One of the biggest dangers that can be faced by workers in the water sector when working underground is that of striking electricity cables and other services. Such cable strikes can result in serious injury and are on occasion fatal.
The problem does not just face water sector workers but can affect any workers who need to become involved in excavation. It is believed that there are around 4 million excavations undertaken by workers in the UK every year, and that this results in some 60,000 cable strikes, or strikes of other utilities.
However, these figures are only estimates, and based on cable strikes which have been reported. It is very likely that the actual figures are a lot higher because many such strikes may go unreported, partly because of the effect on the reputation of the contractor involved, and also the possible costs of repairs being charged to that contractor. If nothing else, the contractor will also have men standing idle until the repairs have been carried out.
There is actually no legal requirement to report most such strikes, and while most companies will have an in-house reporting system, there is no unified way of recording such information, so this is another reason why the figures are very difficult to collate.
As an absolute minimum, striking underground services can cause interruption of services to homes and businesses served by the utility involved, and there is also the cost of making repairs which may have to be borne by the utility. So, for instance, businesses relying on the internet who have their services cut can lose a considerable amount of money if they cannot work until the repairs are carried out.
All of this is why it is absolutely essential to take all possible steps to avoid striking utilities before actually starting to dig. The first step must always be to obtain plans, or STATS, from utilities in the area of the site, but these, too, can be recorded in different ways, and may also be out of date, so they must never be relied upon as being accurate. They are only a guide.
The ultimate answer is to carry out a survey on site using the latest tools, in order to obtain as accurate information as possible. However, it is also necessary for surveyors to understand in every detail the use of such tools, and in particular their limitations, because they do, indeed have certain limitations.
This is what we teach on our utility mapping course at Sygma Solutions. Our utility mapping training goes into great depth, covering both the theory of utility mapping and following it up with practical training on site.
Our utility mapping course can also include the ProQual Level 3 Utility Mapping Qualification as an add-on option if required.
The utility mapping training classroom work can be undertaken either at our headquarters in Wigan, at your own premises, or can now be carried out online with live interactive sessions, so that operatives can ask questions and get direct answers from the instructor.
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