Part of the necessities of our daily living are underground utilities, such as gas, water, electricity, and communication lines. These also bring potential dangers during excavation. This is where cable avoidance comes in.

Cable avoidance includes identifying and locating the utilities that lie in wait underground before digging to avoid any direct strikes. Cable avoidance is a paramount practice that shall secure life, property, and the environment. It will also prevent project delays.

Why is Cable Avoidance Important?

  • Safety and protection: Protect workers, public, and emergency services against harm.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Avoidance of expensive repair works and equipment damages.
  • Environmental protection: Prevention of leakages and spills that may contaminate land and water.
  • Legal requirements: Compliance with set regulations and avoidance of fines and penalties.

These are some basic reasons why cable avoidance is paramount for all kinds of digging activities, including personal and commercial projects.

What are the Basic Steps in Cable Avoidance?

  • Planning and Preparation:

Determine the location of the underground utilities using the existing maps and records. Mark out the excavation area using caution tapes. You can also contact utility companies about your intended digging activities. However, please note that existing maps and records might be outdated.

  • Ground Scanning:

First, use cable avoidance equipment to scan an area with GPR or any pipe and cable locators in order to identify the presence of any utilities underground. Afterwards, the results will be interpreted to identify which utilities may be buried underground.

  • Hand Digging:

Carefully excavate the area around the identified utility with a shovel. Proceed cautiously, continuously watching for any indication of underground services.

  • Verification:

Should you encounter any utilities, then stop digging and contact the appropriate utility company for assistance. Obtain clearance before continuing the excavation.

The Role of Professional Cable Avoidance Training

Effective cable avoidance requires professional training, and Sygma Solutions Ltd. offers such courses tailored to give the individual the skills and expertise. Our course offerings range from operation of equipment and safety procedures to best practices.

Reduce the risk of accidents by up to 50% through cable avoidance training from us and safeguard your workforce and the smooth running of your projects. It will also help you avoid unnecessary project delays and repair costs.

Call Sygma Solutions Ltd. today to talk about our range of cable avoidance training courses, and learn more about how we can help keep your workers safe.

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

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
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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:
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 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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