Cable Avoidance - Basic Operator

Our CAT and Genny course is suitable for anyone who has a responsibility for identifying, locating and marking underground services.

Throughout this training, you will acquire the necessary skills to proficiently operate the Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and the Signal Generator (Genny). Ultimately, the knowledge attained will enable you to mitigate the risks associated with underground utilities in compliance with HSG47 guidance.

Cable Avoidance Basic Operator Course Overview

The Cable Avoidance Basic Operator course for Underground Cable Avoidance has been designed for operatives who are required to locate underground services as part of a safe system of work for excavation. It is essential for anyone involved in excavation work on construction sites, roads or industrial estates etc. The course will provide learners with the necessary skills required to locate underground services using utility drawings, including the use and maintenance of a CAT and Genny as a Basic Operator.

CAT and Genny Course Content

Learners will develop their knowledge and skills, to include:

• Introduction to Underground Services
• HSG 47 overview and associated legislation
• Basic principles of locating and avoidance of underground services
• Reading and understanding site plans
• Inspection of Cable Avoidance Tools
• Use a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny)
• Appreciation of difficulties associated with underground service avoidance
• Identify risks and hazards associated with underground service avoidance including PPE
• Storage and maintenance of equipment
• Safe digging practices and marking guidelines

Health & Fitness

As the job role can be physically demanding, users should be physically fit and in good health. If you have any doubts about your fitness to operate the equipment, it is advised you bring them to the attention of your employer, this need not exclude you from using the equipment, provided your employer conducts an assessment and is able to put into place adequate measures, to take account of any difficulties you have.

What are the detection capabilities of CAT and Genny?

CAT and Genny comprise two distinct devices, namely the Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and the Signal Generator (Genny). The Cable Avoidance Tool is employed to identify underground cables and pipes, whereas the Signal Generator tool emits a unique signal that the CAT can detect.

The Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) serves the purpose of identifying active underground power cables by detecting the electrical frequency they emit, typically around 33KHz. Once the cable's location is pinpointed, the ground can be marked to outline its path. This helps ensure that during excavation, the cable remains unharmed.

In the case of buried pipes, a Generator (Genny) can be employed. By attaching the Genny to one end of the pipe using a signal clamp, it emits a pulse tone through the buried pipe, which can then be traced using the Cable Avoidance Tool. This method mitigates the risk of damaging the pipeline during excavation.

Effective utilisation of this equipment necessitates proper training, as its misuse can potentially lead to life-threatening or severe injuries for workers. Some advanced products available in the market incorporate depth meters, providing users with an approximate depth estimate for the cable or pipe. Additionally, it's essential to have cable avoidance tools calibrated every 12 months to ensure their accuracy and reliability.

Learner Numbers

In order to ensure the interaction between the learners and the tutor is spread evenly and effectively, the maximum number of learners allowed on a course is eight.