Striking underground services when digging is, sadly, an almost daily occurrence in the UK. It has been estimated that some 4 million (yes, million) excavations take place in the UK every year. Not only that, but depending upon whose figures you believe, there are at least 1.5 million kilometres of underground services, although other figures state 2.5 million. Even if it is the first figure, it means that wherever you may dig there can be services already in existence.
They can also be in the most unexpected places. For instance, as we have mentioned before, if you are in a country lane out in the wilds and see a track across a field you may think there is nothing there. However, what if there is a home – a farm or something at the end of the track which you can’t see? Maybe even a country manor? There will be electricity cables somewhere, along with water, sewage, and possibly even gas pipes.
All of which is why it is essential to carry out an underground survey in order to locate and identify services before carrying out any type of excavation – wherever you may happen to be.
Of course, the first thing to do is to contact all local utility companies in order to obtain whatever plans they have available. However, you cannot – ever – rely on such plans – for the simple reason that they are unreliable. This is because over the years, utility companies may make changes or alterations that are not noted on the original plans. Other utilities may have buried services alongside or above existing ones. In other cases, plans may simply not be available. Whatever the situation, utility plans can only ever be viewed as a guide, and nothing more.
This is why you must carry out an onsite survey before ever breaking ground. For this you need the relevant tools – chiefly the CAT and Genny – and you also need thorough training in how to use them.
As we have said elsewhere, you cannot just buy them and read the instructions. That would be like buying a car and reading them and then jumping in and driving it even though you have never driven a car before! The results don’t bear thinking about.
That’s why the utility location training that we provide at Sygma Solutions is the answer. We teach how to use them in all the different sets of circumstances that can occur when undertaking any sort of excavation work.
Our utility location training is carried out by experts with over 100 years of combined experience in the location of underground services. When you have finished and passed our course, then you can proceed with confidence.
Giving your employees and contractors access to the proper equipment is a crucial component of ensuring the highest safety standards, along with utilising best practices. Prioritising safety will protect workers and site visitors from harm in addition to ensuring compliance.
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CAT and Genny Training give workers the know-how to operate the Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny) properly. The basics of CAT and Genny are covered in this training program, along with detailed instructions on how to utilise these instruments to find and steer clear of subterranean utilities. Participants in this training acquire useful skills to avoid subterranean service hazards in accordance with HSG47.
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Personnel operating in and around substations, where there is a high danger of utility strikes due to the dense concentration of vital subterranean services including gas lines, high-voltage cables and other utilities, are the target audience for our HSG47 course.
Read moreIf the course you are looking for has no dates or you would like a course built for your company please contact
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form
Open Days
Please contact us about open days
PAS128 Utility Mapping Training Modules mapped to CICES competencies
– 2 days
Module 1 – Pas 128 Level D &C training to include level 3 assessment – CICES GEUS01 A-D
– 3 Days
Module 2 – PAS128 Level B Training – can include Level 4 assessment – CICES GUES01 E-I
Please contact enquires@sygma-solutions.com for future dates and a booking form
2 Day Advanced EM Course (RD8100/8200 & VIVAX)
In depth course covering electromagnetic locators, theory and intensive practical on our real world training site.
Cost: £295 per person
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Mala GPR Module 1 – Theory & Practical
Cost: Contact us for price (2 spaces F.O.C. with Mala GPR Purchase)
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Mala GPR Module 2 – Post processing
Cost: Contact us for price (2 spaces F.O.C. with Mala GPR Purchase)
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
2 Day GPR – All Manufacturers
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
5 Day TSA & ICES Approved 5 Day Utility Mapping Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Location: Worcester
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Public Genny & CAT Course
Cost: £175 plus VAT
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates:
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Level 3 Utility Mapping Qualification – All Online
Cost: £275 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Online
Dates: To suit
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – Online Workbooks – followed by assessment
Cost £1100 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre or your site
Dates: To suit
Open level 5 assessment dates at Sygma Solutions, Wigan
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – in 5 days
Cost – contact us
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
2nd – 6th June 2025 Limited Availability
28th July – 1st August 2025 Limited Availability
Sygma PAS 128 Utility Surveyor Training Including Proqual Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
28th April – 2nd May 2025 Limited Availability
12th – 16th May 2025 Limited Availability
14th – 18th July 2025 Limited Availability
11th – 15th August 2025
8th – 12th September 2025
29th September – 3rd October 2025
27th – 31st October 2025
24th – 28th November 2025
8th – 12th December 2025
Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying Public Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
28th – 29th April 2025 Limited Availability
12th – 13th May 2025 Limited Availability
14th – 15th July 2025 Limited Availability
11th – 12th August 2025
8th – 9th September 2025
29th – 20th September 2025
27th – 28th October 2025
24th – 25th November 2025
8th – 9th December 2025
GPS Course & Total Station Introduction
This is a 2 day dedicated GPS course with an introduction to Total Station
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Please contact enquires@sygma-solutions.com for future dates and a booking form
Please contact:
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form for any course