance tools and has some features which other cable avoidance tools do not. For example, it now features Dynamic Overload Protection which enables an operative to continue working in areas which are electrically challenging, such as underneath power cables or near to substations, where the detection circuitry of other equipment may become overloaded and simply cease to function.

The new CAT 4 also has a high visibility display with a backlight which enables the operator to read the information under any lighting conditions and avoids the possibility of misreading critical information from the unit. In Avoidance Mode, the CAT 4 provides faster detection by allowing the operator to check an area intended for excavation for power, radio, and Genny signals, and pinpoint any utilities in a single scan. Its' unique digital signal processing capabilities also reject electrical interference.

 

The CAT 4 also allows operatives to check over the internet a fast and thorough test of the key circuitry elements using the CAT manager software. This enables an operative to check the unit against the original factory calibration. The CAT manager software is a Windows® PC program that allows plant, fleet and site managers to minimise down time by performing software upgrades, sending a service request, reproducing calibration certificates, and compiling/editing user information with eCAT and gCAT configurations.

Several companies provide a CAT course which will enable operatives to become fully acquainted with the CAT 4 and its uses in all its modes. Some of the companies can also provide EUSR CAT and Genny training if they are an EUSR approved training provider, which not all training course providers are.

Finding Proper Training In The Use Of the CAT 4 And Genny

Any contractor undertaking any type of ground work has to be as certain as possible that the work will not strike or damage any underground services which may be in the location. This means that before a spade is inserted into the ground the contractor must take every precaution to locate and avoid any services.

There are two main tools which are used to locate buried services, and these are the Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and the Signal Generator (Genny). The latest versions of these tools are the CAT 4 and Genny 4. The two tools are generally used in conjunction with each other, since the CAT on its' own in Power mode can only locate electricity cables which are live with power flowing through them. If you are certain that you will only be looking for live power cables, it could be argued that you could just use the CAT. However, you can't be certain of this, so it is wise to use both CAT and Genny together.

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City & Guilds Level 2 Cable Avoidance Training

Level 2 cable avoidance training is training undertaken to obtain the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Safe Location and Avoidance of Underground Services (6038-01). This award is for people working in construction or associated industries who need to locate and avoid underground services. 

This qualification covers the purpose of safe location and avoidance of underground services. It takes account of the need to use different types of service drawings and develops skills required to identify, detect and mark out services and plan for these activities. Finally, the qualification covers the theory of methods of safe excavation. The total qualification time is 14 hours and includes 12 hours of guided learning time and two hours spent separately in preparation, study, and assessment.

Operatives learning cable avoidance must pass a test to demonstrate that they understand the purpose of the safe location and avoidance of underground services. They must understand service plans required when preparing to work on or near underground services. They must be able to plan for safe location and avoidance of underground services and be able to identify, detect, and mark them out. They also have to understand the methods of safe excavation of underground services.

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Sygma Solutions Is The Leading Cable Avoidance Training Company In The UK

Sygma Solutions is the leading provider of cable avoidance training in the UK. Our courses are based on first hand experience in the field. We have cable locator manufacturing experience which means that we understand the equipment inside out: we know how it works, why it works, and what it can – and equally importantly cannot – do.

We have utility mapping experience, working in real on-site conditions, and using the right piece of equipment and application in every situation. We also understand repair and calibration of every type of equipment through our partner company Swan Test & Calibration with 27 years of continuous experience, and approved to repair Radiodetection, C Scope & Kolectric equipment. In short, there is nothing whatsoever that anyone could teach us about underground utility surveying because – without wishing to brag – we know everything there is to know.

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Underground Surveys Should Always Be Carried Out Prior To Excavation

Damage to underground services can cause severe, and even fatal, injuries in addition to environmental damage and delays to the project resulting in a large amount of costs. This is why an underground survey should be taken by a qualified surveyor who has taken a recognised CAT and Genny training course before any groundwork is undertaken. 

This applies even if the excavation is to take place in the middle of a field way out in the countryside. It may well be that the cows which are grazing gently are actually standing over an electricity cable which used a short cut from one village to the next.

When a live cable is penetrated by any sort of tool, injuries can be caused by the explosive effects of an arcing current and any associated fire or explosion. If there are plastic gas pipes close by these could also explode. Damage to gas pipes directly can cause leaks or explosions. There can be an immediate leak, or the damage could cause a leak to occur later on. A liquified petroleum gas leak is worse than natural gas as it is heavier than air and can travel underground to build up in below ground areas like cellars.

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The Risks Of Striking Buried Utilities

One of the biggest risks that face contractors undertaking any sort of groundwork is that of accidentally hitting buried services. It is estimated that striking cables and other utilities occurs more than 60,000 times every year. To put it into perspective that is 1,200 every week - or around 200 every working day. 

Apart from any other consideration, that causes a lot of damage to the utilities which in turn can lead to immense financial implications for the contracting company involved. The utility provider will have to carry out repairs which will be charged to the contractor, and while this takes place, the contractor has operatives standing idle. The contractor’s customer may charge penalties for the delay in the work, and there can be other financial implications also: for instance, a company may claim for damages for interruption of its’ operations if the power suddenly goes down. It has not been unknown for a contractor to go out of business as a result of a cable strike.

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CAT And Genny Training From Sygma Solutions

When contractors are undertaking any sort of work that involves penetrating the ground there is the ever-present risk of striking an underground utility. This could be electricity, gas, water, telecoms, fibre optics, and more. The Health and Safety Executive produces a pdf entitled “Avoiding Danger From
Underground Services” (http://www.hse.gov.uk/pUbns/priced/hsg47.pdf) which states: “Underground services are widespread. Assume they are present unless you have been shown otherwise.”

Striking an underground utility can result in a number of problems. At the very least the contractor has to stop work until it has been repaired. The company will also have to pay for the cost of the repair, and there may be considerable collateral damage when the lack of the utility impacts on others. Costs can be such that it puts the contractor out of business. Even if this should not occur, the contractor’s reputation will suffer damage.

Then there is the health and safety aspect. There are estimated to be some 60,000 cable strikes every year in the UK, resulting in many serious injuries.

It follows that cable avoidance must be an absolute priority for any contractor and there are several tools available to help with this. Two of these are the CAT and Genny – Cable Avoidance Tool and Signal Generator. However, it is not sufficient to purchase these and simply read the instructions.  CAT and Genny training is critical in order for operatives to fully understand how to use these tools in order to ensure that utilities are located and avoided.

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CAT 4 And Genny 4 Training From Sygma Solutions

When you are a contractor engaged in any sort of excavation – which most contractors are, unless you are just a painter and decorator – the most important thing that you can do is to avoid hitting any underground utilities when you dig. If you don’t know exactly what is under the ground, at best you might hit a water pipe which will make you wet. At worst you will hit an electricity cable which can easily kill, or a gas pipe which can cause a huge explosion and do the same.

Any sort of cable strike is bad because, again at best, you will have to stop work and stand idle until the utility concerned has repaired it. This could cause you loss of income as you have workers doing nothing, but it could also result in a very large claim for loss of income from businesses affected by the damage caused by your workers. It could also result in claims from the company employing you, and loss of reputation in addition. It has not been unknown for a contractor to go out of business as the result of a cable strike.

This is why the CAT and Genny course that we provide at Sygma Solutions is essential training for your operatives. The CAT and Genny are the two most important tools for underground utility location, but the sad fact is that the majority of operatives do not understand how to use them to their fullest capabilities, nor yet understand their limitations.

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How to choose the best CAT and Genny Training

Cable avoidance training
If you are building a career in the utility detection industry it is essential to understand how to use the latest range of Cable Avoidance equipment and new technologies and learn from experts on how to consider the best locating practice that will ultimately reduce the number of cable strikes that take place.

CAT Training is an important part of many construction and excavation processes in order to avoid buried cables strikes. There are many qualifications in CAT and Genny Training that are available for operatives in the utility location and avoidance industry and offer the value required to have an outstanding career in the industry.

CAT Courses are a combination of basic textbook knowledge and practical hands-on experience taught by experts in the field. There are broad range of qualifications available to any professional willing to grasp the advanced knowledge.  It all depends on what they seek to achieve which makes the selection process easier.

Choosing the best CAT training
There are many industry related qualifications that can help boost your career in utility location and avoidance. The end result should something to consider while pursuing future qualifications in this field.

Are you seeking advanced knowledge, hands-on experience or the ability to boost your skills and confidence in your career path?  Choose a training provider that can offer you whatever you seek to achieve.

Many CAT courses are organized as assessment only, while others offer holistic training experiences with on-site activities as well as theoretical learning opportunities.  There are a number of different methods and details that these courses cover such as the reasons for using buried pipe and cable locators, understanding health, safety & financial implications and how to avoid danger during  underground services.

For those who already have a certain level of training, there are bespoke training courses available that are designed to offer both theory and practical experience necessary for your particular skillset and experience.

The Genny Training Course
Cable Avoidance Tools are powered by Genny, or Signal Generators, designed to detect signals from metal services. CAT have various modes that allow the user to detect signals from below the surface of the ground.  The Genny mode allows the CAT to detect radiated tones to detect and avoid water valves or plug sockets with a direct connection to the source.

How to build your career in Cable Avoidance Industry

What is Cable Avoidance?
Buried services pose a major hazard to construction workers. Excavations which have been poorly planned and prepared for can cause cables or pipe damage leading to expensive  repairs, project delays and most importantly, personal injury.  

Cable Avoidance is designed to help professionals in this field use the latest tools to locate cable underground during ground work activities so these hazards can be avoided. Therefore, Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT), are important for those working in utility location and avoidance fields in order to detect any potential danger that may arise in the future. 

Choosing a career in Cable Avoidance
Having a career in the cable avoidance and utility sector requires the ability to detect cable underground and perform ground work surveys. As utility strikes can be damaging, having a hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in cable avoidance is a way to curb the risk associated with cable strikes and improve accurate detection of cable location in the industry.  

Excellent training in Cable Avoidance would improve your utility surveying knowledge, boost your confidence and skills, and primarily teach you how to use the necessary equipment to detect cable locations.

Training
The CAT or Cable Avoidance tool is widely used to detect signals naturally radiating from metallic surfaces, buried cables and conductors. Cat and Genny Training provides participants with the necessary knowledge needed to operate the equipment and correctly trace underground services.

An effective Level 2 Cable Avoidance Training course should cover hands-on training using actual locators to detect and trace the route of buried services, both on and off site. It should also cover the different types of buried services that exist, current legislation and best practices concerning detecting buried services, the safety implications of not using a locator and skills associated with the ancillary equipment.

Training For Operatives In Buried Services Location To HSE and British Standards Institution Levels

There are so many underground utilities running just a few feet below the surface of the ground that the safest thing when considering any sort of excavation is to assume that there are some where you want to dig, unless you know for a fact that there are not.

Cable strikes of one description or another occur every day up and down the country. Many cause some minor inconvenience while a utility is repaired, but others cause serious injury and death. In fact, there are on average around 12 deaths a year as a result of striking utilities. Striking a water pipe is bad enough, but hitting a power cable or gas pipe is more than serious.

HSG47 is a guide produce by the Health and Safety Executive and is aimed at all those involved in commissioning, planning, managing, and carrying out work on or near underground services. It outlines the potential dangers of working near underground services and gives advice on how to reduce any direct risks to people's health and safety, as well as the indirect risks arising through damage to services. In addition, it explains the three basic elements of working safely, which are planning, locating and identifying buried utilities, and carrying out excavation safely. HSG47 training is available from a number of training companies.

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Features Of The RD8100 Underground Utilities Locator

Radiodetection manufactures a range of underground cable and pipe locators, the latest of which is the RD8100. This is their most advanced range of high precision cable locators and has been built on 40 years of experience. The RD8100 locators also offer optional GPS and usage logging which automatically generate data for customer reports or for in-house quality and safety audits in order to ensure best quality working practices. The locator includes features such as current direction and iLOC which combine with the Tx Transmitter range in order to provide highly accurate location even in tough conditions. 

Michael Faraday discovered the principles of electromagnetic induction in the early 19th century, and it is known that it was being used as early as 1910 in order to locate buried cables. While it is not necessary to understand the theory of electromagnetic induction in order to use the equipment correctly and successfully, nonetheless Radiodetection RD8100 training will help users to feel more confident about their work.

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Locating Underground Utilities Before Undertaking Groundwork Is Critical

If you are the director of a contracting company that is engaged in any sort of ground work you will no doubt be very aware of the necessity for locating underground pipes and cables before undertaking any actual digging. Even so, you may not be aware of the appalling number of cable strikes that occur in Britain every year. Estimates vary, but an often quoted figure is around 60,000. Several of these result in serious injury and death.

Of course, the cost of repairs is one thing, but the University of Birmingham produced a report in January 2016 (http://assessingtheunderworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IBuild-Cost-of-Strikes-Report-General-Anonymised-FINAL-1.pdf) which indicated that there is a ratio of 29 – 1. In other words, if you have a cable strike which costs £1,000 to repair, the true cost in terms of indirect and social costs such as downtime on site, loss of business by companies affected, and a whole lot more, is £29,000. 

It follows that locating and identifying underground utilities through the use of a CAT and Genny is critical in reducing the number of these incidents. The combined network of underground utilities – gas, water, electricity, telecoms, sewage – totals over 1.5 million km. This is five times the length of the UK road network. Furthermore, the utility industry undertakes about the same number – 1.5 million – of street works every year in order to maintain and upgrade the various systems. 

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Training In The Use Of The Vivax Metrotech VLoc Pro

The Vivax Metrotech VLoc Pro is an advanced tool that helps operators to quickly and accurately detect buried utilities. The Vloc Pro uses dual core processing and co-located antennae to ensure optimal performance. Vloc training is vital in order to learn how to use the tool to its’ fullest effect, and at the same time understand its’ limitations.

There are far too many cable strikes in the UK from contractors digging without being fully aware of cables and utilities underneath, the type of utility, and the depth at which it is located. Even one cable strike would be one too many, but the fact is that there are thousands every year, many ending in serious injury, and there are a dozen or so deaths every year as well. Professional Vloc Pro training can help to avoid some of these dreadful incidents.

Considerable emphasis is put on classroom Vivax training so that the operatives understand the need for surveying underground utilities, together with the guidelines of HSG47, and how they should conduct a survey to comply with the rules. Operatives should learn how to understand buried services STATS plans in order to gain some idea of the routes of underground utilities. They also learn about electromagnetic theory and the way that it is used in locating buried pipes and cables.

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Bespoke Vivax Training from Sygma Solutions

Understanding the leading industry equipment and processes is a highly important part of any operative’s career. Regardless of the client, location or application, being able to conduct operations with confidence and knowledge is a cornerstone of solid utility location and avoidance.

Training

When searching for courses or vivax training programmes that offer guidance and experience in this area, it is incredibly important to look for practical experience in addition to theoretical knowledge of application methods. Topics that may be covered will vary depending on your course, but the fundamentals will stay the same regardless of which training partner you choose.

Understanding different types of service plans, health, safety and financial implications and national legislation relating to avoidance of danger from underground services will be a part of any respected training programme.

Remember that training courses will usually require delegates to bring their own cable location equipment. Even if this is provided, the make and model may be different to what you will use so it might be better to come with your own equipment.

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The Best Utility Mapping Qualifications

Undertaking a professional qualification is an important milestone in the career of any operative. When planning your future, being able to act with experience, confidence and having a firm grasp of the advanced knowledge necessary to complete your task is essential.

ProQual QCF Level 2 Utility Training in Utility Location and Avoidance
When embarking on ProQual QCF Level 2 Utility Training, there are a number of areas that will be directly applicable to your eventual chosen application. Understanding the range of these important factors and processes will form the foundation of your future qualification and your understanding in the field.

ProQual Level 3 Utility Mapping Certification
The Level 3 Certificate in Utility Mapping and Surveying is highly important for those working in a surveying industry. This includes trainee surveyors or technicians, or those entering the surveying profession at various stages of their career.

The units covered during any relevant course will include the location and mapping of underground utilities in addition to understanding the system of navigation such as colour coding of underground services.

As a highly regulated area, courses will also teach the relevant regulations and guidelines relating to the location of readings maps, services, drawings, and surveys and reporting. 

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Plans Are Not Always Reliable When Tracing Underground Cables And Pipes

Electromagnetic detection of underground cables has been in use since the turn of the 20th century and today this method of locating buried pipes and cables is almost universal. The main disadvantage of using this method is that it will not locate plastic pipes or any other lines that are non-metallic. However, utility companies that take the trouble to add a tracer wire to plastic pipes will not have any problem.

Plans should always be used when attempting to locate buried pipes and cables, but one of the problems is that many of them are inaccurate, and in other instances are not in existence. Confusion can also be caused when buried cables are close to each other, or where one may be above another. 

The RD8100 is the latest in a long line of electromagnetic detectors which have been developed over a period of 40 years. Radiodetection RD8100 training is available from specialist companies that provide cable detection training to the employees of contractors who are likely to undertake any sort of groundworks and will need to be aware of the likelihood of any problems with utility cables on the site.

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The Reasons For The Serious Number Of Cable Strikes Every Year

It is estimated that no less than 1.5 million holes are dug in the ground every year in the UK by utility companies alone, let alone all of the other excavation carried out around the country in the course of construction works. It follows that it is inevitable that underground cables and pipes will be hit during the course of these works.

According to a study carried out in 2006 the reasons for utility strikes are due to one or a combination of factors including poor planning, lack of accurate information, lack of care around services, poor excavation techniques, limited understanding of cable avoidance tools and techniques, and rushing to finish a job.

According to the Health and Safety Executive in 2014, there are some 12 deaths and 600 serious injuries every year just from contact with electricity cables, let alone other utilities. It is also thought that operatives may take less care around some services – particularly telecoms – because they are perceived to be less hazardous than strikes on electricity cables or gas pipelines.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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