HSG47 is a document provided by the Health & Safety Executive with regard to the potential dangers of working near underground services, and provides advice on how to reduce the risks. It is aimed primarily at reducing risks to health and safety as opposed to the risk of damaging services, although by reducing the risk to health and safety one is automatically helping to reduce the risk of damage to services.
One might think that damage to underground services is no big issue, but in fact there can be many unwanted results. Apart from any other consideration, if an underground service is damaged it is going to be unavailable for those who need to use it until it is repaired by the appropriate utility. This can have a knock-on effect on business, for instance, because if, say, a telecoms cable is cut, that means that there may be no internet connection, and for many businesses today that brings them to a grinding halt.
Then there is the cost of repairs, which can run into thousands of pounds. It has been calculated that for every £1.00 spent on repair, the overall cost is £28.00. So, if it costs, say, £3,500 to repair the utility, you can do the sum for yourself.
On top of that, the contractor responsible for doing the damage may well be fined – and often quite a considerable amount. There may also be fines for injury or death. HSG47 quotes one contractor which was fined £210,000 for the death of a worker who suffered 60% burns to his body when striking an 11,000-volt live cable. “The company had not informed workers that there were live cables in the excavation and failed to put adequate measures in place to prevent them being damaged”.
In addition to that, there can be collateral damage to a company’s reputation which may well have an effect on the appointment of future contracts. As you can readily see, there can be severe consequences for these sorts of failings.
This is why operative who need to undertake the location of underground services need the HSG47 training that we provide at Sygma Solutions. Our team has over 100 years of combined experience of the location of underground services and our HSG47 course covers everything that you need to know.
HSG47 goes into detail about the sorts of things that can happen. For instance, striking an electricity cable can cause injury from the explosive effects of arcing current which typically results in burns to the hands, face, and body.
Damaging gas pipes can cause leaks which can then lead to fire and explosion. Even damaging water pipes can cause injury because water under pressure can hurl stones and debris from the ground.
Of course, our HSG47 training doesn’t just cover the types of injuries that can be suffered but goes into deep coverage of the use of the tools such as the CAT and Genny which are used to locate underground services. Most importantly, our HSG47 course covers the limitations of said tools, and they do, indeed, have certain limitations. It is therefore essential to understand what these are and how to deal with them.
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enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form
Open Days
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PAS128 Utility Mapping Training Modules mapped to CICES competencies
– 2 days
Module 1 – Pas 128 Level D &C training to include level 3 assessment – CICES GEUS01 A-D
– 3 Days
Module 2 – PAS128 Level B Training – can include Level 4 assessment – CICES GUES01 E-I
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2 Day Advanced EM Course (RD8100/8200 & VIVAX)
In depth course covering electromagnetic locators, theory and intensive practical on our real world training site.
Cost: £295 per person
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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1 Day Mala GPR Module 1 – Theory & Practical
Cost: Contact us for price (2 spaces F.O.C. with Mala GPR Purchase)
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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1 Day Mala GPR Module 2 – Post processing
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2 Day GPR – All Manufacturers
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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5 Day TSA & ICES Approved 5 Day Utility Mapping Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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Location: Worcester
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1 Day Public Genny & CAT Course
Cost: £175 plus VAT
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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Level 3 Utility Mapping Qualification – All Online
Cost: £275 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Online
Dates: To suit
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – Online Workbooks – followed by assessment
Cost £1100 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre or your site
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Open level 5 assessment dates at Sygma Solutions, Wigan
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – in 5 days
Cost – contact us
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
2nd – 6th June 2025 Limited Availability
28th July – 1st August 2025 Limited Availability
Sygma PAS 128 Utility Surveyor Training Including Proqual Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying
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Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
28th April – 2nd May 2025 Limited Availability
12th – 16th May 2025 Limited Availability
14th – 18th July 2025 Limited Availability
11th – 15th August 2025
8th – 12th September 2025
29th September – 3rd October 2025
27th – 31st October 2025
24th – 28th November 2025
8th – 12th December 2025
Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying Public Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
28th – 29th April 2025 Limited Availability
12th – 13th May 2025 Limited Availability
14th – 15th July 2025 Limited Availability
11th – 12th August 2025
8th – 9th September 2025
29th – 20th September 2025
27th – 28th October 2025
24th – 25th November 2025
8th – 9th December 2025
GPS Course & Total Station Introduction
This is a 2 day dedicated GPS course with an introduction to Total Station
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Please contact enquires@sygma-solutions.com for future dates and a booking form
Please contact:
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form for any course