SA022 Track And Locate Underground Services Course
Key Features
Of this SA022 Course:
- Learn to operate electromagnetic locators and signal generators to detect buried cables and pipes
- Interpret signal responses accurately across different utility types and ground conditions
- Apply safe excavation planning using detected utility positions and depths
- Recognise limitations of detection equipment and when to use additional survey methods
- Record and report utility locations in line with current industry documentation standards
- Integrate locating procedures into daily site risk assessments and permit systems
Course Date Availability
SA022 training at the following 12 centres. Prices from £175 per person :
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Course Information
Overview:
SA022 Track and Locate Underground Services provides delegates with the practical skills and technical knowledge required to locate buried utilities before any excavation work begins. The course covers the full range of detection techniques used on UK construction and maintenance sites, including electromagnetic methods, signal induction, and direct connection approaches.
Delegates develop the ability to distinguish between different utility types, assess detection accuracy, and decide when further investigation is necessary. Training emphasises real site conditions such as congested service runs, varying soil types, and the presence of metallic and non-metallic pipes.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for:
- Groundworkers and excavation teams
- Site supervisors and managers responsible for permit-to-dig systems
- Utility installation and maintenance operatives
- Highway and streetworks personnel
- Civil engineering contractors
- Anyone required to verify service locations before breaking ground
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- How to set up and calibrate cable avoidance tools and signal generators correctly
- Techniques for tracing electricity cables, gas pipes, water mains and telecommunications lines
- Methods for determining approximate depth and route of detected services
- How to identify areas where detection results may be unreliable
- Correct marking procedures and the use of standard utility plans alongside on-site readings
- Integration of locating results into safe digging practices and excavation planning
Course Agenda
Overview:
The course runs over one day and combines classroom instruction with extensive practical exercises on a simulated or live services area. Delegates complete both theory and hands-on assessments.
Key Modules Covered
What you will learn:
- Types of underground services and their typical construction
- Principles of electromagnetic detection and signal behaviour
- Equipment operation, function checks and limitations
- Induction, connection and power mode techniques
- Reading and interpreting plans alongside detector results
- Marking, recording and reporting procedures
- Risk assessment integration and safe excavation planning
Private Courses On-site
SA022 Track And Locate Underground Services training is also available as a dedicated course, at your premises, and on a date and time of your choosing. Advantages of group / private course is the convenience of candidates being in familiar surroundings and not having to travel, the lowest price, and the ability to have the course tailored to your own application.
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Accreditation & Next Steps
What you will achieve as a result:
Delegates who complete the assessments receive a certificate confirming they have met the requirements of SA022. The qualification is normally valid for three years, after which a refresher course is required to maintain currency with updated equipment and standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly asked SA022 Track And Locate Underground Services questions:
The course is delivered over one full day, including both theory sessions and practical exercises followed by assessment.
No formal prerequisites are required. Delegates should have a basic understanding of construction site operations and be comfortable working outdoors.
Training covers equipment setup, electromagnetic detection principles, different signal modes, plan reading, marking procedures, equipment limitations and integration with excavation safety planning.
Assessment includes a written theory test and a practical demonstration where delegates must locate and mark a series of buried services using the correct techniques.
Successful delegates receive an SA022 certificate of training that records they have met the required standard for locating underground apparatus.
The certificate remains valid for three years. A refresher course must be completed before the expiry date to maintain the qualification.
SA022 provides broader coverage of multiple utility types, signal interpretation in complex environments, plan correlation and excavation planning rather than equipment operation alone.
Delegates should wear appropriate site PPE including safety boots, high-visibility clothing and gloves. All detection equipment and training materials are provided.
Yes. The practical exercises replicate real site conditions so delegates can apply the locating and marking procedures directly in their daily work.
Delegates are expected to maintain competence through regular use of equipment and to attend a refresher course every three years.
The training explains detection methods for metallic services and discusses the limitations and additional techniques required when non-metallic pipes are present.
Delegates receive feedback and may retake the assessment after further practice. The course provider will advise on the next available opportunity.
Prices per person typically start at £175. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)
More Information
This training focuses on the complete set of skills needed to locate underground apparatus safely and accurately across typical UK site environments. It prepares delegates to make informed decisions about excavation methods based on reliable detection data.
Last updated: Jun 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group