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CAT and Genny Training Course: Classroom

What Is a CAT and Genny Course?

A CAT and Genny classroom training course provides hands-on instruction in the safe use of Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) to locate underground cables, pipes and other buried services before excavation work begins. This practical training helps workers prevent service strikes, reduce on-site risks and follow HSE guidance HSG47, Avoiding danger from underground services, which says people using locators should be trained in their use.

Who is the CAT and Genny Course Suitable For?

This CAT and Genny course is ideal for construction workers, utility operatives, supervisors, engineers and site managers involved in excavation or groundwork activities where buried services may be present.

Course Content

Delivered in a classroom and practical setting, learners receive expert guidance from qualified instructors and gain real-world experience using CAT and Genny equipment. The course covers the CAT’s detection modes, using the Genny to trace metallic services that the CAT cannot pick up on its own, interpreting signals, pre-use checks, and safe digging practice once services have been marked.

By the end of the course, participants will understand how to carry out a safe and effective scan before digging, follow the correct operational checks, and minimise the risk of injury or damage during excavation.

What a CAT and Genny Cannot Find

A CAT and Genny only detect metallic services or those carrying a signal. Plastic pipes, clay drains and other non-metallic services will not show up, which is why HSG47 combines locating equipment with service plans and safe digging practice. On larger or higher-risk jobs, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) or utility survey can map what a CAT misses. Our sister site, Raybee, helps you find utility surveyors covering your area.

Certification

Successful delegates receive a CAT and Genny training certificate as evidence of their training in cable avoidance and underground service detection.

Delivery Method

This course is delivered in a classroom.

Course Duration

Half-day

Related Training

CAT and Genny Training Course – Online (E-learning)

What Is a CAT and Genny Online Course?

Equip operatives with the expertise to correctly use the Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny). This CAT and Genny training programme covers the fundamentals of CAT and Genny and provides step-by-step instructions on how to use these tools to locate and avoid underground utilities. By taking this IIRSM-approved course, users gain practical knowledge to prevent danger from underground services in line with HSG47.

Who is the CAT and Genny Course Suitable For?

The CAT and Genny course is suitable for operatives and supervisors involved in excavation operations, this training programme teaches users how to effectively use CAT and Genny to mark and avoid underground utilities. The comprehensive course covers the fundamental aspects of CAT and Genny equipment, including their components, functions, legal background and the complete process of operating these tools.

By the end of this training, users will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to use these tools effectively, minimising risks and enhancing project outcomes.

Why Is This Course Important?

Locating underground services, such as electricity cables and gas pipelines, during excavation work is crucial not only for the health and safety of operatives but also to prevent costly disruptions.

To avoid underground service strikes during ground-breaking activities, operators and supervisors must be fully trained in using CAT and Genny equipment. These tools work together to detect signals emitted from hidden pipes and cables.

This course provides practical solutions with detailed instructions on CAT and Genny operation, enabling users to locate and avoid underground services. The knowledge gained ensures a safer work environment and compliance with legal standards.

Are You Aware of Your Responsibilities?

Employers have a duty to ensure the safety of their workforce and the public when undertaking excavation projects. This includes conducting thorough checks for underground utilities using appropriate equipment like CAT and Genny. Key responsibilities include:

  • Conducting risk assessments and implementing safety measures
  • Providing adequate training on CAT and Genny usage
  • Ensuring CAT and Genny scans are conducted before any excavation work
  • Regularly maintaining and inspecting CAT and Genny equipment

These responsibilities are reinforced by several key legislation, including:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR)
  • Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
  • Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)
  • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR)
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)

Failure to fulfil these responsibilities can result in severe legal consequences, financial penalties and increased risk of accidents.

Our course helps employers meet these responsibilities by providing staff with comprehensive training on the effective use of CAT and Genny, supporting compliance with relevant legislation.

What’s Included in the CAT and Genny Training

The CAT and Genny online training course Includes:

  • Comprehensive yet easy-to-follow explanations
  • Certificate on completion
  • Simple login & user access
  • The latest industry best practice

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand CAT and Genny equipment components
  • Know how to locate utilities accurately using these tools
  • Recognise the importance of using CAT and Genny
  • Learn steps to conduct pre-use checks on equipment
  • Learn the legal requirements surrounding excavation safety
  • Discover the step-by-step process of using CAT and Genny
  • Learn how to prepare for excavation with proper documentation

Course Outline

This online CAT and Genny training course contains the following modules:

Module 1: Understanding CAT and Genny

Provides users with an understanding of the fundamentals of CAT and Genny equipment.

  • Understanding CAT and Genny Equipment
  • Why CAT and Genny are Necessary
  • Legal Background
  • CAT Models & Components
  • Genny Components & Accessories
  • CAT Software

Module 2: Operating CAT and Genny

Teaches users effective ways to operate CAT and Genny tools, as well as how to prepare for excavation.

  • Documentation
  • Locating Utilities
  • CAT Pre-Use Checks
  • Selecting the CAT Operating Mode
  • Reading the CAT Display
  • Operating Your CAT
  • Marking Utilities
  • Genny Pre-Use Checks
  • Genny Capabilities
  • Operating Your Genny & Accessories

Module 3: CAT and Genny Walkthrough

Walks users through what using CAT and Genny equipment actually looks like.

  • Doing pre-use checks on CAT and Genny
  • Scanning Excavation Area & Marking
  • Locating Utilities with a Genny

Delivery Method

  • Online / E-learning

Course Duration

  • 1 Hour

Course Assessment

Users must complete an assessment before earning their certification.

The end-of-course test is:

  • 100% online
  • Multiple choice

A score of 80% is required to pass.

What does my certificate include?

Your certificate includes the trainee’s name, company name, course name, date of completion, expiry date and name of the approval body.

An IIRSM-approved certificate will be available for download and printing instantly upon course completion.

Related Training

Training more than one person on this course?

If you have a group to put through this course, it can be delivered at your own premises or a venue near you, on a date that suits your shift patterns. No travel, no overnight stays, and priced for the group rather than per person — which usually works out cheaper per head than booking individual places.

Tell us the numbers and roughly where you are, and we will come back with a written quote. Purchase orders and invoicing welcome.

Get a group quote