Objective

• Reduced risk from the associated health and safety hazards and consequences relating to the damage of utility services and soil instability. • Reduced costs relating to damaged utility services and incorrect excavation practices.

Target Group

Course designed for experienced operatives with an active knowledge of utility operations and excavating practices who will be required to safely excavate and maintain holes and trenches using both hand tools and hand held power.

Examination

This subject will be taught using a blended approach; learning will be within a classroom facility with breakout session, videos, group discussion and practical activities. Assessment of knowledge will be undertaken via a question paper, practical assessment will take place using hand held power tools and hand tools to demonstrate safe excavation techniques.

Course Contents

The standard has been derived from the following National Occupational Standards: • EUSEPUS043 Carry out Excavation Work on Underground Cables in Electricity Power Environment. • EUSMUNC07 Excavate and Maintain Holes and Trenches for Utility Networks Construction. • EUSGNC007 Excavate and Maintain Holes and Trenches for Complex Operations in Gas Network Construction. It also incorporates the relevant requirements of HSE guidance documents: • HSG47 Avoiding Danger from Underground Services. • HSG150 Health and Safety in Construction tools. Achievement of the standard demonstrates effective performance, by being able to demonstrate the following skills and knowledge: • How to interpret utility drawings and line search documents. • How to use safe digging techniques to carry out and maintain excavations. • How to identify the dangers and hazards associated with excavations.