Understanding EUSR Category 1: Locating Utility Services (HSG 47)
When working on projects that involve digging or excavation, knowing where underground utilities are is crucial. Striking a buried utility service can cause service outages, costly repairs, and even serious injuries. The EUSR CAT 1 Locating Utility Services (HSG 47) course helps workers safely locate and identify underground utilities before any digging starts. It is considered the crème da le creme of courses within this subject.
What is the EUSR CAT 1 Locating Utility Services Course?
The EUSR (Energy & Utility Skills Register) CAT 1 Locating Utility Services course teaches participants how to use tools and techniques to locate underground utilities and advance their knowledge around the wider principles of Safe Systems of Work that are implemented. The goal is to avoid accidents and ensure safe digging practices.
Who are EUSR (Energy & Utility Skills Register)?
The Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR) is the online register of training and skills for the energy and utilities industries. Individuals that have undertaken an EUSR training and/or assessment on one of our schemes have these recorded against their EUSR registration; we also sometimes record qualifications and authorisations.
Put simply, EUSR are the quality kite mark for approved training in the utilities sector. PGL Midlands are an approved provider with endorsed training programmes to the National Occupational Standards (NOS).
What does the CAT 1: Locating Utility Services (HSG 47) Course Cover?
The EUSR CAT 1 course covers several key areas to ensure participants can safely and effectively locate underground utilities:
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- Understanding Utility Plans: Learn how to read and interpret utility maps and plans that show where pipes and cables are located.
- Using Detection Equipment: Training on how to use various types of detection equipment, such as cable avoidance tools (CAT) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), to find buried utilities.
- Marking Utilities: Techniques for accurately marking the location of utilities on the ground to guide safe digging practices.
- Safety Procedures: Important safety steps to take before, during, and after locating utilities to ensure the work area remains safe for everyone.
- Practical Exercises: Hands-on practice using detection equipment in real-world scenarios to build confidence and competence.
For a more in depth course overview, please visit our website:
How Long is the Course?
The course typically lasts 6 hours. During this time, participants will go through both classroom learning and practical exercises to ensure they understand the material and can apply it on the job.
Where can I do the Course?
Courses are run at our specialist technical training centre in Birmingham. Take a look at our training calendar for upcoming dates:
Health & Safety Training Calendar
Courses can also be delivered at your own site location.
Assessment and Certification
At the end of the course, there is an assessment to test participants’ understanding and skills both theoretically, and practically. Those who pass receive a certification that is registered with the EUSR. This certification shows that they are qualified to locate underground utilities, enhancing their job prospects and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Can I claim a CITB grant for these courses?
Yes, PGL Midlands are an approved training Organisation and this course attracts a short course grant.
What other EUSR courses are there relating to this topic?
- EUSR Category 2 – Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices – EUSR Category 2
- EUSR Combined Category 1 & 2 – Locate Utility Services and Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices – EUSR Combined Category 1 & 2
Summary
The EUSR CAT 1 Locating Utility Services course is essential for anyone involved in digging or excavation work. By learning how to safely locate and mark underground utilities, workers can prevent accidents, avoid costly damage, and stay compliant with regulations. Investing in this training not only protects workers and the public but also ensures that projects run smoothly and efficiently.
