Stay Compliant & Safe—CAT & Genny Certification Explained

The goal of CAT and Genny training is to teach workers how to identify and steer clear of subterranean utilities, including but not limited to cables and pipes, when excavating roads or pavements.

CAT and Genny scan procedures, equipment usage, potential risks, and safe techniques for locating subterranean utilities are all covered in the course. According to HSE requirements, a CAT and Genny scan must be performed before work starts, and the legislation mandates that the proper safety measures be implemented when it comes to cable location. Your employees must obtain their CAT and Genny if they are expected to perform excavation work.

What does a CAT and Genny scan entail?

A Genny 4 Signal generator is used in conjunction with a CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool), also referred to as a CAT detector. When the CAT is in the Generator mode, it collaborates with the Genny to trace signals. The CAT has three modes.

To make sure delegates are competent with various functions and the correct use of equipment, training courses will include a practical session.

Who Requires Training In CAT And Genny?

Anyone assigned to cable avoidance work or in charge of managing an excavation project should take our CAT and Genny training. This covers workers, engineers, supervisors, and site managers.

Any damage to underground wires has the potential to result in death or serious harm, as the HSE has pointed out. Employers are required by law to implement safety and life-saving measures. The following actions must be taken to control risk:

•  Organising the task beforehand
•  Making use of cable plans
•  Making use of cable finding tools
•  Using safe excavation techniques

Additionally, according to the HSE, CAT and Genny scan operators must have had extensive training on the limitations and usage of the equipment.

What Is Covered In A Cat And Genny Course?

The course will cover buried service plans, electromagnetic theory, related risks and hazard avoidance, law and guidance, and a thorough overview of equipment.

Along with other useful skills like underground service location and ground markings, course participants will also learn about the limits of Genny 4 Signal generators and CAT detectors.

Obtaining Certification In CAT and Genny

Delegates will receive a certificate upon course completion that is good for three years. Rebooking a training session is essential for any workers or operators whose certification has expired.

Sygma Solutions Ltd can provide a training course that can be completed according to the schedule. Contact Sygma Solutions Ltd today.

Reduce Risk & Stay Compliant with Online Cable Avoidance Training

Give workers the know-how to operate the Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny) properly. The basics of CAT and Genny are covered in this training program, along with detailed instructions on how to utilise these instruments to find and steer clear of subterranean utilities. Participants in this approved online cable avoidance training acquire useful skills to avoid subterranean service hazards following HSG47.

About 60,000 cable strikes occur annually in the UK, making underground cable strikes a persistent and significant issue for workplace safety. Contact with previously routed and buried cables and pipelines is a risk associated with all excavation activity. This is because the majority of the infrastructure that makes our luxuries possible flows beneath our feet:

• Cables for electricity
• Cables for telecommunications
• Pipes for the water supply
• Pipes for sewage
• Pipes for natural gas

Excavating is necessary for the installation and, on occasion, maintenance of these. Therefore, it is necessary to work around all other nearby buried utilities.

Keeping your employees and the public safe is the main reason people avoid cables. Pipe and underground cable strikes may indicate:

• Severe electric shock from handling live wires or using metal objects
• Exposure to natural gas or pressurised water blowouts
• Natural gas inhalation
• Explosions or fires caused by starting a natural gas leak
• Exposure to the health risks associated with sewage leaks

These mostly affect excavation workers, but serious risks like natural gas leaks can impact the entire workforce at your job site or even the local population.

Who Can Benefit from the CAT and Genny Course?

Operators and supervisors engaged in excavation projects can benefit from the CAT and Genny course, which teaches users how to use these tools to identify and steer clear of subterranean utilities.

Important duties include:

• Performing risk analyses and putting safety precautions in place
• delivering sufficient instruction on the use of Genny and CAT
• Making sure that CAT and Genny scans are performed before beginning any excavation
• CAT and Genny equipment should be regularly maintained and inspected.

What the Sygma Solutions Ltd Training Covers

The online cable avoidance training consists of:

• Thorough but understandable explanations
• Upon completion, a certificate
• The most recent best practices in the industry

Learning Results

• Recognise the parts of CAT and Genny equipment.
• Learn how to use these tools to identify utilities precisely.
• Understand how important it is to use Genny and CAT.
• Discover how to do equipment pre-use inspections.
• Find out what the law says about excavation safety.
• Learn the exact steps for utilising Genny and CAT.
• Discover how to get ready for excavation with the right paperwork.

Candidates who successfully complete the course will normally receive a three-year ID card and a certificate of CAT and Genny training. Please be aware that the training provider will accredit any certifications granted.

Avoid Utility Strikes—Get Certified in EUSR Cable Avoidance

Who Must Enrol in This Course?

This course is perfect for:

• Engineers in electrical
• Crews that maintain substations
• Those who lay the foundation
• Teams that install cables
• Operators of plants
• Site managers for substations
• Anyone planning or carrying out excavation work inside the bounds of a substation

Why Select Our EUSR HSG47 Substation-Specific Training?

Sygma Solutions Ltd provides specialised training designed to meet the particular needs of operating in and near substations. With their vast backgrounds in groundworks and electrical safety, our experts guarantee that every participant receives high-caliber, applicable, and hands-on training.

Subjects Discussed:

• Overview of HSG47 regulations and how they apply specifically to substations
• Hazards of utility strikes in high-voltage settings and their effects
• Safe application of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and EUSR cable avoidance technologies (CAT) for utilities unique to substations
• Interpretation of underground service substation designs and plans
• The safest excavation techniques for substation settings
• Recognising and safely operating near high-voltage cables and other utilities
• Procedures for reporting and safety measures in case of a utility strike

Advantages of Finishing This Course Particular to Substations

• Improved Substation Safety: Make your team’s working environment safer by learning how to recognise and reduce the particular risks associated with utility strikes at substations.
• Compliance with HSG47: Assure adherence to UK laws that are especially suited to the substation setting to prevent fines and mishaps.
• Certification Acknowledged by the Industry: Obtain EUSR cable avoidance accreditation by proving your ability to safely oversee excavation projects in areas with a lot of utilities, such as substations.

Adaptable Training Choices

We provide flexible training delivery options because we recognise the diverse demands of substation operators and contractors:

• On-site instruction at your facility or substation
• Internal training programs at our training facility
• Live online meetings for distant teams.

Every training session is customised to your unique operations, and we offer post-course support to guarantee continuous safety and compliance on your projects.

Sygma Solutions Ltd: Why Opt for It?

Sygma Solutions Ltd, which has more than 100 years of combined experience in occupational safety and health, is dedicated to offering hands-on, field-focused training that guarantees substation workers are adequately equipped to perform excavation and maintenance duties safely. Our staff of EUSR-certified trainers specialises in substation environments and provides best practices and industry-specific advice.

Avoid taking the chance of expensive strikes or hazardous situations in your substation. Give your staff the abilities and information they require to operate effectively and securely. For more information on our substation-specific training services or to arrange your EUSR HSG47 training, get in touch with us right now.

The Key to Utility Detection: Radiodetection Training That Works

As a reputable supplier, Sygma Solutions Ltd is committed to offering the best training in the market. The functionality of the CAT highlights its significance as a crucial part of contemporary locational techniques in utility management and construction.

In terms of project outcomes, operational safety, and strategic resource allocation, utilising our CAT and Genny training leads to improved performance and substantial long-term benefits.

Increasing Safety through Radiodetection Training

The extensive training programs offered are intended to guarantee operational proficiency with cable avoidance tools in addition to improving health. The expertise provided by Sygma Solutions Ltd training protects underground services and the personnel from potential risks in the field of utility locating duties.

Two essential components for preventing unintentional harm to subterranean installations are Genny and the CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool). When users are properly trained in Radiodetection CAT and Genny, their efficacy is greatly increased. By combining these two potent tools, users can locate and track subsurface utilities more precisely since they can detect a wider variety of signal frequencies.

Our radiodetection training programs are designed to give students practical experience and give them the tools they need to safely and effectively operate the CAT and Genny. Everything from the fundamentals of operation to the complexities of deciphering the signals that the Radiodetection CAT emits is covered in the courses. This priceless realisation demonstrates the need for excellent training, which results in a deep comprehension of the device’s potential and constraints.

With a focus on realistic situations, these training programs highlight the usefulness of finding utilities and significantly reduce the risk of unintentional disruptions or injuries.

Furthermore, these courses cover more ground than merely the principles of radiodetection. They study excavation best practices and become acutely aware of how close burial services are. The thorough training sessions also cover the difficulties encountered in various settings and offer thorough risk-reduction techniques. As a result, the workforce feels emboldened to function within the strict safety regulations, knowing that operators, bystanders, and infrastructure are all adequately safeguarded.

The dedication to safety demonstrated by the excellent training programs for the Radiodetection CAT and Genny equipment is unquestionably a wise investment. It’s a calculated tactic that reduces downtime, encourages a workplace that prioritises health, and boosts long-term operational effectiveness. Because a well-trained workforce is the foundation of successful utility finding and excavation operations, Sygma Solutions Ltd supports the critical role that radiodetection training plays in any risk management portfolio.

Book a call with Sygma Solutions Ltd today.

A Deep Dive into Radiodetection Equipment: Best Practices for Accurate Utility Location

As experts in excavation safety, we at Sygma Solutions Ltd. appreciate the paramount importance of precise utility location.  Hitting a hidden utility line can have catastrophic effects, from service outages and expensive repairs to severe injury and even death. That’s why we stress the utilisation of high-quality equipment and adherence to best practices in locating buried infrastructure. Radiodetection equipment is instrumental in this task, and one needs to have proper radiodetection training.

Radiodetection equipment, such as cable and pipe locators, is used to locate and follow buried utilities, like power cables, gas pipes, water mains, and fibre optic cables. The equipment emits a signal that can be picked up by the receiver, enabling operators to identify the location and depth of the buried asset.

But mere ownership of radiodetection equipment is not sufficient. Proper training and good practice know-how are important to realise the full benefit of these devices while reducing errors.

Below are some main best practices which we would recommend for applying radiodetection equipment:

• Thorough Site Assessment: Before any excavation work begins, a comprehensive site survey is crucial. This involves reviewing existing utility plans, contacting relevant utility companies for information about their infrastructure, and visually inspecting the area for any surface indicators of buried utilities. This initial step sets the stage for accurate locating.
• Equipment Selection: The proper radiodetection equipment needs to be selected for the given job. Various utilities and ground conditions may need different frequencies and detection modes. We recommend taking into consideration the utility type to be located, the burial depth, and other subsurface structures.
• Proper Maintenance and Calibration of Equipment:  Correct calibration and maintenance are critical for the accuracy and dependability of Radiodetection equipment. We advise adhering to manufacturer recommendations for calibration and conducting regular checks to guarantee that equipment is working properly.
• Competent Operator Training: To use radiodetection equipment successfully, one needs to be properly trained and have experience. We highly recommend thorough radiodetection training courses that include instruction on the concepts of utility location, the application of the respective radiodetection equipment, and the interpretation of the signals. A properly trained operator can better recognise possible hazards and prevent accidents.
• Systematic Search Patterns: The use of systematic search patterns is essential in order to ensure comprehensive coverage of the ground. We advise the use of a grid pattern or some other structured method in order to avoid the risk of overlooking any underground utilities.
• Signal Interpretation and Verification: Radiodetection equipment signal interpretation is an experience-based job that demands attention to detail. We stress the necessity of cross-verifying the location of the utility by tracing the signal from varied angles and depths.
• Marking and Documentation: After a utility has been identified, it’s important to mark its position clearly and accurately. We suggest using industry-standard color-coded marks to label various types of utilities. Documentation of the identified utilities is also important for future reference and for sharing information with other stakeholders.

At Sygma Solutions Ltd., we are dedicated to the promotion of safe excavation methods. We feel that through the use of high-quality radiodetection equipment coupled with extensive training and a strict adherence to best practices, we can dramatically lower the risk of utility strikes and make the work environment safer for all.

Maximising the Potential of Cat and Genny Tools

At Sygma Solutions Ltd., we’re aware of the importance of precision utility location for safe excavation. Cat and Genny tools, namely Cable Avoidance Tools (CATs) and Signal Generators (Gennies), are crucial towards this end.

These tools are usually applied alongside each other to provide a solution that’s formidable in detecting and tracing buried utilities. In this blog post, let’s see how to make the most out of Cat and Genny tools in order to secure optimal performance as well as safety.

First and foremost, you must sign up for CAT and Genny training courses at Sygma Solutions Ltd. Then, you can follow these strategies to maximise the potential of the tools:

• Understanding the Principles: A good understanding of the fundamental principles of how CATs and Gennies operate is critical. We stress training that addresses the fundamentals of signal transmission, detection, and interpretation. Knowing these principles enables operators to make sound decisions regarding equipment setup and operation.
• Selection of Appropriate Frequency: Gennies will usually provide more than one frequency. Picking the correct frequency for the intended utility being found is most important to enable the best signal transmission and detection. It is advised that one follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and pay attention to the kind of utility and ground conditions when selecting the frequency.
• Correct Grounding: Accurate signal reception and transmission require proper grounding. We recommend that proper grounding of the Genny to a correct earth point be ensured. This reduces interference and location accuracy.
• Sweep Techniques: Having proper sweep techniques is essential in uncovering the area adequately. It is advisable to use a systematic grid pattern in order to guarantee that no utility is omitted. Overlapping sweeps also enhance the accuracy of the location.
• Signal Boosting: In certain cases, the signal from the Genny will require boosting to enhance detection. We suggest employing proper signal boosting methods, including hooking the Genny directly to the utility or employing the use of a signal clamp. This has the potential to increase the range of the signal and enhance the precision of the location.
• Elimination of Interference: Interference from other metal objects or electronic devices can impact the quality of the readings. We recommend being conscious of sources of potential interference and taking measures to reduce their effects. This may include shifting away from the source of interference or modifying the settings on the CAT.
• Depth Estimation: Most CATs provide the facility to estimate the depth of the underground utility. We advise using this facility with caution and cross-checking the depth by other means, like potholing, prior to excavation. Depth estimation can be a helpful facility, but it must not be solely depended upon.

At Sygma Solutions Ltd., we are committed to offering the CAT and Genny training and equipment required for safe excavation methods. By learning and applying these tactics, operators can realise their Cat and Genny equipment’s full potential.

Understanding the EUSR Certification Process for Cat and Genny Operators

At Sygma Solutions Ltd., we recognise the important role that effective training and certification play in maintaining safety and efficiency in utility detection. The EUSR Cat and Genny operator certification is an important qualification for individuals working in excavation and underground utility detection. This certification guarantees that professionals possess the required knowledge and skills to use Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) safely and efficiently.

What is EUSR Certification?

EUSR is a standalone registration body that certifies workers in the energy and utility industries. Their Cat and Genny training course provides operators with the knowledge necessary to locate underground cables and pipes correctly, minimising the risks of excavation. Having an EUSR certification not only adds to the credibility of operators but also guarantees adherence to industry standards and best practices.

The Certification Process

The process of obtaining EUSR certification involves several key steps:

• Enrolling in an Accredited Training Course

The first step is to enrol in a recognised training course, such as the one offered by Sygma Solutions Ltd. Our comprehensive training covers both theoretical and practical aspects of using Cat and Genny equipment effectively.

• Classroom-Based Learning

Operators receive theoretical training involving the understanding of underground utility plans, identifying possible hazards, and learning about electromagnetic location principles. We make sure that our participants understand core concepts before we proceed to their practical applications.

• Hands-On Practical Training

Practical sessions enable trainees to apply Cat and Genny tools in real-world situations. In Sygma Solutions Ltd., we offera structured setting where trainees can implement their knowledge in controlled environments, mimicking real work conditions.

• Assessment and Examination

On successful completion of training, candidates have to pass an examination that verifies their theoretical knowledge and practical competence. The test guarantees that operators are able to locate underground utilities safely and correctly prior to the commencement of excavation activities.

• Registration and Certification

After passing the test, candidates are awarded their EUSR certification, which is renewable every three years. Their information is recorded in the EUSR database, giving employers and contractors documentation of their qualifications.

Why is EUSR Certification so Important?

• Improve Workplace Safety – Trained operators can pinpoint underground utilities more accurately, avoiding expensive and potentially hazardous strikes.
• Compliance with Regulations – Various organisations and contractors insist on the EUSR certification of workers for compliance with statutory and safety measures.
• Increased Efficiency – Training allows operators to get their job done with higher precision and confidence, reducing excavation project delays.
• Career Development – Having an EUSR certification adds to professional qualifications, and individuals become more desirable to employers within the construction and utility industries.

Become a certified EUSR CAT and Genny operator today with Sygma Solutions Ltd. Call us to find out more about our EUSR CAT and Genny training courses and start your journey towards more effective, safer utility detection.

Common Challenges in Cable Avoidance and How to Overcome Them

At Sygma Solutions Ltd., we recognise that cable avoidance is an essential part of construction and excavation activities. Accurate detection of underground utilities prevents unnecessary damages, disruption of services, and, above all, potential risks to employees and the general public.

Even with the implementation of sophisticated machinery such as the Cat and Genny, cable avoidance remains a problem.

In this article, we discuss some of these issues and how they can be successfully overcome.

Operator Errors Due to Inadequate Training

Misuse of Cat and Genny equipment can result in missed or misread cables, making damage more likely.

Solution:

• Provide operators with extensive training, as the courses offered by Sygma Solutions Ltd. do.
• Hold regular refresher courses to maintain skills at their best and current.

Outdated/Inaccurate Utility Maps

One of the most prevalent problems operators encounter is using inaccurate or outdated utility maps. Such records might not indicate recent changes to infrastructure, raising the potential for utility strikes.

Solution:

• Always cross-check maps with a site survey prior to excavation.
• Utilise the most advanced technology, such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic detection equipment.
• Cross-check maps with several data sources where possible.

Ground Conditions

Some types of soil, for example, wet or clay-based soil, will interfere with the reception of signals and decrease the efficiency of detection equipment.

Solution:

• Adjust equipment settings for varying ground conditions.
• Make multiple passes with various frequencies to enhance accuracy.
• Use auxiliary tools such as signal clamps or sondes for better readings.

Interference from Adjacent Utilities

Superimposed signals from various utilities may render individual lines difficult to identify.

Solution:

• Apply frequency filters and signal differentiation methods.
• Employ systematic scanning patterns to demarcate overlapping signals.
• Refer to experienced professionals for challenging detections.

Time Pressure Resulting in Hurried Surveys

In close project timelines, operators can be in a hurry to detect utilities, which will lead to errors.

Solution:

• Provide enough time for proper surveys.
• Promote a safety and accuracy culture over speed.
• Utilise pre-dig meetings to emphasise the need for cautious cable avoidance.

Final Thoughts

Cable avoidance is crucial for safety and efficiency in excavation works. By overcoming these shared risks through effective training, the use of suitable equipment, and a systematic approach, operators can sufficiently minimise the threats of utility strikes.

At Sygma Solutions Ltd., we offer top-of-the-line training programs to equip experts with the capability and experience necessary for efficient cable avoidance. Get in touch with us today to discover more about our training programs and how we can assist you in maximising safety on your construction sites.

Want To Save Time And Expense? Our Online Cable Avoidance Training Is Ideal

At Sygma Solutions, we are well-known throughout the UK as the foremost provider of training courses in the area of location of underground services. Indeed, our team has a combined experience of over 100 years in the location and identification of them, so we know everything that there is to know. We also supply and service the Mala GPR equipment, so we have hands-on experience of those from the ground up – literally!

We have been providing courses at our offices in Wigan for many years combined with onsite training and practice in the use of the various tools – the CAT, Genny, and GPR – so that our students are able to take advantage of our expertise. Let’s face it: the use of these tools not only requires a total understanding of what they can do and how they do it, but it is also essential to understand that they do have certain limitations. So, for instance, under certain conditions, a CAT may show that there is nothing on the site that you have just surveyed, when in fact there is.

A very simple example of this could be the depth of the service. Some tools can only read down to a certain depth, so if the service is below this it will show as nothing there. Our courses cover what to do in these situations.

Covid

You may well remember that, back in 2020 we had Covid. What this meant was that it was not possible for people to meet up in a classroom in order to learn the principles of underground searches. However, that did not mean that operatives did not need training, so we very quickly produced classes of online cable avoidance training. This meant that operatives could continue to attend the classes without physically being present.

The classes were run by our experts using a system which meant that attendees could ask questions and get answers in the same way as if they were physically present. Our online cable avoidance training proved so popular that we just carried on using it.

That means that, today, you can learn all of the classroom teaching from your own home or office. It saves you all of the costs associated with staying away from home for four or five days, but you still learn all the tricks of the trade.

Of course, you do need to carry out the practical part of the work on site, so you can come to us at Wigan for this, or in many instances we can come to you. Call us to discuss your requirements.

CAT Training From Sygma Solutions

It is fair to say that, in the UK, most of the services that we need run underground in cables, pipes, and trenches. If they didn’t the landscape would be littered with ever more pylons and cables and pipes on the surface, so it is accepted that as far as possible they should be underground.

Underground, of course means out of sight, which is why we put them there in the first place. It also means that they cannot get damaged by vehicles running over them, storms, floods, and more.

All of which is, to use the old phrase, fine and dandy. Until it comes to the point when you need to repair or replace them, run pipework or cables along existing tracks, or something blows up and needs urgent attention.

Most people never think about any of this, of course, because as long as they switch the light on, and it comes on, that is all that they are interested in. Fair enough.

Finding The Right Cable Or Pipe Can Be A Serious Problem

However, if you are an operative working for any of the utility companies who has the perhaps unenviable job of digging down, finding the right cable or pipe, and then repairing or replacing it, then it becomes a serious problem. Not to put too fine a point on it, how do you find the cable or pipe that you need? How do you know exactly where it runs? The short answer is that you don’t, unless you happen to have accurate plans of where the service is laid.

Equally, how do you know that you are not going to hit and damage something else? You don’t. You may obtain plans from the other service providers in the area, but how do you know that they are accurate? You don’t.

The only answer is to carry out a thorough survey of the area before you even think about starting to dig. Fortunately, we have some very advanced tools that enable one to do this, in the form of the CAT and the Genny – abbreviations for Cable Avoidance Tool and Signal Generator.

Even then they have certain limitations, so you cannot just pop down to the shop and buy them. You need thorough CAT training in the use of them.

At Syma Solutions, we have over 100 years of combined experience in the use of these tools which is why we provide CAT training courses that teach operatives how to use them in all different circumstances, and – most importantly – the limitations that they have. If you don’t fully understand these, you could make a very unfortunate mistake.