Course Duration: Approximately 2 hours
This IIRSM-approved CAT and Genny Training course provides essential knowledge for safely operating Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny).
The course explains common hazards linked to underground utilities, step-by-step procedures for correct tool usage and techniques aligned with HSG47. Participants gain a clear awareness of their responsibilities and best practices for avoiding underground service strikes.
| Course Duration | Approximately 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Approval body | IIRSM |
| Format | Fully online |
| Assessment | Multiple choice |
| Certification | Same-day digital certificate |
| Certificate Valid For | 3 years |
This course contains the following modules:
Provides users with an understanding of the fundamentals of CAT and Genny equipment.
Teaches users effective ways to operate CAT and Genny tools, as well as how to prepare for excavation.
Walks users through what using CAT and Genny equipment actually looks like.
The course certificate includes:
An IIRSM-approved certificate will be available for download and printing instantly upon course completion.
Users must complete an assessment before earning their certificate.
The end-of-course test is:
A score of 80% is required to pass.
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.
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:
These responsibilities are reinforced by several key legislation, including:
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.
Designed 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.
This online CAT and Genny Training course explains how to use a cable avoidance tool (CAT) and a signal generator (Genny) to detect underground services before starting excavation work. It also provides an overview of how these tools work and the surrounding legislation.
This knowledge helps CAT and Genny users identify buried utilities more reliably, helping to prevent strikes that put workers and projects at serious risk.
CAT and Genny equipment detects a range of metallic or electrical underground utilities, including:
CAT scanners pick up passive signals that naturally come from some utilities. The Genny enhances detection by emitting an active signal that can be applied to metallic pipes and cables, allowing the CAT to locate them more accurately.
Using both tools together increases the likelihood of identifying buried services, thereby reducing the risk of accidental strikes during excavation work.
Yes. Regulations require that underground utilities be located and marked before excavation begins. To meet this requirement, detection equipment operators must be competent.
This CAT and Genny Training course provides the knowledge needed to use detection devices effectively and safely. However, completing a CAT scanner course must be complemented with practical, hands-on experience to develop full competency.
The course takes approximately two hours to complete. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the learner’s pace and the time required to complete assessments.
The CAT and Genny Training certificate is valid for three years. After this period, the course must be repeated to renew certification. Periodic refresher training is also strongly recommended to ensure knowledge remains current.
Yes. This course is approved by IIRSM. Once you pass the assessment, you’ll receive an IIRSM-approved CAT and Genny Training certificate, which you can download and print immediately.
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