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In the last 3 years, Geotec Surveys has aided in the education of over 1,000 workers in the construction and electricity industries.

Geotec Surveys, along with other training providers, has developed a course for National Grid employees. The training course, which covers the health and safety legislation, HSG47 – Avoiding danger from underground services, allows staff to gain expert advice on underground mapping. Over two days, trainees learn the dangers which can arise from work near underground services and listen to advice on how to reduce the risk.

The course deals with the risks to the health and safety of people and forms part of National Grid’s initiative to actively involve its employees and contractors in improving safety performance.

National Grid believes that the course has helped to reduce strike rates across its sites, resulting in a safer working environment.

Dave Reade of DCR Training, a training provider involved in the development of the course said, “Anyone who works near underground services should be properly trained in safe procedures; I’ve trained candidates at all levels from ground workers to directors over the years.”

The course covers underground dangers, precautions for particular underground services, first aid and safe systems of work including planning, safe digging practice and cable and pipe avoidance tools.

Dave continues, "We asked Geotec to present a section dedicated to underground mapping to give a specialist overview of what it entails and the benefits, as well as offering the candidates a chance to ask the experts any questions."

Nigel Knowles, managing director of Geotec added, "The safety of construction workers remains the most important reason for underground mapping and recent changes to CDM legislation lays responsibility for this squarely on the client. It’s vital that those on site are fully trained and understand how striking underground services can be prevented. Having worked on all National Grid’s electrical substations in England and Wales, we are perfectly positioned to offer our knowledge and skills on this crucial area."

Category: Training