As one of the leading independent contractors in the UK, Forefront Utilities offer comprehensive utility solutions including gas mains installation, repair and maintenance as well as specialist services such as under pressure drilling, line and flow stops and vacuum excavation.

Their aim to provide world class Health, Safety and Welfare of everyone engaged or affected by their activities has seen them recently invest in the latest Cable location technology manufactured by Cable Detection Limited supporting their commitment to a zero incident policy.

Forefront’s need for accurate, easy to use Cable location equipment, like many other contractors within the UK is ever increasing as Forefronts Group Safety Manager Colin Wilder explained: "Even though we are working with live gas the biggest risk to our operatives is still cable damage."

The new EZiCAT i600 and i650 which are manufactured by specialists Cable Detection provide a unique data capture and on board memory function which supports management initiatives to increase on site safety and identify operator training needs. By identifying these needs and further educating users the i600 and i650 make locating underground cables and pipes a more efficient task, ultimately saving time and money.

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Colin explained: "By using the data logging facility on the EZiCAT i650 you are able to tell what percentage of the time the Genny (Signal Generator) has been in use, what modes the Cable Locator has been used in, and average scan times etc. This has enabled us as a company to continue coaching our operatives to make sure they are getting the best use of the equipment issued.

"After our initial training and roll out of the EZiCAT system, the operatives were made aware of the fact that in the event of cable damage the EZiCAT data would be downloaded as part of the damage investigation. They were also made aware that this data would either be their best defense, proving that the cable locator was in use, or it would prove that the equipment was not being used properly at the time of the incident. We have found that the cable damages have been reduced by almost 30% over the same two month period from the previous year.

"We also noticed a marked improvement in the use of the Genny. I feel that it is the increased use of the EZiTEX Signal Generator that has made the biggest difference in reducing the rate of cable damages.

"Not only does the EZiCAT 600 series offer the data logging feature they also build upon the success of Cable Detection’s previous models by maintaining their easy to use features, such as automatic controls, built-in test function, power mode start up and Hazard Zone warning.

"Almost all of our operatives have extensive experience in the use of cable location equipment. However due to the retraining offered by Cable Detection the operatives found using the new EZiCAT i650 and EZiTEX t100 extremely simple. Almost everyone had a good understanding of the new equipment within about 30 minutes, our operatives stated that the EZiCAT was much easier to use and gave them a much better indication of the cable location and depth."