One of the biggest dangers for health and safety when carrying out any work that involves excavation is that of striking underground services. Without the right sort of preparation, such strikes can happen on an alarming number of occasions, and sadly they can result in serious injury to workers and in some instances are fatal.
Figures are only estimated, but it is calculated that there are some 60,000 occasions every year when underground services are hit accidentally. The true figure is not known because there is no legal obligation to report such strikes, and while companies will have in-house reporting systems, the way that they are categorised can vary widely because there is no overall reporting system. The result is that figures are almost impossible to collate because of the different ways in which they are recorded.
What is certain is that striking underground services can have a knock-on effect on the users of those services. At the very least, the utility has to send out workers to repair the damage, but the cost to businesses in the area that are affected can be huge. This means that the contractor involved could also be liable for some expensive compensation.
One of the problems is that there is often a time pressure for work to be carried out. For instance, water companies are trying to improve their leakage rates, and so they want to carry out repairs ASAP. That can make it difficult to do things properly.
Just to make things worse, plans kept by utilities are often inaccurate. Many of them have originally been drawings which translated into microfiches and then into computer records, and errors have crept in along the way.
All of this means that it is essential to carry out a thorough survey of the site before any excavation is allowed to begin. According to PAS128, which is the specification for the location and detection of underground services, quality practice depends upon “active service detection” which means that detection of services is completely separate from that of excavation. That means that plans should be located and checked before arriving on site with a CAT and Genny which will then verify, or otherwise, the information provided.
In order to use the CAT and Genny, operatives need to have the appropriate training, which is what is provided in our courses for utility mapping training at Sygma Solutions. Our Proqual Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying training enables operatives to obtain their Level 3 Qualification which is required to undertake PAS128 Quality Level D (Desktop Survey) and Quality Level C (Site Reconnaissance Survey) and this also entitles the holder to obtain the gold level CSCS Card.
At Sygma Solutions we were the first to offer our utility mapping training through an e-portfolio assessment for experienced surveyors. This is for experienced surveyors only. However, we now also offer online training followed by an assessment for anyone, and of course, our traditional in person training followed by an assessment.
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