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NVQ

Level 2 Award
Cat & Genny Cable & Utility Avoidance

This Cat & Genny Utility Avoidance Level 2 Award is for those involved in excavation or survey work.
Home » Level 2 Award Utility Avoidance and the Location of Buried Services in Construction – (CAT and Genny, Cable / Utility Avoidance)
Qualification information

Level 2 Award
Utility Avoidance And The Location of Buried Services

About This Qualification

Qualification title
Level 2 Award in Utility Avoidance and the Location of Buried Services in Construction (C.A.T. & Genny)

Occupation
Utility Avoidance in Construction

This course is for anyone who is involved in excavation or survey work on construction sites to detect the presence of underground services. This course is ideal for roles such as ground survey teams, excavation operatives, and those needing to detect services prior to carrying out work, It is also suitable for those supervising or managing these operations.

Eligible For Grant & Funding

This award is eligible to claim the CITB Short Qualification Grant. If you are a CITB-registered employer and up-to-date with your Levy returns, then £600 can be claimed upon completion of the qualification.
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Duration: 6 hours

Minimum Numbers: 5

Maximum Numbers: 10

Location: Closed Course Delivered on-site nationwide

Cost: Price on calling

Dates: Call 01623 287830

Accreditation: OFQUAL Certification

%

Success Rate

+

Delegates completed their NVQs with us in 2024

£

Eligible for CITB Short Qualification Grant

Qualification Structure

Mandatory units
Unit Ref.TitleLevel
L/505/7112Utility Location and Avoidance in Construction2

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about this NVQ? Here is a compilation of our most frequently asked questions.

The L2 qualification in Utility Avoidance/CAT and Genny Training will provide practical and theoretical training on the safe working practices to be completed by operatives and supervisors for conducting cable avoidance operations with the use of a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and the signal generator (Genny) and is a recognised qualification in this topic.

This will include knowledge prior to breaking the ground and the pre-work surveys that must be completed to avoid damage to underground service supplies to correspond with current legislation and guidance, such as HSG47, Avoiding Danger from Underground Services, and Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015.

As an employer, it is a way to be confident you have adequate training in Cat and Genny and to provide a recognised qualification and certificate to demonstrate this.

A CAT and Genny are cable avoidance tool and signal generators that are used to locate cables, reduce the likelihood of cable strikes, and allow safer digging. Its an essential piece of equipment in construction, especially when intending to carry out any ground excavation work.

CAT and Genny training is theory and practical assessment to ensure you are a competent user of the CAT and Genny
As an employer, it is vital that you have trained your workforce in the use of CAT and Genny and that you are confident they can carry out these duties safely to prevent any legal implications.

The scope of this standard covers:

  • HSG47: Avoiding danger from underground services
  • CAT & Genny Modes and limitations
  • Using CAT and genny locators, limitations and software
  • Passive Signals
  • Nulling out of detected service
  • Induction and direct connection of the signal generator
  • Inspection, calibration and testing equipment
  • Safe working practices: service plans, utility marking
  • Permits to work
  • Practical Assessment

Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny). Other terms that you may hear on construction sites are cable avoidance and utility avoidance. These are all related to the use of the CAT and Genny.

The Level 2 award for CAT and Genny Training is a minimum of 6 hours per day, delivered by a qualified tutor who trains the candidates in a classroom environment about the practices and safe use of the Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny). This training includes the procedures stated in HSE Guidance HSG47: Avoiding Danger from Underground Services. There will also be practical demonstrations using the equipment during the course, and candidates will be able to prove they can use the equipment in all modes.

It is essential that Cat and Genny training be provided for anyone who has the responsibility of works that break the ground to avoid damage to underground service supplies and the related dangers from striking underground services as covered by specific legal responsibilities such as the Construction (Design & Management) Regulation.

As an employer, it is vital that you have trained your workforce in the use of CAT and Genny and that you are confident they can carry out these duties safely to minimise any health and safety risks for workers and the public, as well as reduce the risk of any disruptions and fines caused by damaged utilities.

CAT and Genny training will provide you with theoretical knowledge on the safe working practices to be carried out prior to breaking ground and practical use of both the Cable Avoidance Tool and signal generator. This will include all course material and handouts for you to take away. Following the course, you will be a competent user of the CAT and Genny.

It is not advisable to use a CAT and Genny without recognised training, although manufacturers and hire companies will provide manuals for the make and model of the kits they supply. As an employer, incorrect use of CAT and Genny by your workforce can cause direct damage to workers, the public, and infrastructure, and formal training can significantly minimise these risks.

CITB Achievement grant: £600 per person.

This qualification is eligible for the CITB Short Qualification Grant, paid at achievement.

An employer can apply for grants in respect of construction industry-related training undertaken by:

  • Directly employed staff on the payroll
  • sub-contractors (both net and gross-paid
  • and sole traders and partnerships
  • The short qualification grant can be claimed for apprentices when not part of the apprenticeship standard they are completing

provided they are working at the time of the training for the employer making the application and that CITB grant support has not already been received for the particular training qualification.

There is a significant amount of practical time with the CAT and Genny, which is popular with clients where strikes have been an issue as it enhances existing training with the additional practical time.

You can enrol a minimum of 4 learners and a maximum of 10 learners.

Contact our helpful team, and we will discuss this with you. If you are a construction company, we can offer a dedicated course for your workforce. We can provide the equipment unless you have specialist equipment and you would like the course tailored to your own make and model of CAT and Genny.

Candidates will be trained in a classroom environment on the safe use and practices involved with the use of both the Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny), including the procedures as stated in HSE Guidance HSG47: Avoiding Danger from Underground Services. Practical demonstrations of the equipment will be provided by the trainer, and candidates will then be assessed on the practical application of all modes relating to the equipment to meet the Level 2 Award requirements.

The utility avoidance course can be adapted to suit the client’s requirements; training can be delivered on site using the client’s training room or at a convenient, suitable location.

Candidates attending the course are requested to bring a hi-vis vest or jacket. If training is provided on-site, then full site-standard PPE will be required.

Candidates must demonstrate the level of knowledge described in the unit; this can be covered on the day through written questioning, This element of the assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s knowledge and understanding against the standards set in the qualification.

Practical assessment will be carried out by the tutor through observation of each delegate to ensure the qualification standards are being met.

Each candidate is required to produce evidence which demonstrates their achievement of all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit.

Evidence can include:

  • Assignments, projects and reports
  • Worksheets
  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Record of oral and/or written questioning
  • Candidate test papers

No. This is a lifetime qualification, and there are no requirements to carry out this qualification again once it is achieved.

However, to maintain your continual professional development (CPD) on changes in legislation, safe working practices, and equipment developments, a 3-year cycle of training should be undertaken. This would be achieved through attending a ½-day refresher course for Detection of Buried Services training.

Yes, you can be eligible for the CSCS Blue Skilled Workers card, as long as you have completed the relevant Operative Health and Safety Test within 2 years of applying for the card. Please contact Workforce Skills Support for further CSCS experienced and trainee card information. The occupation on the back of your CSCS card will be Utilities Mapping Technician.

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