CAT and Genny Service Avoidance
CAT and Genny training teaches workers how to locate buried utilities to avoid underground service strikes, serious injuries, and costly repairs.
Course Length: 1/2 Day
Course Overview
This course provides learners with the knowledge and practical understanding needed to locate and avoid buried services before excavation work begins. By understanding how to use cable avoidance equipment correctly, interpret service plans and follow safe digging practices, workers can significantly reduce the risk of utility strikes and help ensure excavation activities are carried out safely and in line with industry guidance.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the dangers associated with underground services and the consequences of utility strikes.
- Identify the different types of buried services, including electricity, gas, water, telecommunications and drainage infrastructure.
- Understand the requirements of HSG47: Avoiding Danger from Underground Services.
- Recognise the legal responsibilities of employers and employees when working near underground services.
- Understand the importance of planning and preparing for excavation work.
- Interpret utility drawings, plans and service records before work begins.
- Understand how Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) operate.
- Carry out pre-use inspections and functional checks of CAT and Genny equipment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the different operating modes, including Power, Radio and Genny modes.
- Locate, trace and mark underground services using CAT and Genny equipment.
- Recognise the limitations of detection equipment and common user errors.
- Understand safe excavation techniques and control measures when working near buried services.
- Apply industry best practice to reduce the risk of service strikes, injuries, environmental damage and service disruption.
- Contribute to safer excavation activities through effective planning, detection and service avoidance techniques.
Who should attend?
This course is suitable for anyone involved in excavation, groundworks, utility works, drainage, construction, highways or maintenance activities where underground services may be present.FAQ's
No. While CAT and Genny equipment is highly effective, it has limitations. Service plans, risk assessments and safe excavation techniques should always be used alongside detection equipment.
No. The course is suitable for beginners as well as experienced workers who need refresher training.
The training helps reduce utility strikes, improve excavation safety, minimise project delays, lower repair costs and support compliance with industry guidance and health and safety legislation.
Refresher training is typically recommended every 3 years, or sooner if there are changes to equipment, procedures or job responsibilities.
While there is no specific legal requirement to hold a CAT and Genny qualification, employers must ensure workers are trained and competent to carry out their duties safely.
HSG47 is the Health and Safety Executive's guidance document, "Avoiding Danger from Underground Services", which provides best practice for planning and carrying out excavation work safely.
At AM Training Specialists Ltd, we are committed to delivering high-quality, engaging, and practical training that equips learners with the knowledge and confidence to apply their skills in the workplace. Our experienced instructors bring real-world industry expertise to every course, ensuring training is relevant, interactive, and compliant with current legislation and best practice. Whether you are developing new skills or refreshing existing knowledge, our training is designed to help individuals and organisations improve safety, competence, and performance.
Yes. The course covers the principles of operation, different detection modes, equipment checks and safe working practices when using CAT and Genny equipment.
Interested in this course?
Get in touch with our training team directly to ask questions, secure your spot, or find out availability.
Prices From £100.00
(Excluding VAT)