EUSR - Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices and Locate Utility Services Combined Course

Course Overview

This comprehensive two-day course combines both EUSR Category 1 – Locate Utility Services and EUSR Category 2 – Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices, providing operatives with the knowledge and practical skills required to locate, identify, and safely excavate around underground utility services.
Developed in line with the standards set by the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR), this course equips participants to carry out excavation work confidently, compliantly, and with a strong focus on personal and site safety. Learners will gain hands-on experience using service location tools and performing safe excavation techniques around buried infrastructure.

Who Should Attend?
This training is ideal for:
• Utility and groundwork operatives
• Civil engineering and construction workers
• Street works, highways and infrastructure teams
• Anyone who locates or excavates near underground services

No prior qualifications are required. The course is suitable for new operatives or as refresher training for experienced personnel.

Course Content
Day 1 – Category 1: Locate Utility Services
• Overview of underground utility types and associated risks
• How to read and interpret utility drawings and site plans
• Use of Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny)
• How to locate and mark out buried services safely
• Legal compliance and best practice (HSG47, PAS 128)
• Site documentation, permits, and real-world application

Day 2 – Category 2: Implement Safe Excavating Practices
• Planning and preparing for safe excavation work
• Selecting appropriate tools and excavation methods
• Use of hand tools and handheld power tools near services
• Trench safety, access, guarding and emergency procedures
• Environmental considerations (contaminated ground, water ingress)
• Risk assessments, permits to dig, and incident response

Course Duration
• 2 Days (Typically 7–8 hours per day, including breaks)
• Delivered with a mix of classroom-based learning and practical hands-on assessment

Assessment & Certification
• Written multiple-choice assessments for both categories
• Practical observation of CAT & Genny use and safe excavation techniques
• Successful learners receive individual EUSR registration cards for Category 1 and Category 2, each valid for 3 years