The cable avoidance tool or CAT is used in locating buried cables or pipes on excavation, groundwork and construction sites. The CAT helps in identifying and detecting buried services so that they can be avoided during digging or excavation work. In case a cable or pipe is damaged during excavation, it can lead to serious injury, exorbitant repair costs and delays in completing the work. However, the CAT is only capable of locating those cables and wires that have the power running. The moment the power is turned off, the equipment will be unable to locate the buried service. This is why CAT is used together with Genny, which is a signal generator. Genny is capable of detecting signals from metal services.

When CAT is used in conjunction with Genny, the equipment is able to detect services like, telecoms, clay or plastic pipes, water pipes and other such utility services. You might also have to add other things like, flexible drain rods, clamps and a sonde. A sonde is basically a piece of small equipment that is used to locate blockage by attaching it to flexible drain rods. This equipment sends out a signal that the CAT is able to detect when it reaches that point so that it is able to find out the exact location of the blockage.

Many companies in the UK deliver comprehensive and professional HSG47 training programmes, which is just another term for cable avoidance training. However, even with training easily available, there are about 60,000 cable strikes experienced in the UK each year, which means around 230 strikes every working day. These strikes result in severe and sometimes fatal injuries. It also leads to temporary disablement of utility services for homes around the excavation area, leading to expensive repair and replacement work. This is majorly attributed to the fact that though CAT and Genny are smart equipment, they have their limitations. Also, a surveyor or contractor cannot master the use of the instruments by simply reading the instruction manual. One needs proper training and the lack of it is leading to cable strikes and injuries.

Thorough survey using CAT saves lives

If you begin digging or excavating an area without properly surveying it for underground utility services, you might end up adding on to the 60,000 cable strikes. There is no way to tell by just looking at the ground if there are cables hidden underneath. Also, site maps are generally outdated and they do not show the accurate placement of the various underground services. You might even find buried utility services where you least expect them to be. This is why it is crucial that before starting your digging work, conduct a thorough survey of the area using CAT and Genny so that you are able to identify and detect the location of live wires, as well as, cables and pipes that do not have the power running. By doing so, you will be saving your life, along with the life of the workers on the excavation site and the public living nearby.

To be regarded as a trusted and reliable surveyor, you need to undertake a EUSR HSG47 course. Once you complete the course, you will become a certified surveyor and gain credibility. There are many companies that only trust trained surveyors.

The use of CAT and Genny is detecting and locating underground utility services so that cable strikes and injuries can be avoided. After you have had cable avoidance training, you will realise that the equipment is not that complicated to use. With proper training, you will be able to understand the use and limitations of the instruments. In case the equipment is an advanced one with features like, storing data, scanning data and showing the path that the surveyor has taken, you need to be properly trained by a professional.

So, undertake HSG47 CAT and Genny training programme and be able to create a safe working environment.