Safe Excavating Practices Training: Mastering EUSR Category 2

Our accredited Safe Excavating Practices Training (EUSR Category 2) is an intensive one-day course designed for individuals who use hand tools or hand-held power tools to carry out and maintain excavations. This program provides the essential assessment required to achieve industry compliance and dramatically reduce the risks associated with groundbreaking work, reinforcing the safety requirements of HSG 47.

By completing this professional Safe Excavating Practices Training, candidates demonstrate the practical competence needed to work around live underground utilities. Please note that EUSR Category 1 (Locate Utility Services) is a mandatory prerequisite for this course.

Why Is Safe Digging Competence Essential?

Physical excavation near buried services is high-risk work. Obtaining a Safe Excavating Practices Training certificate ensures that your team can:

  • Implement HSG 47 Guidelines: Apply the “Avoidance of Danger” principles during the physical digging phase.

  • Master Tool Safety: Learn the correct techniques for using hand tools and power tools to minimize the chance of service strikes.

  • Enhance Site Safety: Understand ground types and the necessary support systems to prevent trench collapse.

Who Must Attend This Practical Excavation Course?

This specialised training is a critical requirement for professionals in the utilities and construction sectors, including:

  • Groundworkers and Operatives: Those using hand tools to carry out trenching or maintenance of holes.

  • Utility Engineers: Professionals in gas, water, and power who physically expose buried assets.

  • Supervisors: Individuals overseeing teams involved in manual excavation who must ensure safe systems of work are followed.

Key Learning Outcomes for Ground Breaking

The curriculum for our Safe Excavating Practices Training focuses on on-site competence and requires delegates to physically dig a small excavation:

  1. Planning & Preparation: Selecting correct PPE, completing Risk Assessments, and identifying ground types.

  2. Safe Excavation Techniques: Implementing the “Safe Dig” method when using spades, shovels, and power tools.

  3. Hazard Identification: Recognising changing ground conditions and the proximity of underground assets.

  4. Practical Assessment: Demonstrating the ability to excavate safely while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding area.

Course Details & Certification Information

Feature Detail
Duration 1 Day (Practical & Theory)
Accreditation EUSR (Energy & Utility Skills Register)
Validity 3 Years
Prerequisites Valid Category 1 (Locate Utility Services) certificate
Assessment Written test and on-site practical demonstration

Protect your team and prevent service strikes. At Hills Safety Training, our approved instructors provide expert-led Safe Excavating Practices Training at your premises or our facilities. Combine this with our Locate Utility Services (Cat 1) for a comprehensive 2-day bundled safety package. For more information on industry standards, visit the Energy & Utility Skills website.

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