One of the most important things when breaking ground anywhere is to avoid striking any one of the dozens of underground services that may be present on the site. As a minimum, striking an underground service is very likely to put it out of use, and so it will need to be repaired.
However, that is the minimum. The cost of repairing / replacing some underground services can run into many thousands of pounds. But even that is not the worst of it: while the service is out of action it can result in massive loss of income for some businesses, and there is the likelihood that they may well take legal action to recover their losses.
Even worse is that there can be danger to life. Striking an 11,000-volt cable can cause injury, and in some cases death. There is an average of around a dozen deaths of workers caused by such strikes every year.
So, it goes without saying that before even pushing a spade into the ground it is essential to carry out a survey of the site in order to establish exactly what sort of utilities are present, where they run, and how deep down they are, so that they can be avoided as digging commences.
This is why the Health and Safety Executive has produced HSG47 (Health and Safety Guidance 47) that covers everything that you need to know. While it is aimed primarily at risks to health and safety, it will nonetheless help to protect services from strikes and all of the other issues that may result.
At Sygma Solutions we provide HSG47 training which will teach operatives how to follow the guidance in order to keep workers on site safe as well as protect underground services.
HSG47 guidance is divided into four chapters as follows:
Obviously, the first thing is to identify the services that are on the site and where they run. This is done using the various tools involved – chiefly the CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool) and Genny (Signal Generator). Only after carrying out this survey can the planning of the work begin.
It is also important to note that, while obtaining plans from the utilities in the area is a first step, they cannot be relied upon. Many are out of date and many more do not even exist!
There is obviously a lot more to cover, but our HSG47 training covers everything that you need to know when carrying out any sort of excavation.
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 moreThe HSG47 Avoiding Danger from Subsurface Services course is a comprehensive training program that explains what a safe system of work for avoiding subsurface services should include.
The training is meant to be participatory, with theoretical and practical sessions that provide a complete knowledge/understanding of HS(G)47 and how cable avoidance technologies can be used in a construction, utility, or substation setting.
Read moreThe training course HSG47 describes the possible risks associated with working close to subterranean utilities. Additionally, we provide guidance to employees on mitigating direct hazards to public health and safety as well as collateral risks resulting from disruptions to services.
Read moreThe online database for skills and training in the energy and utility sectors is called the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR). It comprises those who have completed EUSR evaluation and training. Speaking of utilities, one speaks of EUSR CAT and Genny . When it comes to locating gas, water, excavations, and other utilities, they are the foremost authorities in granting and certifying qualifications based on utilities.
Read moreIn construction work and utility work, one needs to appreciate the hazards of underground services. For risk management purposes, professionals must use the document in series HSG47 from the Health and Safety Executive entitled “Avoiding Danger from Underground Services.”
Read moreHSG 47 is a guidance document issued by the Health and Safety Executive. It is essential for anyone involved in groundwork, construction, and excavation activities. Compliance with this guidance is critical for the maintenance of a safe work environment and preventing damage to human lives and infrastructure.
Read moreThe driving force of the construction industry is efficiency and it thrives on getting the job done. However, when it comes to working around buried services and utilities, prioritising speed over safety can have serious consequences. There is a reason why the EUSR HRG47 guidelines exist. These guidelines prevent danger from these buried utilities.
Read moreThe world of buried utilities is complicated and demands a high level of safety awareness. In Europe, utility workers must adhere to the EUSR HSG47 because it plays an essential role in ensuring their competence and safety. Here are all the EUSR HSG47 essentials you must know:
Read moreWorking near the presence of underground cables and other utilities comes with a lot of responsibility and risks. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 mandates that individuals involved in groundwork or excavation activities possess the required knowledge and skills to avoid such hidden dangers. This is why it is essential that individuals get HSG47 training. With this training program, individuals are equipped with the required skills and expertise to easily navigate these complexities.
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
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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
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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
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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