The accidental striking of a gas pipeline or an electrical cable has major implications including disruption of services, damage to infrastructure, loss of reputation and potentially life-changing injuries to the workers and people around the worksite. It has been estimated that each year over 4 million excavations take place in the UK. Out of these, only over 2 million of the excavations are carried out after a thorough search for underground cables and pipes before commencing the work. This means that more than 40% of the excavations are being carried out without an in-depth examination of existing buried utility services. This means that important utility infrastructure is constantly at risk of being damaged.

There are about 60,000 cable strikes reported in the UK on an annual basis and there are so many other incidents that go unreported. The most surprising thing about cable strikes is that they are completely preventable. There are tools and equipment available which can be used to examine a site for existing underground assets before starting the digging work. The problem is that most supervisors or project managers are unaware of the use of such tools, known as cable avoidance tools. So, the work commences without a proper survey of the site that leads to severe injuries. Even if there are no injuries, the accidental striking of a utility service leads to interruption of services, project delays, financial and reputation loss. The best way to prevent cable strikes from happening is by undertaking CAT training from a reputed company. With proper training, operatives and supervisors will be capable of reducing the risks of utility strikes and complete the project on time.

Why take the CAT training course?

The CAT training course is for both supervisors and operatives, as aforementioned. This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to effectively and safely operate CAT or cable avoidance tools and carry out cable avoidance work.

Often, cable avoidance tools are misused as people lack the knowledge and understanding of how to use the equipment. The equipment is made up of two parts - one is the detecting tool and the other is the signal generating unit, known as Genny or G. Knowing how to operate the different modes of the CAT is critical in the accurate detection, as well as, avoidance of underground services.

The CAT training course is often overlooked and that leads to utility strikes and the resultant losses. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced user who is interested in refreshing your skills, you are sure to find a course tailored for you.

What will you learn from undertaking the course?

The CAT training course is typically designed to provide formal training, as well as, assessment in the correct and safe operation of CAT. Once the course is completed, you will be able to:

• Operate cable avoidance tools efficiently and safely in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. Also, you will know the limitations of the tools and gain knowledge about all the modes of the equipment.

• Operate the equipment under different site conditions using the signal generator, as well as, the detector

• Undertake pre-use inspection

• Comprehend the basic principles of location and also avoidance of buried utility services

• Detect, locate and avoid buried services when excavating

• Identify the hazards, as well as, the risks associated with them

• Interpret site plans

• Create a safe working environment

So, if you have any upcoming excavation projects or wish to become a part of the industry, take the CAT training course. This course will provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to avoid accidentally damaging underground gas pipelines, water pipes, sewage pipelines or electrical cables. However, make sure to get enrolled with a professional and experienced training company who provides both practical and theoretical training.