QTS Super User
Two days of training and assessment · classroom and practical
This agenda covers
The Super User course built for QTS: a full classroom grounding and a Genny-first practical on Day 1, then a further survey, the individual practical assessments and the knowledge-based assessment on Day 2.
Duration
Two days
Training and assessment
Group size
Max 8
Per trainer
Delivery
On-site
Built for QTS
Certificate
Two routes
Sygma or ProQual L2
Accredited & approved by
The course
Two days of training and assessment
Day 1 is classroom and practical training. Day 2 is a further practical survey, each delegate's practical assessment and the knowledge-based assessment. Sygma include advanced content in both the theory and the practical, which meets and exceeds the requirements of the qualification.
Course objectives
- ✓Improve operatives' awareness of how to avoid damaging buried utilities, and operate cable locators to locate and subsequently avoid them
- ✓Pass the knowledge-based assessment in utility location and avoidance
- ✓Pass the practical assessment in utility location and avoidance
Day 1 · in the classroom
Classroom
The why behind the kit: the legislation and responsibilities, how utility networks are built, reading the plans and the physics of detection.
Why we locate: the risks and HSG47
The health, safety and financial implications of striking a buried service; how to comply with HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services) and work to a safe system of work; other national legislation and company policy documentation; and the consequences of utility strikes.
Legislation and guidance
The legislation and guidance that applies, and the differences between them.
Client and designer responsibilities
Client and designer responsibilities under HSG47.
Overview of utility networks
How electricity, gas, water and communications reach our homes and businesses, and the different cable and pipe types, materials and connectivity involved.
Buried service plans (STATS)
Interpreting and understanding the different types of service plan, including their inaccuracies and limitations.
Calibration and equipment checks
Calibration requirements, correct storage, and functional checks.
Electromagnetic theory and myth-busting
How a pipe and cable locator works, the theory and its limitations, tips and tricks, and a session on what the equipment can and cannot locate.
Controls and operation
Correct use of the cable locator and signal transmitter in all modes, with strong emphasis on transmitter (Genny) use.
Signal interpretation
Interpreting the signal, and locating service joints and changes of direction and depth.
Signal distortion
Signal distortion and its effects on location accuracy.
Transmitter techniques
The benefits and applications of dual frequency; using the Genny to locate small or non-earthed cables using capacitance; effective earthing and earth positioning; blind induction search and effective nulling of services.
Data logging (optional)
Recording and reviewing locator data.
Day 1 · on the ground
Practical
Everything from the classroom put to work on a real survey, leading with the Genny.
- Use service plans and existing site information to establish the indicated routes of buried mains and services, and learn the importance of site visual checks before any work begins (plans provided by the client)
- Correct use of the equipment in all modes, confirming and locating buried mains and services from the plans and previous visual inspection, testing and ensuring the equipment is in satisfactory operating condition
- Use the equipment correctly in all modes, and understand the benefits of always using the cable locator and signal transmitter combination, including dual frequency where applicable
- Apply capacitance techniques
- Effectively locate "problem" services such as street lighting and small service and comms cables
- Understand the effect of repositioning the Genny earth
- Conduct a utility survey starting with the Genny
Day 2 · on the ground
Practical and practical assessment
A survey of a different area, then each delegate's practical assessment.
- An additional practical exercise: an electromagnetic utility survey of a different area
- Individual practical assessments, completed in line with the QCF Level 2 requirements and Sygma's additional content
Day 2 · in the classroom
Knowledge assessment
- The knowledge-based assessment
Certificates
Two routes, chosen per booking
The course is the same on both routes: the certificate chosen for the booking decides which one it is.
Route one
Sygma Certified
The in-house route, with Sygma's own certificate.
Route two
ProQual Level 2 Award
The knowledge and practical assessments are for the ProQual Level 2 Award in Utility Avoidance and the Location of Buried Services in Construction (Ofqual 601/1855/6), and ProQual issue the certificate.
On the day
What the course needs
Sygma bring the trainer and the expertise. The host provides:
- ✓STATS plans (buried service drawings) appropriate to the site MUST be available for the practical work. If none exist, Sygma can supply them for a cost agreed before the course is booked.
- ✓Each operative needs the cable location equipment they are being trained on. Sygma carry a stock of equipment but cannot guarantee it is the same model delegates use; Sygma can supply it for a cost agreed before booking.
- ✓A meeting or conference room suitable for up to 8 people, with appropriate welfare facilities.
- ✓Operatives MUST have appropriate PPE to comply with national and company health and safety requirements.
- ✓A suitable site with buried metallic utilities near to the meeting or conference room.
Course timings. Timings remain fluid, with a suggested start of 09:00 and a finish around 15:00, with appropriate breaks.
Also for QTS
QTS Super User Back-to-Back
The same course and content, on two consecutive days; the split course, two days at least three months apart, has its own agendas.