Cat & Genny Training

At Vally Plant Training, we guarantee unbeatable value with our Price Match Promise. When you choose us for your Cat and Genny Course, you can book with confidence, knowing that we will not be beaten on price. If you find a lower price for the same NPORS Cat And Genny Course, we’ll match it—ensuring you receive top-quality training at the best possible rate.

Your skills, our commitment—always at the best price.

CAT & GENNY Training is designed for construction professionals and workers involved in excavation who need to operate Cable Avoidance Tools and Signal Generators. This training is ideal for individuals who have prior experience in excavation but require formal instruction on the safe and effective use of these specific tools to prevent accidental damage to underground services. Participants should have a basic understanding of excavation work, and if unsure of their eligibility for this advanced training, are encouraged to contact our training coordinators for more information.

The CAT & GENNY training program is divided into two main sections: a theoretical module and a practical application module. The theory part covers the principles of operation, safety procedures, and risk assessment associated with underground utility detection. The practical module provides hands-on experience with both the Cable Avoidance Tool and Signal Generator, emphasising field techniques and problem-solving. Upon completion of the Cat And Genny course, participants will receive comprehensive revision materials to reinforce key concepts covered during the training.

CAT and Genny , also referred to as CAT & Genny or CAT and Genny Training, are essential tools used in the construction and utility sectors to help locate and avoid underground cables and pipes during excavation works. CAT, which stands for Cable Avoidance Tool, is designed to detect signals naturally emitted by metallic services like electrical cables. Meanwhile, the Genny, short for Signal Generator, is used alongside the CAT to apply a signal to underground utilities that do not naturally emit detectable signals, such as telecoms or fibre .
Understanding how to operate these tools is crucial for anyone involved in excavation. Proper use of CAT and Genny can prevent costly and dangerous errors, such as accidentally cutting through power lines or water pipes. The training not only focuses on how to use these devices effectively but also covers the best practices for scanning different types of terrain and interpreting the signals received. This ensures that workers can conduct their tasks safely and efficiently, minimising the risk of disruption and damage to underground services.

CAT and Genny Training provides comprehensive instruction on using Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) to locate underground utilities safely. This training is critical to reduce the risk of accidentally striking underground assets during excavation, which can lead to severe safety hazards and financial losses.

Our CAT and Genny Training Course covers:

• Basics of operating CAT and Genny equipment: Understanding the device controls, functions, and proper handling.
• Detection techniques: Learning how to detect different types of services, including electric, gas, and water.
• Practical applications: Hands-on training with both simulated and live environments to practice safe scanning and detection.
• Safety protocols: Emphasising safety procedures to prevent injuries and accidents.
  Legal compliance: Overview of health and safety regulations related to excavation work.

CAT and Genny Training is essential for anyone involved in excavation and groundworks. This includes utility workers, construction workers, civil engineers, site managers, and anyone else who may need to locate underground utilities as part of their job. The Cat And Genny Course is crucial for preventing damage to underground infrastructure like gas, water, telecoms and electrical lines, which can result in costly repairs and dangerous accidents.

Yes, training is highly recommended to use a CAT scanner effectively and safely. While not legally mandatory, proper training ensures that operators can accurately interpret the scanner’s signals and avoid potential hazards when working near underground utilities.

• Course Overview: The Genny Course is designed specifically to train users on the effective operation of the Genny tool, a crucial component of the CAT and Genny system used for detecting underground utilities.
• Key Learning Outcomes:
  → Understanding Genny Signals: Participants will learn how different signals can be applied and traced using the Genny, improving their ability to detect non-metallic utilities such as plastic water pipes.
  → Optimising Signal Strength: Training includes adjusting the Genny’s signal strength to suit various soil conditions and utility types, ensuring clearer and more accurate detections.
  
• Practical Applications:
  → Hands-on Practice: Extensive field practice sessions are included to give participants real-world experience in using the Genny effectively.
  →Troubleshooting Common Issues: Learners will be taught how to troubleshoot common operational issues to minimise downtime and enhance field productivity.
  
• Advanced Techniques:
  → Using Genny with CAT4: Instructions on how to integrate Genny use with the CAT4 detector for enhanced detection capabilities.
  → Interpreting and Mapping: Skills in interpreting the Genny’s output and using integrated mapping tools for accurate utility mapping.
  
• Safety Protocols:
  → Safe Operation Practices: Emphasis on safety measures to prevent accidents during the use of high-frequency signals.
  → Maintenance and Daily Checks: Training on regular maintenance routines and daily checks to keep the Genny in optimal working condition.
• Certification:
  → Qualification and Certification: Upon completion of the course, participants receive a certification that validates their proficiency in using the Genny tool according to industry standards.

• General Scanning Techniques:
  → Sweeping Motion: Always use a slow, steady sweeping motion with the CAT device. Begin scanning at least a few meters away from the expected area of the utilities to avoid missing any signals.
  → Directional Scans: Perform scans in multiple directions — both parallel and perpendicular to the expected direction of the utility lines to ensure thorough coverage.
  → Depth Perception: Adjust the depth settings based on preliminary scans to get an accurate depth estimate of buried utilities.
• Specific Use of Genny:
  → Direct Connection: When available, use the direct connection method with the Genny to induce a precise signal into a specific utility line. This is particularly useful in crowded areas with multiple utility lines.
  → Induction Mode: Use the Genny’s induction mode when direct connections are not possible. Ensure the Genny is placed on the ground vertically for optimal signal transmission.

Getting Ready:

• Check the Tools: Make sure the CAT and Genny are ready to use and have full batteries.
• Set Up the Genny: Pick the right sound for the Genny to use so it can find wires or pipes under the ground. If you can, connect the Genny to the pipe or wire with a special wire.

Using the Genny:

• Stand it on the Ground: Put the Genny on the ground where you think there might be something hidden. Turn it on to send a beep into the ground.
• Connect it for Better Finding: Sometimes, you connect the Genny to something like a pipe for a clearer beep.

Using the CAT:

• Start with Power Mode: Turn on the CAT and use the power mode to find beeps from wires that are on.
• Try Radio Mode: Next, switch to radio mode to hear beeps from metal things like pipes.
  Finally, Use Genny Signal Mode: Use this mode to hear the special beeps from your Genny to find hidden stuff like plastic pipes.

• Move Slowly: Walk slowly with the CAT over the area. If you move too fast, you might miss some beeps.
• Check in a Cross Pattern: First walk in one direction and then the other direction to make sure you cover all the area.

• Listen to the Beeps: A loud beep means you are close to a wire or pipe. If the beep sounds the same as you move, it probably means you found a wire or pipe.

• Look Before You Dig: Always check by looking in the hole to make sure what the CAT and Genny found before you start digging.
• Keep the Tools Working Well: Make sure your tools are working right by checking them often.
• 500 mm from utilities; Always use insulated digging tools when close to underground utilities

• Cat & Genny Training Available 7 days a week to suit your business requirements.
• VPT have a team of friendly and approachable instructors, who have a wealth of knowledge of cable avoidance and the construction industry
• We have our own training centre conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, In Tewkesbury. With its own purpose-built practical training area to simulate an actual working environment for the cat & genny course.
• Our Cable Avoidance training and test packages are priced to be competitive. Discounts are available for multiple bookings
• We can send a fully qualified NPORS cat & genny Tester to your site nationwide, to reduce the amount of time away from work

Enhance workplace safety with our specialised Lift Supervision Training, Slinger Signaller Training, Telehandler Training, Cat & Genny Training,  Abrasive Wheel Training, Appointed Person, Lorry Loader Training and Crusher training programs. Equip your team with essential skills for a safer and more efficient work environment.