- Site Safety Training
CAT & Genny Training – Cable Avoidance and Utility Location
The “Blue Card”
Overview
The CAT & Genny Training Course provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to safely locate underground services before excavation. Designed for operatives, supervisors and contractors, this training ensures compliance with safe-digging practices and reduces the risk of strikes to buried electric, gas, water, telecom and fibre networks.
Underground service strikes remain one of the most common—and costly—causes of injury, service interruption and project delays. This course equips learners to use Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny)correctly, interpret signal responses and apply safe-digging techniques aligned to industry best practice and HSG47.
Who Should Attend
This course is suitable for anyone involved in excavation or utility location work, including:
- Groundworkers, civils and construction operatives
- Utility, drainage and reinstatement teams
- Supervisors, inspectors and permit-to-dig approvers
- Contractors performing excavation or survey works near underground services
- New operatives requiring initial training or experienced workers needing refresher training
No prior experience is required.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the types of underground utilities and the risks associated with them
- Operate CAT and Genny equipment safely and confidently
- Apply scanning techniques for Power, Radio, and Genny modes
- Identify limitations of detection equipment and common user errors
- Interpret signal responses and pinpoint utility locations accurately
- Follow safe-digging procedures in line with HSG47 and industry guidance
- Reduce the risk of service strikes and excavation incidents
Assessment & Certification
Learners complete a short practical and/or written assessment to confirm competence. Successful participants receive a Certificate of Competence in CAT & Genny Use.
Certification is valid for three years, or sooner if site rules or client requirements specify refresher training.
Cost
Duration & Delivery
- Duration: Half-day or full-day (depending on client requirement)
- Format: On-site practical training or blended classroom + field practice
- Equipment: All CAT and Genny devices provided if required
Pricing & Booking
- Price: £POA depending on group size and location
- On-site delivery: Available nationwide
- Bespoke sessions: Can be tailored to site procedures or permit-to-dig processes
To book or request a quotation:
📞 01932 963463
✉️ support@ecfio.co.uk
Water - Area Manager
“The E-learning is a great alternative to travelling to a classroom. We were able to sit the training while we waited for the weather to clear up. The team are very helpful, it was nice to be able to pick up the phone and speak to a real person – Thanks for your help Clio!”
Course Content
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Key Information
- Service: CAT & Genny Competency Training
- Format: On-site, practical and instructor-led
- Duration: Half or full day
- Cost: £POA
- Certification: Competence certificate valid for 3 years
- Standards: Aligned to HSG47 “Avoiding Danger from Underground Services”
- Audience: Operatives, supervisors and contractors involved in excavation
Course Content
The course includes:
- Overview of underground services and common service-strike hazards
- Understanding CAT operating modes (Power, Radio, Genny)
- Using a Signal Generator (Genny) effectively
- Locating metallic and non-metallic services
- Depth and trace assessments (where applicable)
- Limitations of detection equipment
- Safe-digging techniques and best practice from HSG47
- Hands-on practice with supervised scanning exercises
- Real-world examples of service strikes and how to prevent them
Course Content
Course Outcomes
- Locate underground services safely and accurately
- Operate CAT & Genny equipment with confidence
- Apply safe-digging practices and reduce service-strike risks
- Follow HSG47 guidance and client-specific procedures
Who Should Attend
- Civils, groundworks and excavation teams
- Utility and reinstatement operatives
- Supervisors and permit-to-dig approvers
- Contractors working near live underground services
Delivery & Pricing
- On-site, practical training
- Half-day or full-day format
- Pricing based on group size and location
Certification & Recognition
- Certificate of Competence in CAT & Genny Use
- Valid for 3 years
- Recognised across construction, utilities and infrastructure sectors
FAQs
This course provides a recognised Certificate of Competence and meets industry expectations for CAT & Genny skills training.
No. This course is suitable for new and experienced operatives.
Yes. On-site delivery is available and recommended for practical relevance.
No. We can provide CAT and Genny units, or we can train using your site equipment.
Certificates are typically valid for three years, depending on client or site requirements.
Get in Touch
For bookings, group training or tailored CAT & Genny programmes:
📧 support@ecfio.co.uk
📞 01932 963463