Cat and Genny - Cable Avoidance

1. Cat (Cable Avoidance Tool):

   • Function: Detects underground services such as electrical cables, gas pipelines, and telecommunications.
   • Types of Detection:
     • Passive Detection: Identifies signals naturally emitted by metallic cables and pipes.
     • Active Detection: Works with the Genny to apply a signal to a specific service for easier detection.
   • Modes:
     • Power Mode: Detects signals from live electrical cables.
     • Radio Mode: Identifies re-radiated radio signals from metallic pipes and cables.
     • Genny Mode: Locates signals generated by the Genny for precise detection.

2. Genny (Signal Generator):

   • Function: Generates a signal that the Cat can detect, improving the accuracy of locating underground services.
   • Application: Direct connection to metallic pipes and cables or induction via a clamp for non-contact signal application.

Health and Safety Benefits:

1. Prevention of Accidents:

   • Reduces the risk of striking and damaging underground utilities, which can cause electric shocks, gas leaks, and water bursts.
   • Minimizes the danger to workers and the public by preventing utility service interruptions and associated hazards.

2. Compliance with Regulations:

   • Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations that mandate the identification and marking of underground utilities before excavation.
   • Helps avoid legal and financial penalties associated with utility strikes and resulting damages.

3. Improved Efficiency:

   • Increases the efficiency of excavation work by accurately identifying underground utilities, reducing the time and effort required to locate them manually.
   • Minimizes project delays caused by unexpected utility strikes.

4. Training and Best Practices:

   • Emphasizes the importance of proper training for operators to ensure effective and safe use of the Cat and Genny system.
   • Encourages the adoption of best practices for pre-excavation planning, including the use of up-to-date utility maps and conducting thorough site surveys.

Usage Procedure:

1. Pre-Operational Checks:

   • Ensure the Cat and Genny devices are in good working condition and fully charged.
   • Conduct a visual inspection for any damage or defects.

2. Surveying the Site:

   • Use the Cat in passive modes (Power and Radio) to detect any naturally emitting signals from underground utilities.
   • Apply the Genny signal to specific services for precise detection using the Cat in Genny mode.

3. Marking Detected Services:

   • Clearly mark the detected underground services on the ground to guide excavation activities.
   • Use color-coded markers as per industry standards to indicate different types of utilities.

4. Continuous Monitoring:

   • Regularly re-scan the area during excavation to detect any utilities that may have been missed initially.
   • Adjust excavation plans based on the updated detection data to avoid utility strikes.

Conclusion: The Cat and Genny system is an indispensable tool in ensuring the health and safety of workers during construction and excavation activities. By accurately detecting underground utilities, it helps prevent accidents, ensures regulatory compliance, and enhances operational efficiency. Proper training and adherence to best practices are crucial for maximizing the benefits of this technology.