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Cable Avoidance Tool N304
Tuppco training specialise in delivering on-site training tailored to your needs, utilising your equipment at your premises.
COURSE DETAILS
Training Course Type
- On-site training and assessment
Novice Training Course Duration
1 Day
Novice Candidate Numbers
6
Experience Worker Tests per day
6
Variations
- Cable avoidance tool
Card Options
- 5-year NPORS traditional card & certificate
Minimum Age
16
Instructor
Tuppco Instructors
RELATED RESOURCES
FURTHER
INFORMATION
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What is a Cable Avoidance Tool?
Cable Avoidance Tools assist in identifying the location of buried cables and pipes before excavation, reducing the risk of injury to personnel and damage to utilities.
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What does the Tuppco training course include?
- Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator
- Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the particular equipment to be used with other sourses of information and relevant legislation
- Be able to locate and identify the controls of the machine and explain their functions
- Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturers and legislative requirements
- Configure the equipment for use
- Define underground services
- Know how to identify the different types of underground services
- Carry out detection tasks
- Identify the risks of excavating near to underground services, and the safe digging practices that should be adopted.
- Environmental considerations
- Storage and transport of cable avoidance tool
- Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures
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Venue and Equipment Requirements:
- Suitable and safe area to operate equipment
- Known underground services
- Suitable and safe area to complete paperwork
- Suitable welfare facilities
- Cable avoidance tool and genny
- Operators’ manual
- Risk assessment completed
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Theory Assessment:
- 20 multiple choice questions
- 5 written questions
- 4 marks per question
- 80% pass mark required
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Practical assessment criteria:
- Pre use and operational checks
- Demonstrate safe and efficient use of machines
- Demonstrate pinpointing and tracing in “P” mode
- Demonstrate pinpointing and tracing in “R” mode
- Demonstrate pinpointing and tracing in “A” mode
- Shut down and storage requirements
Pass mark is less than 20 penalty points and no mandatory disqualifications
Time allowed is 1 hour
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Where Does Tuppco Deliver Onsite Courses?
Tuppco can deliver onsite training nationwide using venue and equipment supplied
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Objective Of Course
The aim of the NPORS Cable Avoidance Tool (N304) course is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to use CAT equipment safely, accurately detect underground services, and minimise the risk of damage during excavation work.
Key Course Objectives:
- Understand types of underground services and hazards
- Learn correct use, calibration, and handling of cable avoidance tools
- Conduct pre-use checks, risk assessments, and site surveys
- Apply safe scanning techniques for detection of cables, pipes, and buried services
- Record and report findings in accordance with workplace and legislative requirements
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with excavation near underground utilities
- Promote a safety-first approach when working with CAT equipment
By the end of the course, learners will be fully competent and confident in using cable avoidance tools, ensuring safe excavation practices and compliance with industry standards.
What Will Be Awarded
Upon successful completion of the NPORS Cable Avoidance Tool (N304) course with TUPPCO Training, learners will receive an NPORS N304 certificate, confirming competence in the safe use of cable avoidance tools (CAT) to detect underground services and prevent damage during excavation and construction work.
Your Award Will Include:
- Official NPORS N304 Certificate
- Verified competence in using cable avoidance tools to identify underground utilities
- Skills in pre-use inspections, scanning techniques, and hazard awareness
- Knowledge of risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and safe digging procedures
- Understanding of recording, reporting, and emergency protocols
Who the Award Is For:
Suitable for construction workers, utility engineers, landscapers, groundworkers, and anyone involved in excavation, digging, or groundworks where underground services may be present.
How Long The Course Can Take
The NPORS N304 Cable Avoidance Tool course is designed to be practical and efficient:
Course Duration Overview:
- Typically half a day to 1 day, depending on experience and group size
- Covers theory on underground services, CAT operation, hazard identification, and practical scanning exercises
- Includes hands-on assessment to ensure competency
Delivered by qualified TUPPCO Training instructors with extensive experience in CAT operations and safe excavation practices.
TUPPCO Training delivers this course UK-wide, including construction sites, utilities projects, and industrial worksites.
Expert Training On Your Business Site
TUPPCO Training provides on-site cable avoidance tool training, allowing staff to learn using your CAT equipment, in a realistic work environment, ensuring practical application and safety.
Benefits of On-Site Training:
- Tailored to your site layout, tools, and excavation requirements
- Hands-on experience using your CAT devices and detection equipment
- Reduces travel and downtime for staff
- Realistic learning in actual workplace conditions
- Delivered by experienced NPORS-certified TUPPCO Training instructors
Suitable On-Site Locations Include:
- Construction and civil engineering sites
- Utility and pipeline projects
- Landscaping, groundworks, and excavation areas
- Industrial and commercial sites requiring safe digging procedures
TUPPCO Training covers the Cotswolds, Midlands, South West, and across the UK.
FAQs
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Do I Receive A Certificate & Skills Card?
Yes! Upon successful completion of your course, you’ll receive an official certificate and skills card accredited by Lantra, NPORS or Qualsafe recognising your achievement and qualification.
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What Areas Do We Cover?
TUPPCO Training proudly provides expert first aid and workplace training across the Cotswolds, surrounding counties, and nationwide across the UK. We bring our trainers directly to your business, school, nursery, or organisation. Local Cotswold Areas We Cover- Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester, Tewkesbury, Stroud, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water Wider Regional & UK Coverage- We also cover Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, and all areas across the UK, ensuring flexible, high-quality training wherever you are located. If your area isn’t listed, just get in touch—TUPPCO Training travels nationwide.
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Where Do We Deliver Training?
All training is delivered at your site, farm, or another suitable location. We tailor each session to your environment to ensure it’s relevant and practical. Specific arrangements can be discussed in more detail upon request.
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Who Delivers Your Training?
Our training is delivered by Bertie Tupper and a team of fully qualified instructors who are accredited by Lantra, NPORS or Qualsafe. Each trainer brings real industry experience and a passion for helping learners build practical skills and confidence.
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