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Return to shopStriking an underground utility isn't just incredibly dangerous—it can completely derail a project, cause massive site blackouts, and lead to severe financial penalties. Our NPORS Cable Avoidance Tool (N304) course provides essential, life-saving training for anyone involved in groundworks. Your operatives will learn how to correctly configure the CAT, accurately detect buried services, and adopt safe digging practices before a single bucket hits the dirt.
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Description
Course Overview
Before any excavation begins, site teams must know exactly what lies beneath their feet. This intensive 1-day course is designed for groundworkers, site supervisors, and plant operators who need to confidently and safely identify underground hazards such as power cables, telecoms, and metal pipes.
Delivered in accordance with HSE guidance (HSG47 "Avoiding Danger from Underground Services"), this hands-on training ensures candidates understand the causes of cable strikes and how to prevent them. Operators will master the pre-use checks, configuration, and sweeping techniques of the Cable Avoidance Tool to ensure a completely safe dig zone.
What You Will Learn
Upon successful completion, candidates will be competent in:
Equipment Mastery: Locating and identifying the controls of the Cable Avoidance Tool and understanding its operational modes and limitations.
Pre-Operational Checks: Conducting vital daily checks in accordance with the manufacturer’s handbook to ensure the equipment is calibrated and functioning accurately.
Hazard Identification: Defining and identifying different types of underground services and understanding the severe risks and common causes of utility strikes.
Search & Detection Tasks: Executing structured sweeps and detection tasks to pinpoint underground hazards within a designated work area.
Safe Digging Practices: Identifying the risks of excavating near buried services and adopting industry-standard safe digging practices (such as hand-digging and trial-holing) once a service is detected.
Site Management: Setting up safe exclusion zones and carrying out proper end-of-shift shutdown procedures.
Course Durations & Eligibility
Novice Duration: 1 Day
Class Ratio: Maximum 6 Learners : 1 Instructor : 1 Machine (Highly efficient for training whole groundworks teams at once).
Refresher courses are also available.
Testing & Certification
Candidates must pass both a theoretical multiple-choice exam (80% pass mark) and a strict practical assessment demonstrating their ability to accurately configure the tool, sweep a designated area, and outline safe digging protocols.
Upon successful completion, candidates will receive an NPORS card/certificate endorsing them for Cable Avoidance Tool (N304).