One of the most well-known and popular skills platforms is the Energy and Utility Skills Register (EUSR). This body, which handles water, waste management, gas and electricity, provides training and skills for the energy and utility sector based on approved national standards.

For those who are thinking about a career in the cable detection industry, the EUSR provides an HSG47 qualification to utility workers and operatives who have completed their EUSR cable avoidance training. This certification essentially prepares workers with the necessary knowledge, skills and overall expertise needed for conducting safe excavation and digging practices.

What is the EUSR Scheme?

EUSR, along with the support of employees and stakeholders in the energy and utility sector, provides a wide range of schemes aimed at improving the standards in the sector and overseeing the work done by professionals. One of these schemes is the Utility Excavations scheme that covers the detection of underground utility services, as well as guidance for overall safe excavation and digging practices.

The training program covers the potential risks of working in or around underground utility services, along with advice on how the potential dangers can be reduced. It also offers insight into the indirect risks that may result when utility services are damaged.

Who Provides the EUSR HSG47

EUSR HSG47 CAT & Genny training programmes are provided by many training organisations like Sygma Solutions. These courses might be delivered slightly differently depending on the institution you enrol with, however, they all use the same core course material which is designed to help utility workers safeguard themselves from the risks of striking a buried utility cable.

Also, the programme is specifically designed to provide guidance and knowledge required by those accessing sites or working near areas where there are underground utility services. And while it’s not a legal requirement for people who work as cable detectors, it is a recommended option for those who are involved in the process of planning, commissioning or managing excavation projects.

The Value of EUSR HSG47 Cable Avoidance Training

Thousands of cable strikes take place in the UK every year, sometimes leading to loss of life in the most extreme cases. Other consequences of non-detection cables and excavation works that come into contact with live utilities include workers getting injured, utility services getting disrupted and significant project delays.

With proper training like the EUSR HSG47, cable strikes can be avoided and digging projects can be finished within a timely manner, ensuring also that no one is injured or harmed during any excavation work.

For operatives, this training can be important for several reasons, including the fact that EUSR HSG47 is widely trusted in the industry. As clients and construction companies know the risk of poor detection, they understand that workers are required to carry out a thorough survey of the excavation site. One way to ensure this happens is to only work with someone with a EUSR card.

The possession of this card means that surveyors are deemed credible and suitable for all manner of projects involving digging and excavation. It is a signal to employers and contractors that you have been trained to the highest standards and that you are capable of working on various projects. This, no doubt can increase your chances of getting hired on specific projects.

For companies, the benefit of working with individuals who are EUSR HSG47 trained is that you are limiting your exposure to damage and liability. You cannot just pick anybody from your staff for a utility survey. The surveyor must have proper CAT & Genny training.

Contact Us for Training Options

Sygma Solutions Ltd. is a EUSR HSG47 approved training company that delivers comprehensive training courses on cable avoidance tools. We actively work towards reducing cable strikes in the UK and are proud to offer comprehensive training to new operatives in the sector through well-designed programmes.