NPORS Cable Avoidance Tool (N304)

Essential Safety Training for Locating Underground Services

The NPORS Cable Avoidance Training for the N304 category is a mandatory qualification for any operative involved in ground breaking or excavation activities. Because striking underground cables and pipes poses a life-threatening risk and leads to costly infrastructure damage, professional NPORS accreditation is a vital safety requirement. Furthermore, our training ensures that your team complies with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) HSG47 guidelines for avoiding danger from underground services.

Consequently, this course provides operators with the technical skills to use Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) effectively. By completing this program, you ensure your workforce is fully compliant with NPORS industry standards and significantly reduce the risk of utility strikes.

Who Should Attend NPORS Cable Avoidance Training?

This course is suited for anyone involved in surveying, groundworks, or excavation where underground utilities may be present.

  • Utility Contractors: Personnel working on gas, water, or electric network renewals.

  • Groundworkers: Individuals responsible for trenching, fencing, or foundation excavations.

  • Site Surveyors: Professionals conducting pre-excavation checks and mapping services.

  • Telecommunications Engineers: Staff installing fibre optics or maintaining duct networks.

Course Content: What to Expect from NPORS Cable Avoidance Training

Our programme is designed to ensure every delegate can operate cable avoidance equipment safely and accurately under NPORS guidelines. Specifically, the training covers:

  • Legal Requirements: Understanding the legal framework, including HSG47 and the Health and Safety at Work Act.

  • Underground Service Identification: Learning to read utility plans and identify surface indicators like covers and markers.

  • CAT Operational Modes: Mastering Power, Radio, and Genny modes to detect different types of buried services.

  • Using the Signal Generator: Learning how to apply a signal via induction, connection, or a signal clamp.

  • Hazard Identification: Spotting risks such as signal “bleed” and identifying non-metallic services.

  • Equipment Calibration: Performing mandatory pre-use safety and calibration checks on the CAT and Genny.

  • Safe Digging Practices: Understanding the “Trial Hole” method and the limitations of avoidance tools.

Course Details & Certification

Feature Detail
Duration 1 Day (Dependent on candidate experience)
Accreditation NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme)
Capacity Small groups for maximum practical time
Assessment NPORS practical operational test and theoretical assessment
Certification NPORS Operator Card

Why Choose Hills Safety Training?

Our instructors provide hands-on, practical guidance to ensure you are fully confident in using detection equipment in a live site environment. Moreover, our certification is recognised by major utility companies and contractors across the UK. You can also combine this training with our NPORS Micro Excavator Training or NPORS Plant Machinery Marshall to build a comprehensive utility safety profile.

Book Your NPORS Cable Avoidance Training Today

⚠️ Utility strikes are preventable. Ensure you are operating safely and legally with an industry-standard NPORS certificate.