Pretty much every kind of construction contract begins with excavation of the land. Every building needs foundations, and most need water, toilets, telephones, broadband, electricity, and in some areas, gas. All of this involves digging.
The problem is that when you start to dig there is always a chance of striking an underground service of some sort, even in out of the way areas where you might believe that there is nothing there. Fair enough, in residential areas and shopping districts you expect all these services to be present, but even then, you need to know exactly where they run in order to avoid damaging them.
More important is the avoidance of injury to workers or passers-by that can occur as the result of such incidents. Damage to a utility can cost money – often a lot of money – but injury to workers can be life-changing and is sometimes fatal. So, it is vital to undertake every possible action in order to determine the presence of underground services and to identify them.
A very good place to start is HSG47 which is a guide produced by the Health and Safety Executive and goes into great detail about the dangers of working near underground services and provides advice on how to reduce the risks associated with it. One of the first pieces of advice is as follows: “Underground services are widespread. Assume they are present unless you have been shown otherwise”.
Damage to electricity cables can result in injuries caused by the explosive effects of arcing current and also any fire that may result. Injuries include burns to the hands, face, and body. Electric shock is also possible, but not so likely to occur.
If a gas pipe is damaged, that can lead to fire or explosion. It is possible that damage can cause an immediate leak, although sometimes a leak may occur later. Only a couple of weeks ago, a damaged gas pipe caused an explosion which totally wrecked a home and resulted in death.
Water pipes are less likely to result in injury, although with that said, water under pressure can hurl stones and other objects out of the ground. Water leaks can also cause damage to nearby services by affecting support for other services. There is also the risk of flooding.
Sewage pipes generally work with gravity, although some can be under pressure. Either way, one does not want to be near a damaged sewage pipe with exposure to raw sewage.
So, it follows that the location and identification of underground services is critical before any work begins. At Sygma Solutions we provide an HSG47 course which teaches operatives the use of the various tools for this. Our HSG47 training is recognised by The Survey Association.
The HSG47 course is divided into two parts: classroom training in how the CAT and Genny work in all their various modes, followed by on site training to enable operatives to practice using them in real world situations.
Our HSG47 training also includes a section which covers the limitations of the CAT and Genny. It is vital to understand these so that mistakes are not made.
If the course you are looking for has no dates or you would like a course built for your company please contact
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form
Open Days
Please contact us about open days
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
Please contact enquires@sygma-solutions.com for future dates and a booking form
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
30th – 31st May 2024
23rd – 24th July 2024
5th – 6th September 2024
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Mala GPR Module 1 – Theory & Practical
Cost: FOC
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Mala GPR Module 2 – Post processing
Cost: FOC
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
2 Day GPR – All Manufacturers
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
5 Day TSA & ICES Approved 5 Day Utility Mapping Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
Location: Worcester
Dates: Contact Us
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
1 Day Public Genny & CAT Course – Can include ProQual Level 2 Qualification as an option
Cost: £175 plus VAT
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates:
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
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
Dates: To suit
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
Dates:
3rd – 7th June 2024
1st – 5th July 2024
Sygma PAS 128 Utility Surveyor Training Including Proqual Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
15th – 19th April 2024 Limited spaces available
20th – 24th May 2024
10th – 14th June 2024
8th – 12th July 2024
Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying Public Course
24th – 25th June 2024
1st – 2nd July 2024
24th – 25th September 2024
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
GPS Course & Total Station Introduction
This is a 2 day dedicated GPS course with an introduction to Total Station
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
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