Detection of buried utilities for construction using electromagnetic location – EML Training

Duration

6 guided learning hours

Purpose/scope

The purpose of this standard is to provide the delegate with the knowledge to support the following:

Scope:

• HSG47 requirements in accordance with using EML equipment
• safe working practices to include relevant or generic permits and specific client-based risk assessments, and method statements (RAMS)
• EML Theory and limitations
• product inspections and pre work tests as recommended by the manufacturer
• equipment operation and application methods
• signal transmitter application techniques
• accessories and applications
• data logging properties and benefits

Occupational relevance

Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational group(s):

• operative and craft
• supervision
• management and leadership

Delegate pre-requisites

Delegates must be competent in English at operative level

Instruction/supervision

As a minimum, course trainers must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:

• an award in education and training (or equivalent, as per requirements for approved training organisations)
• successfully completed training to this standard
• at least 2 years relevant industrial experience
• a verifiable CV

Delivery

Delivery may be in an on or off the job environment

All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for delegates to achieve learning outcomes and must comply with relevant legislation

The class size and delegate/trainer ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable delegates to achieve the learning outcomes

Training should be delivered utilising the specific equipment (model/range to be stipulated on the training certificate) being used by the end users/customers

Training should not be delivered using mixed brands and model equipment

The following delivery methods may be used in the delivery of this standard:

• face to face learning environment only (such as classroom/workshop etc.)

This standard is considered to contain 51% or more practical training

This standard is set at a basic level

Assessment

Methods of assessment considered appropriate for training delivered against this standard are:

For the successful completion of training, delegates must complete an end of course practical assessment or knowledge test that measures all learning outcomes and has a pass or fail criteria

Where this training is assessed using multiple-choice questions, a minimum of 10 questions must be asked and delegates are required to achieve an overall pass mark of at least 80%

Practical assessment criteria to include but not limited to:

• practical area risk assessment
• practical area visual reconnaissance verifying the presence of utilities using visual and recorded data and or possible signal interference/obstructions
• transmitter connection to an established buried utility using the connection set (leads), locate and pinpoint connected and or other utilities
• use of signal/induction clamps
• voltage check of assets prior to direct connection i.e., streetlights, domestic pipes etc.
• obtain several depth estimations and verify their reliability.
• locate and pinpoint utilities in induction mode
• demonstrate induction null mode
• demonstrate the effect of altering the position of the transmitter in induction mode
• locate and pinpoint in passive modes work area
• demonstrate applicable accessories if required e.g., sondes, trace rods, property connection sets

Quality assurance

Assured

Quality assurance against this standard will require initial approval of the training organisation and their content mapped to the standard.

CITB will also conduct an approval intervention, either desk-based or centre visit, to ensure the training organisation can meet the requirements of the training standard

Approved training organisations (ATOs) will be required to present information on records of training and assessment upon request to CITB for desk-based analysis. They will also be visited annually by the CITB quality assurance team

Renewal

Renewal every 3 years

Buffer / grace period 

3 months

Classification

Mandatory Renewal

Approval date

September 2022

Review cycle

On request or 3 years from approval date

Learning outcomes

Including additional guidance to support training delivery and final assessment

The delegate will be able to:

describe and demonstrate HSG47 requirements in accordance with using electromagnetic location (EML) equipment

Delivery guidance:

Planning

• how to obtain plans
• advantages of accessing updated/new plans
• identification of utilities and features using the provided key/legend
• supply and verification of applicable safety equipment (PPE)
• the importance of using existing or implementing generic safe excavation procedures such as risk assessments, method statements, permits to dig and existing RAMS

Cable and pipe locating

• check the equipment for condition and conformity and adhere to any specific manufacturers recommendations for equipment checks and verifications
• check the surrounding area for indications of existing utilities and cross reference to plans if applicable
• check area for possible obstructions that may interfere with the performance of the EML equipment and application
• maintain manufacturers recommended application methods and or best practice for specific location and environments

Safe excavation

• the importance of using existing or implementing generic safe excavation procedures such as risk assessments, method statements, permits to dig and existing RAMS
• HSG47 safe excavation methods in relation to using EML (requirement for training, understanding application methods and limitations, mechanical excavation exclusions) if not already included in existing RAMS

Assessment criteria:

• reference current Utility drawings to the area to be surveyed if available
• demonstrate equipment checks to establish condition and conformity
• complete a check of the surrounding area to be surveyed for indications of existing utilities
• complete a check of the area to be surveyed for possible obstructions that may interfere with the performance of the EML equipment and safe application
• employ manufacturers recommended application methods and or best practice for specific location and environments
• describe and demonstrate equipment tests

Delivery guidance:

• specific manufacturers recommendations for testing or verifying the equipment’s suitability pre work
• product features/overview

Assessment criteria:

• demonstrate application of manufacturers recommendations for testing or verifying the equipment’s suitability pre work

explain EML Theory and limitations

Delivery guidance:

• how electromagnetic (EM) signals are generated and received by the locator and how the equipment’s application can affect the reliability and accuracy of utility locating
• the possibility of external influences affecting the reliability and accuracy of the EM signals
• how the locator works in the passive modes and the limitations of the signals being received by these modes
• appropriate application methods to overcome passive mode limitations
• benefits of the primary use of the transmitter mentality
• limitations created by the utilities, material, location, position, and structure
• possible consequences of using passive modes for utility identification

Assessment criteria:

• describe how electromagnetic (EM) signals are generated and received by the locator and how the equipment’s operation and applications can affect the reliability and accuracy of utility locating
• explain the possibility of external influences affecting the reliability and accuracy of the EM signals
• demonstrate use of active and passive modes to locate utilities

explain locator operation and application methods

Delivery guidance:

• manufacturers recommendations for using the equipment to scan the work area and locate utilities
• possible difficulties in locating in areas populated by numerous utilities or other non-utility conductive features
• consequences of not conducting the recommended application methods
• shallow utility warnings/alerts specific to the training equipment

Assessment criteria:

• demonstrate using the equipment to pinpoint utilities and identify on the ground within a defined area no less than 2m x 2m if possible

describe data logging (if applicable)

Delivery to include:

• benefits of data logging and its effect on product application and behavioural patterns
• data examples including reports and GPS data images

Assessment criteria:

• describe the benefits of data logging and its effect on product application and behavioural patterns

describe and demonstrate use of the signal transmitter

Delivery guidance:

• product overview
• benefits and possible applications of (applicable) high/mid and lower frequencies
• explanation of signal crossover and possible advantages/disadvantages
• applications or alterations to reduce or increase signal crossover
• product features and benefits
• benefits of using the transmitter
• connection application, techniques, and benefits (tracing to a specific feature)
• induction applications, techniques, and benefits
• depth estimations, verifications, and limitations
• overview of applicable optional accessories

Assessment criteria:

• demonstrate the use of Signal/Induction Clamps
• discuss benefits and possible applications of (applicable) high/mid and lower frequencies
• demonstrate induction applications, techniques, and benefits
• discuss connection application, techniques, and benefits (tracing to a specific feature)
• demonstrate depth estimations, verifications, and limitations

Additional information about this standard

• HSE HSG47 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg47.htm 
• BSI PAS128 https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/standards/pas-1282022/ 
• HSE PUWER https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/puwer.htm 
• HSE HSWA https://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm