cable strike is one of those unintentional and unforeseen situations that cause health and safety hazards to the engineers and immense financial loss to the service provider. One of the common causes of a cable strike is the lack of proper site inspection before excavation. Even a slight collision with a spade can electrocute an individual. Sygma Solutions offers training and detailed insight to utility engineers about avoiding such situations while working. Over the years, we have become a trusted name among many.

Cable strikes with excavators

Strike with high-voltage cable

Often contractors who are responsible for ascertaining ground conditions do not check for underground utility apparatus. Often the high-voltage cables need to be deviated out to make space for other construction foundations. Lack of professional planning causes a collision between high-voltage cable and excavator.

Use of excavator bucket

In case of rain, the excavation sites may fill up with water. In some situations, even though the operatives have cable records, they use the excavator bucket to remove the excess water instead of using a water pump. Lack of visibility due to the water accumulation does not allow the operatives to see where the excavator is going. As a result, a cable strike occurs. 

Strike with HV wire armoured cable

Heavy excavators like JCB machines may damage even HV wire armoured cables. It is always recommendable to use trial holes for locating lines and cable depths while using JCB or other similar heavy excavators. Ground conditions can be different from one site to another. A prior ground assessment can be helpful in successful cable avoidance

Strike with track excavator

Track excavators often operate at a 360-degree angle. HV cables may run through unusual locations like racing tracks, golf courses or forests. It will bring forth a cable strike if a track excavator functions without checking the cable records. 

How to avoid cable strikes?

Some general measures for cable avoidance include:

  • Consulting cable records before performing any excavation
  • Abiding by Health and Safety Guide No. 47 (HSG47)
  • Prior risk assessment of the excavation site to analyse the probable consequences
  • Communicating with the relevant data management team regarding enquiries about cable records
  • Proper planning of any excavation project instead of assuming or believing local’s word of mouth
  • Establishing a safe work system before ground penetration

Sygma Solutions provides proper knowledge and training with which operatives and engineers can eliminate any risk of a cable strike. 

Courses Availability

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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

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Module 2 – PAS128 Level B Training – can include Level 4 assessment – CICES GUES01 E-I

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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

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1 Day Mala GPR Module 1 – Theory & Practical

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1 Day Mala GPR Module 2 – Post processing

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2 Day GPR – All Manufacturers

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5 Day TSA & ICES Approved 5 Day Utility Mapping Course

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Location: Worcester

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1 Day Public Genny & CAT Course

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Level 3 Utility Mapping Qualification – All Online

Cost: £275 PLUS REG FEE
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Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – Online Workbooks – followed by assessment

Cost £1100 PLUS REG FEE
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Open level 5 assessment dates at Sygma Solutions, Wigan

Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – in 5 days

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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
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28th April – 2nd May 2025 Limited Availability

12th – 16th May 2025 Limited Availability

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Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying Public Course

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GPS Course & Total Station Introduction

This is a 2 day dedicated GPS course with an introduction to Total Station

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