Utility Excavations – Category 1: Locate Utility Services (HSG47)

Category 1: Locate Utility Services (HSG47) covers the minimum training and assessment required for those working to safely detect utility services using recognised and approved detection methods. The standard has been derived from the following National Occupational Standards:

• EUSMUNC06 Locate and Avoid Services for Utilities Network Construction
• EUSEPUS044 Location and Identification of Underground Utility Services in the Electricity Power Utilities

It also incorporates the relevant requirements of HSE guidance documents:

• HSG47 Avoiding Danger from Underground Services
• HSG150 Health and Safety in Construction

Achievement of the standard demonstrates effective performance, by being able to demonstrate the following skills and knowledge:

• Interpret utility plan drawings and identify symbols and coded information
• Prepare and use location equipment to locate a range of underground services
• Identify the dangers and hazards associated with underground services
• Recognise why some services are more difficult to locate
• Carry out site marking using appropriate methods