EUSR Utility Detection CAT 1 + CAT 2

This EUSR Utility Detection CAT 1 + CAT 2, 2 day course is a combined training program covering Category 1: Locate Utility Services (HSG47) and Category 2: Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices. This safety-critical course is designed to teach workers how to avoid underground utility dangers by first locating buried services (using cable detectors) and then excavating safely around them.

It is often referred to as “HSG47 training” or “Cat & Genny and Safe Digging Practices”, aligning with HSE guidance on avoiding danger from underground services.

The course is aimed at construction and utility personnel involved in groundworks or excavations. This includes site operatives, supervisors, managers, and safety professionals who need to locate underground cables/pipes and ensure safe digging.

In practice, any worker who may need to scan for electric cables, gas/water pipes, telecommunication lines etc., before or during excavation will benefit. The combined CAT1+2 training gives them both the technical skills to detect utilities and the practical knowledge to excavate without causing damage or injury.

What can I expect from this EUSR Utility Detection CAT 1 + CAT 2 training course?

The CAT 1 + CAT 2 course mixes classroom theory with hands-on practical exercises over a 2 day period. Participants learn about relevant legislation and guidelines (such as HSG47) and get familiar with real equipment like the gCAT 4 (Cable Avoidance Tool) + & Genny equipment used for detecting buried services.

Below is a breakdown of the topics covered in each category:

Category 1 – Locate Utility Services (HSG47)

Category 1 focuses on utility detection – how to find and identify underground services before digging. Key topics include:

• Underground Utility Legislation & Guidance: An overview of laws and safety guidelines related to buried utilities, such as HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services) and other regulations (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act, HSG150).
• Reading Utility Plans and Drawings: How to interpret utility company drawings, service maps, and “dial before you dig” line search documents. Trainees practice identifying symbols, colour codes, and coded information on plans to understand where cables and pipes may be located.
• Using Cable Detection Equipment (CAT & Genny): Extensive hands-on training with cable avoidance tools. Delegates learn to prepare and operate a CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool) and a Genny (signal generator) to locate various types of underground services.
• Identifying Hazards and Limitations: Understanding the dangers of underground services (for example, electric shock, gas leaks, water bursts) and learning the limitations of detection equipment and maps.
• Avoiding Utility “Strikes”: Discussion of the real-world impact of utility strikes (hitting cables/pipes). The course covers the true costs of damaging utilities – from personal injury and project delays to outages, fines, and reputational damage.
• Site Marking and Communication: Once utilities are found, participants practice marking their locations on site (e.g. with spray paint, flags, or markers) according to best practices.

They learn to clearly communicate findings to the site team (e.g. marking routes of cables) so that everyone is aware of underground hazards before excavation begins.

Category 2 – Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices

Category 2 builds on the detection knowledge by teaching safe excavation techniques. It assumes you have identified underground services (as per CAT 1) and now need to dig around them without damage. Key topics include:

• Excavation Safety Legislation & Best Practices: A review of general legislation for excavation and construction work – including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, HSG47, HSG150 (Safety in Construction), and others.
• Good vs. Bad Digging Practices: The course highlights correct excavation methods versus unsafe ones. Through instruction and examples, participants learn to distinguish safe digging techniques from poor practices.
• Ground Conditions and Soil Types: Trainees are taught to assess the ground they’re excavating. Different soil types (sand, clay, chalk, etc.) and conditions (waterlogged ground, made-up ground with debris) can affect how you dig and how easy it is to spot utilities.
• Risk Assessment and Permits to Work: Before digging, proper planning is essential. The course covers how to carry out or read a risk assessment for excavation work and how to use a Permit-to-Dig system.
• Safe Digging Techniques (Hand Tools & Power Tools): Practical training is given on how to excavate carefully by hand around marked services.

By the end of Category 2, participants know how to plan and execute excavations safely after locating utilities – following all precautions to prevent strikes and protect themselves and others in the trench

They learn to “dig safely” step-by-step: ensuring all locating and marking is done, using proper tools, and continuously monitoring for hazards while excavating.

While there are no formal entry requirements for enrolling in this course, it’s designed for anyone in a role that involves excavation work or cable avoidance. Some basic requirements however ensure participants can safely and effectively complete the training:

• Language and Literacy: You should have a good understanding of English, as the course content, discussions, and written assessments are in English.

This ensures you can comprehend the theory (like regulations and instructions) and the exam questions.

The EUSR CAT 1 + CAT 2 course includes both theoretical and practical assessments to ensure you have the knowledge and can apply it in the field

• Practical Demonstration: During the course, especially in the Category 1 portion, you will be observed on your ability to use the detection equipment correctly. For example, you’ll be tasked with using the CAT & Genny to locate various buried services on a training ground. You must demonstrate that you can sweep an area, pick up signals, identify different types of utilities, and mark their positions accurately.

In Category 2, you may need to show proper hand-digging techniques in a test pit or explain how you would dig around a located service. Instructors will assess your technique, adherence to safety, and understanding of procedures throughout these practical exercises.

• Continuous Instructor Assessment: Throughout the day, instructors often ask questions and pose scenarios to gauge understanding. This informal continuous assessment means that if you misunderstand something, the trainer can correct you before the final test
• Written/Theory Test: At the end of the course, there is a written exam, usually in the form of a multiple-choice test

Successful completion of the CAT 1 + CAT 2 course results in an official EUSR registration and certification for those two categories:

• EUSR Registration & ID Card: Your achievement is recorded with the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR). You will receive a EUSR photo ID card (SMART card) that lists Category 1: Locate Utility Services and Category 2: Safe Excavation Practices on the back

The card is usually issued a few weeks after the course – some providers also give an interim certificate or proof of passing until the card arrives.

• Validity Period: The EUSR certification for Categories 1 and 2 is valid for 3 years from the date of training