Utility Avoidance
EUS CAT1 and CAT2 Combined: Two-Day Utility Avoidance and Safe Dig Training
One programme. Two EUS-recognised qualifications. Both CAT1 and CAT2 completed in two days at your site, with full theory, Genny-First practical, and a live safe dig assessment.
Duration
2 days (classroom and site)
Format
In-house at your site or Sygma Wigan
Max Delegates
8 per course
Qualifications
EUS CAT1 and EUS CAT2
Delivery
Nationwide UK
Who Is This Course For
Designed For
Anyone Needing Complete Utility Avoidance Competency
Covers both locating with a CAT and Genny and safe excavation in a single course
Site Operatives and Groundworkers
Those who both locate and excavate around buried services
New Entrants to Utilities
The most efficient route to full EUS CAT1 and CAT2 competency
Organisations Wanting Comprehensive Training
Companies that want their workforce trained in both locating and safe digging in one visit
Why Combine CAT1 and CAT2?
The Efficient Route to Full EUS Recognition
Most organisations that send operatives for CAT1 training will eventually need CAT2 as well. CAT1 covers the detection side: electromagnetic theory, equipment operation, Genny application, and plan interpretation. CAT2 adds the excavation element: the safe dig, the permit to dig, the correct handling of exposed services, and the documented assessment that proves your operatives can work safely in proximity to live utilities.
Running them separately means two days of mobilisation, two sets of site preparation, and two invoices. The combined programme delivers both EUS-recognised qualifications in a single two-day block, reducing disruption to your operations and keeping your team off the road for the minimum time necessary.
Sygma trainers are specialists in the science of electromagnetic location. Day one builds the understanding. Day two tests whether operatives can apply it under real site conditions. By the end of the programme, your team holds both qualifications and has experienced a full locate-to-safe-dig sequence.
Course at a Glance
Day One
Theory Foundation: Legislation, Equipment Science, and Genny-First Practice
The classroom element covers the complete theoretical foundation required for both qualifications. Delegates work through the underpinning knowledge before the practical site element on day two.
Day Two
Practical Application and Safe Dig Assessment
The site element moves delegates from knowledge into application. All site work takes place at the client's premises or a pre-agreed location with suitable underground utilities.
What You Get
What Delegates Receive
EUS CAT1 Certificate
EUSR-registered CAT1 accreditation. Recorded on the EUSR database and verifiable by employers and clients.
EUS CAT2 Certificate
EUSR-registered CAT2 Safe Dig accreditation. Confirms competency in safe excavation practices around buried services.
Written Assessment Record
Documented evidence of theory knowledge across both CAT1 and CAT2 criteria.
Practical Assessment Record
On-site assessment evidence covering cable and pipe location (CAT1) and safe excavation (CAT2).
Site Requirements
What Your Site Must Provide
Classroom
- ›Meeting or conference room with seating for all delegates and the trainer
- ›Space for a projector and a clear wall or projection screen
- ›Welfare facilities and adequate desk space for written assessment
CAT1 Location Area
- ›Area with detectable underground utilities near the training room
- ›Multiple utility types present (not just a single power cable)
- ›STATS plans for the site provided by the client in advance
CAT2 Safe Dig Area (Minimum)
- ›A live dig area with buried metallic utilities. One power cable to a site cabin is not sufficient.
- ›Open area of at least 10m squared, ground suitable for a hand dig
- ›Full buried service plans available
- ›Delegates must have FR PPE and insulated digging tools
Important
The training will not take place unless the minimum CAT2 site requirements are met. Each delegate must bring government-issued photographic ID. Sygma trainers typically arrive in a transit-van-sized vehicle (please advise at booking if there are height barriers or access restrictions).
CITB Funding
Funding Support
Sygma Solutions is a CITB Approved Training Organisation. CITB-registered employers may be able to access training funding support through the CITB Employer Network. Contact your CITB adviser directly for current eligibility and funding options.
Equipment
Equipment Provision
Sygma provides Radiodetection CAT4 and Genny4 as standard equipment. If delegates use a different manufacturer's locator or signal generator, they must bring their own equipment at a minimum ratio of one locator per three delegates. Each delegate bringing their own equipment is strongly encouraged as it allows the practical element to be conducted using the tools they will use on site. Skills are fully transferable across manufacturers' equipment.
Why Sygma
Not All CAT1 Courses Are Created Equal
Our approach to utility avoidance training sets us apart from standard compliance courses. Here's what makes the difference.
Not All CAT1 Courses Are Created Equal
Many CAT1 courses meet the minimum specification. Ours exceed it. We invest in the science and in your operatives' depth of understanding.
Genny & CAT Methodology
Our integrated approach delivers 70-80% increase in operative confidence when working with difficult services and non-standard site conditions.
Specialist Trainers
Directly employed by Sygma. Ex-surveyors with real-world field experience. All TAQA qualified and current with industry standards.
Real Practical Assessment
On-site assessment under real conditions. Not artificial scenarios in a training centre. Your operatives are assessed where they will actually work.
Independent
No survey partnerships, no equipment sales, no commercial influence. We train your team to work safely and competently.
We Come to You
In-house delivery anywhere in the UK with travel fully included. Minimal disruption to your operations and your team stays home.
HSG47 Compliance
Competence Requirements Your Course Delivers
HSG47 defines what competent utility avoidance looks like. This course covers all six essential elements.
Trained and Competent
Full theoretical foundation and practical assessment to confirmed EUS CAT1 and CAT2 standards.
Safe System of Work
Permits to dig, risk assessments, site inspection protocols, and documented procedures.
Service Plan Checks
STATS plan interpretation, limitations, quality levels, visual verification, and drawing interrogation.
Correct Use of Equipment
Locator and signal generator operation, signal interpretation, depth estimation, and troubleshooting.
Safe Excavation
Practical safe dig assessment with exposure of live services, correct tool use, and reinstatement.
Evidenced Records
Written assessment, practical observation, and CAT Manager data logging for your records.
Related Courses
Expand Your Team's Utility Avoidance Capability
Consider these additional programmes to build deeper expertise across your team.
ProQual CAT1 Plus
RQF-regulated alternative to EUS CAT1. Covers electromagnetic location with additional depth on geology and cable theory.
EUS CAT1
Two-day location theory and practical. Detection only, without the safe dig element of this combined programme.
ProQual CAT2
RQF-regulated excavation and safe dig training. Standalone excavation safety qualification for teams already CAT1 trained.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we run CAT1 and CAT2 as separate courses instead?
Yes. Sygma offers standalone EUS CAT1 and EUS CAT2 programmes for organisations that need to train different groups or stagger their training. The combined programme is designed for teams that need both qualifications at the same time.
What happens if our site fails the minimum requirements on the day?
The training will not proceed unless the minimum CAT2 site requirements are met. Sygma will assess site suitability before booking is confirmed. If your site is not suitable, we can advise on alternatives or arrange access to a different location.
Do delegates need any prior experience?
No. The combined programme is designed to take delegates from no prior training through to EUS CAT1 and CAT2 qualification in two days. The classroom content on day one provides all the foundation knowledge required for the practical work on day two.
Is this the same as ProQual Level 2 utility avoidance?
No. EUS CAT1 and CAT2 are industry-recognised qualifications administered through EUSR. ProQual Level 2 is a regulated qualification on the RQF. Both cover utility avoidance, but through different frameworks. Many organisations accept EUS recognition; some require the RQF qualification. Sygma can advise on which is appropriate for your team.
What if some delegates use equipment other than a Radiodetection locator?
Delegates should bring their own equipment if they use a different manufacturer's locator, at a minimum ratio of one locator per three delegates. Sygma cannot carry a full stock of every manufacturer's equipment. The training covers universal locating and signal generation principles, and all skills are fully transferable across manufacturers.
Can we run this at your Wigan training centre?
Yes. Sygma's dedicated training centre in Wigan includes live utility demonstration rigs and a safe dig area. It can be used at no additional venue cost for organisations that cannot host the training at their own site.
Get in Touch for Your Team
In-house at your site anywhere in the UK, or at Sygma's dedicated training centre in Wigan. Contact us with delegate numbers, your preferred location, and target dates.