NRSWA Cat & Genny Course

The Cat and Genny course, formally known as the NRSWA Unit LA Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus, is a training course aimed at individuals involved in street works, including both operatives and supervisors. The course teaches how to safely detect and avoid underground utilities such as electrical cables, gas pipes, water mains, and fibre optic lines during excavation and construction work. The training uses a specific type of equipment commonly referred to as a "Cat" (Cable Avoidance Tool) and a "Genny" (Signal Generator), which help locate underground services and avoid accidental damage to them.

What can I expect from the Cat & Genny training course?

When you enrol in the NRSWA Unit LA course focused on the location and avoidance of underground apparatus, you can anticipate a structured and comprehensive training session that aligns with the specific learning objectives set by HAUC UK (Highway Authorities & Utilities Committee). This course, aimed at enhancing safety and proficiency among those working on UK roads and highways, includes the following key components:

Learning Objectives

Understanding and Interpreting Plans:

• Learn how to accurately read and interpret plans that detail the location of underground utilities, which is critical for planning and executing excavation projects safely.

Identification of Utility and Highway Services:

• Gain the ability to identify different utility services (gas, water, telecommunications, etc.) and highway services (drainage, street lighting, etc.) that might be encountered during excavation, helping to prevent service interruptions and accidents.

Recognising Hazards and Risks:

• Understand the specific hazards and risks associated with disturbing underground utilities and highway services, including the potential for damage and the implications of such damages.

Using Detection Equipment:

• Receive hands-on training with both the CAT and Genny to locate underground pipes and cables effectively, minimising the risk of damaging these assets during excavation work.

Following Safe Working Practices:

• Learn to follow safe working practices on site, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and conducting risk assessments. Training will also cover compliance with relevant health and safety regulations, standards, and legislation.

Utility Services Covered

• Gas Mains and Services: Both plastic and metal, identifying how their location and material impact detection and excavation methods.
• Water Mains and Services: Including the differences in handling plastic versus metal piping.
• Sewers and Drains: Understanding the complications related to older sewer systems and how to approach them.
• Electricity Cables: Dealing with low and high-voltage risks and safe practices.
• Telecommunications and Fibre Optic Cables: Identifying less visible utilities that require careful handling to avoid service disruptions.

Highway Services Covered

• Drainage and Culverts: Locating and working around key water management infrastructure.
• Land Drains and Street Lighting: Recognizing less obvious highway services that may be encountered during roadworks.
• Traffic Signal Equipment: Understanding how to work around critical signal infrastructure safely.

Are there any entry requirements for the NRSWA Unit LA location and avoidance of underground apparatus course?

The NRSWA Unit LA course is aimed specifically at individuals involved in street works on UK roads and highways. It is a foundational course required for anyone looking to qualify in any of the Streetworks excavation and reinstatement units. If you are not working on the roads you may require the EUSR qualification, or an in-house certification instead.

Literacy and Language Skills: A basic level of literacy is necessary since the course includes written assessments and a final online exam. Learners should also have a proficient understanding of English to ensure full comprehension of the course material and instructions.

At the end of the course, learners are required to complete both a multiple-choice exam and a practical assessment. These evaluations ensure that participants have gained both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for safely locating and avoiding underground utilities.

• Multiple-Choice Exam: This written assessment evaluates the learner’s understanding of course material, including safety practices, detection techniques, and legal compliance requirements related to street works. The exam ensures that participants have a solid grasp of the knowledge necessary for performing tasks safely and effectively.
• Practical Assessment: This hands-on evaluation tests the learner’s ability to apply the knowledge and techniques covered in the course. Using the CAT and Genny, participants must demonstrate their proficiency in locating and avoiding underground services such as gas mains, water pipes, and electrical cables. This component is crucial for validating the learner’s readiness for real-world applications.

Upon successfully completing the NRSWA Unit LA course on location and avoidance of underground apparatus, you will receive a NRSWA certificate specifically for this unit. Additionally, you will be registered on the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) and issued an SWQR ID card, which serves as official proof of their qualification. Both the certificate and the SWQR card are valid for five years, after which renewal is required to maintain the qualification.