Becoming a utility surveyor can be an interesting and rewarding job. It involves using various tools to locate and identify underground services – the type of service, where it runs, how close it is to other services, how deep it is under the ground surface, and so on – and then providing a report using computer software so that project managers on a construction site are able to avoid striking such utilities when commencing excavation.
Striking underground services can not only cause issues to the users and providers of those services but can cause injuries to workers on the site, and in some cases these can be fatal. Even if no injuries are caused, damaging services can cost a considerable amount of money to repair and can also harm the reputation of the business that carried out the work. So, it is in everyone’s interest to avoid cable strikes, as they are often called as an over-arching term.
In order to provide all of the information that is necessary before commencing excavation, the HSE has produced a guide entitled “Avoiding Danger From Underground Services” which is also known by the title HSG47.
HSG47 covers the three basic elements of safe working when carrying out excavation which it describes as planning the work, locating and identifying buried services, and safe excavation.
Planning the work involves, among other things, obtaining plans (also known as STATS) from utility providers, which can be used as a guide to what may be present on the site. These can only ever be used as a guide and not taken for gospel for reasons that we will not go into too deeply here but can be useful as a starting point.
Once this has been carried out, it is necessary to conduct an onsite survey using the various tools (CAT, Genny, and GPR) in order to confirm, or otherwise, the STATS. These tools can identify the types of services, where they run, how deep they are, and so on.
This is followed by practical excavation which must be carried out with care, because as advanced as the tools are they can still produce errors or insufficient information.
At Sygma Solutions, we provide HSG47 training in order to teach underground surveyors how to use the tools, what to look out for, and also what limitations they have. Our HSG47 training will enable operatives to set forth on a career in the location of underground services that can be both exciting and rewarding.
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
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