EUSR Category 2 Implemented Safe Excavating Practices Course

Whether it's a construction site, an excavation near underground cables, or a trench for a utility network, poor digging technique can turn a routine job dangerous in an instant. The EUSR Category 2 Implementing Safe Excavating Practices Course gives delegates a solid, practical understanding of safe excavation, so incorrect digging techniques become easy to spot and effective controls become second nature, whether hand tools or handheld power tools are being used.

Created by industry experts and built to meet both EUSR and National Occupational Standards, the course combines theory with practical assessment, developing the skills to carry out Risk Assessments and Permits to Work alongside a solid grasp of the legislation relevant to excavation work. It follows on naturally from the EUSR Category 1 Locate Utility Services Course, since accurate detection is the essential first step before any safe digging can begin.

For a shorter, more focused introduction to detection equipment, the CAT & Genny Cable Avoidance Testing Course covers similar ground at a more basic level, while anyone whose excavation work also involves confined spaces should look at the City & Guilds Confined Space Low Risk (6160-01) Course, since trenches and pits can quickly become confined space environments. Delegates carrying out formal risk assessments as part of their excavation planning will also find the Risk Assessment Online Course a useful companion, and anyone whose site work also involves elevated tasks should keep Working at Height Training in mind too.

Delegates must have a basic understanding of both spoken and written English, and must bring photographic identification such as a passport or driving licence. Delegates must also bring the required PPE for the practical learning and assessment, including a hard hat, high-vis jacket, safety boots, safety goggles, steel cap wellies in winter, and clean clothes and shoes for classroom learning.

By the end of the course, delegates will be able to demonstrate a good understanding of:

• Relevant laws and guidance for excavation, construction and groundworks, including HSWA 1974, CDM 2015, HSG150, HSG47, Work at Height Regulations 2015, PUWER 1998,

  Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, EUSMUNC07, EUSGNC007 and COSVR370

• How to interpret utility drawings, including symbols and coded details
• Safety measures required before beginning an excavation
• Site marking and location checks
• Potential dangers and hazards linked to excavation activities
• Appropriate safe digging methods when performing and maintaining excavations
• How to identify best practice and poor digging practice through targeted training
• Various ground and soil types encountered on site
• Conducting or interpreting Risk Assessments and Permits to Work
• Safe hand-digging techniques

The course is based on the following National Occupational Standards and HSE guidance:

• EUSEPUS043: Excavation Work on Underground Cables (Electricity Power)
• EUSMUNC07: Excavation and Maintenance for Utility Networks Construction
• EUSGNC007: Excavation and Maintenance for Complex Gas Network Operations
• HSG47: Avoiding Danger from Underground Services
• HSG150: Health and Safety in Construction

Delegates are assessed at the end to check their knowledge and understanding of safe excavation and digging techniques. Successful candidates are awarded the EUSR Category 2 qualification and receive an EUSR Smart Photo ID Card, valid for three years, with the course needing to be retaken before expiry to remain on the EU Skills Register.

This utilities is essential for anyone working in the construction industry or utility sector who needs a solid understanding of safe excavation practice, whether that involves working near underground utilities, interpreting utility drawings or carrying out excavation tasks directly. It's equally useful for site managers and supervisors responsible for overseeing safe excavation activities.

Delegates need a basic understanding of both spoken and written English to attend the EUSR Category 2 Implementing Safe Excavating Practices Course, and must bring a form of photographic identification such as a passport or driving licence. 

Delegates must bring the following PPE for the practical learning & assessment:

• A hard hat

• High-vis jacket

• Safety boots

• Safety goggles

• Steel cap wellies (in winter)

• Clean clothes and shoes for classroom learning