HSG47 is a document provided by the Health & Safety Executive with regard to the potential dangers of working near underground services, and provides advice on how to reduce the risks. It is aimed primarily at reducing risks to health and safety as opposed to the risk of damaging services, although by reducing the risk to health and safety one is automatically helping to reduce the risk of damage to services.

One might think that damage to underground services is no big issue, but in fact there can be many unwanted results. Apart from any other consideration, if an underground service is damaged it is going to be unavailable for those who need to use it until it is repaired by the appropriate utility. This can have a knock-on effect on business, for instance, because if, say, a telecoms cable is cut, that means that there may be no internet connection, and for many businesses today that brings them to a grinding halt.

Then there is the cost of repairs, which can run into thousands of pounds. It has been calculated that for every £1.00 spent on repair, the overall cost is £28.00. So, if it costs, say, £3,500 to repair the utility, you can do the sum for yourself.

On top of that, the contractor responsible for doing the damage may well be fined – and often quite a considerable amount. There may also be fines for injury or death. HSG47 quotes one contractor which was fined £210,000 for the death of a worker who suffered 60% burns to his body when striking an 11,000-volt live cable. “The company had not informed workers that there were live cables in the excavation and failed to put adequate measures in place to prevent them being damaged”.

Collateral Damage

In addition to that, there can be collateral damage to a company’s reputation which may well have an effect on the appointment of future contracts. As you can readily see, there can be severe consequences for these sorts of failings.

This is why operative who need to undertake the location of underground services need the HSG47 training that we provide at Sygma Solutions. Our team has over 100 years of combined experience of the location of underground services and our HSG47 course covers everything that you need to know.

HSG47 goes into detail about the sorts of things that can happen. For instance, striking an electricity cable can cause injury from the explosive effects of arcing current which typically results in burns to the hands, face, and body.

Damaging gas pipes can cause leaks which can then lead to fire and explosion. Even damaging water pipes can cause injury because water under pressure can hurl stones and debris from the ground.

Of course, our HSG47 training doesn’t just cover the types of injuries that can be suffered but goes into deep coverage of the use of the tools such as the CAT and Genny which are used to locate underground services. Most importantly, our HSG47 course covers the limitations of said tools, and they do, indeed, have certain limitations. It is therefore essential to understand what these are and how to deal with them.  

Courses Availability

If 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

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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

5th – 6th September 2024

Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan

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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
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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
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2 Day GPR – All Manufacturers

Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us

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5 Day TSA & ICES Approved 5 Day Utility Mapping Course

Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us

Location: Worcester

Dates: Contact Us

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1 Day Public Genny & CAT Course

Cost: £175 plus VAT
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates:
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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 September 2024

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

12th – 16th August 2024 Limited Availability

14th – 18th October 2024

25th – 29th November 2024

16th – 20th December 2024

Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying Public Course

12th – 13th August Limited Availability

14th – 15th October 2024

25th – 26th November 2024

16th – 17th December 2024

Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan

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

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