Striking underground services when digging is, sadly, an almost daily occurrence in the UK. It has been estimated that some 4 million (yes, million) excavations take place in the UK every year. Not only that, but depending upon whose figures you believe, there are at least 1.5 million kilometres of underground services, although other figures state 2.5 million. Even if it is the first figure, it means that wherever you may dig there can be services already in existence.
They can also be in the most unexpected places. For instance, as we have mentioned before, if you are in a country lane out in the wilds and see a track across a field you may think there is nothing there. However, what if there is a home – a farm or something at the end of the track which you can’t see? Maybe even a country manor? There will be electricity cables somewhere, along with water, sewage, and possibly even gas pipes.
All of which is why it is essential to carry out an underground survey in order to locate and identify services before carrying out any type of excavation – wherever you may happen to be.
Of course, the first thing to do is to contact all local utility companies in order to obtain whatever plans they have available. However, you cannot – ever – rely on such plans – for the simple reason that they are unreliable. This is because over the years, utility companies may make changes or alterations that are not noted on the original plans. Other utilities may have buried services alongside or above existing ones. In other cases, plans may simply not be available. Whatever the situation, utility plans can only ever be viewed as a guide, and nothing more.
This is why you must carry out an onsite survey before ever breaking ground. For this you need the relevant tools – chiefly the CAT and Genny – and you also need thorough training in how to use them.
As we have said elsewhere, you cannot just buy them and read the instructions. That would be like buying a car and reading them and then jumping in and driving it even though you have never driven a car before! The results don’t bear thinking about.
That’s why the utility location training that we provide at Sygma Solutions is the answer. We teach how to use them in all the different sets of circumstances that can occur when undertaking any sort of excavation work.
Our utility location training is carried out by experts with over 100 years of combined experience in the location of underground services. When you have finished and passed our course, then you can proceed with confidence.
If 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
Please contact us about open days
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
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
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
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
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
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
2 Day GPR – All Manufacturers
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
5 Day TSA & ICES Approved 5 Day Utility Mapping Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Location: Worcester
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Public Genny & CAT Course
Cost: £175 plus VAT
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates:
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
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
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
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