Cable Avoidance

This course is aimed at a wide group of learners who need to use detection equipment to locate underground services, this could be ground workers, highways maintenance, surveyors, utilities workers and more .

The course aims to provide individuals with a knowledge and understanding of how the cable avoidance equipment works, it’s limitations, applications and the consequences of not implementing correct cable avoidance procedures. It will cover detecting and tracing methods. 

Course Objectives by completing this course you will:  

• Understand why we use cable avoidance equipment and the possible consequences of not using them.  
• Be introduced to the theory of electromagnetic location and its limitations.
• Recognise the principles of risk assessment with regards to cable avoidance. 
• Demonstrate the correct application of the equipment. Appreciate the importance of using both the transmitter and locator 

There is 1 practical assessment and 1 multiple choice test. 

The practical assessments performance must be recorded on appropriate paperwork by the assessor who supervises and observes the delegate(s). The multiple choice test consists of 15 questions. The pass-mark is 80% (12 out of 15). 

A delegate who scores 11 out of 15 can be given a re-sit, answering only the questions in which they were unsuccessful during their first attempt. 

Any delegate who does not improve their score or who scores 10 or below in the first attempt should be advised to retake the whole course. 

Once a delegate has achieved both the practical task and the multiple choice knowledge test their achievement and certification can take place. 

Certification for this course is valid for 3 years from the date of training. 

To remain certified in this area, delegates will need to retake the course again before the certificate expires.

Course Breakdown The course has both classroom and outdoor practical elements. 

The classroom sessions cover: 

• An overview of the cable avoidance product and how to operate it. 
• How the antennas receive signals and how the correct application will provide more reliable results. 
• What signals are received in the passive modes and how these signals are produced. 
• Passive mode limitations. 
• How to obtain reliable utility directions. 
• The limitations of certain utilities (e.g. DC cables, plastic utilities, low currents, weak signals, capped cables, long wave transmission limitations). 
• Product overview of the transmitter and how it operates. 
• The modes and settings of the transmitter. 
• The utilisation of low and high frequencies. 
• Connection mode applications and possible limitations. 
• Connecting methods. 
• Accessories. 
• Induction mode operation and applications. 
• Correct depth estimation verification methods. 

There are be two practical elements to the course. The first covers: 

• The locator features, applications and passive mode. 
• Marking up the detected utilities with chalk. 

The second covers: 

• Using the Transmitter in induction and connection methods to: 
• Record and trace the energised utilities 
• Complete practical assessment.