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.