What is CAT and Genny Training?
CAT and Genny training is for workers doing excavation and groundworks as part of their job. This can include those working in construction, utilities, civil engineering or any other workers who might need to locate existing underground utilities in their role. The training teaches individuals how to use Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) to locate and avoid underground cables before they start digging.
Why is CAT and Genny Training important?
If you’re carrying out any kind of excavation work, this training is essential for many reasons, including:
Safety
Accidentally striking underground cables and pipes can be dangerous for workers, potentially causing serious injuries or worse. With the right training and equipment, the risks of this kind of incident can be greatly reduced.
Legal compliance
All employers have a legal and moral obligation to keep their workers safe, to assess risks to health, safety and wellbeing and to provide the necessary training and equipment to protect employees while carrying out their role. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also provides specific guidance in relation to those working near underground services.
Ensuring that all relevant employees undergo CAT and Genny training is one way for employers to help fulfil their legal duties.
Cost savings
If underground cables are damaged during excavation works, it can lead to expensive repairs being needed, delays to the project and have a knock-on impact too, if the damaged cables inconvenience or cause a loss to others.
The right cable avoidance training can stop the incident from happening in the first place, helping to prevent these costs being incurred.
Increased efficiency
Being proficient in using CAT and Genny equipment effectively can really speed up the process of locating nearby underground utilities and services, which can help the project stay on track and prevent time being wasted before the excavation begins.
Reduced disruption
Damaged cables and pipes for utilities need to be repaired before the project can continue and there is usually disruption to services in the area as a result of the incident. This could affect residents and businesses, depending on the specifics of the damage and the location.
By avoiding the incident through effective utilisation of previous CAT and Genny training, disruption in the area can be minimised.
CAT and Genny training is just a small part of helping to fill the UK’s construction skills shortage, by giving employees the essential training they need to fulfil their role.
CAT and Genny equipment
The two main pieces of equipment involved in cable avoidance are:
Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT)
While there are different CATs with varying features and functions available, all of them are able to detect the signals that underground pipes and cables emit. The CAT sends out an electromagnetic field or radio frequency into the ground. It penetrates the soil and can detect the signal given off by power cables or metallic pipes.
When the CAT is directly over an underground pipe or cable, the signal strength increases, showing the operator that there is something there. The CAT can be used to trace the placement and route of the cable or pipe, so it can be marked at the surface level and then avoided during the excavation.
Signal Generator (Genny)
A Genny is a tool that can be used in conjunction with a CAT to locate specific underground services, especially those which are not metallic or live (as these can’t always be identified by a CAT alone). It sends signals into the ground, which can be picked up by the CAT, so when the Genny’s signal comes across a pipe or cable, the CAT can read this information and highlight its location and route. Again, this can be marked out above ground to ensure that the excavation works stay clear.
What is involved in gaining a CAT and Genny training certificate?
The CAT and Genny course, delivered by PfP Thrive, provides learners with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of cable avoidance tools and the importance of using them safely and effectively.
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand regulatory requirements and safe practices: Learners will identify relevant regulations for using CAT and Genny equipment and apply safe practices to minimise risks.
- Organise equipment setup, handling, and transportation: Participants will demonstrate proper techniques for setting up, handling, and transporting CAT and Genny equipment to ensure safe and effective use.
- Carry out inspection and testing procedures: Learners will develop skills to inspect and test CAT and Genny equipment, identifying any signs of damage or malfunction to ensure operational readiness.
- Demonstrate proficiency in locating underground services: Participants will acquire the knowledge and skills to use CAT and Genny tools effectively to locate and mark underground services, preventing accidental damage.
- Undertake troubleshooting and maintenance: Learners will practise basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance tasks to keep CAT and Genny equipment functioning safely and efficiently.
Why choose CAT and Genny training from PfP Thrive?
At PfP Thrive, we understand the many challenges of industries such as construction, and our experience as part of Places for People (PfP) gives us insight into the essential skills and training that employees need to excel in their roles in this sector.
By choosing PfP Thrive, your organisation can benefit from:
- Affordable CAT and Genny training – with a course cost of just:
£65 per learner - National delivery face-to-face
- Flexible training that fits around you – with this 4-hour course enabling employers to arrange it around operational needs to minimise disruption.
- Compliance with health and safety guidance in relation to cable avoidance practices.
Find out more
Get started: book your CAT and Genny training today
Our CAT and Genny training course offers practical learning that is applicable in everyday work situations, equipping employees with vital knowledge to take them forward in their career.
Get started: Book your team onto our CAT and Genny course. Enquire now.
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