The construction industry is constantly exposed to the risk of causing accidental damage to underground utilities such as electric cables, fibre optic cables, gas mains, water mains and other underground hazards. For the contractor, striking one of these services accidentally, can at worst result in a fatal accident and in almost all cases will incur very high repair costs.
Personal injury and compensation claims can also lead to higher insurance premiums and potentially, the total loss of insurance cover, whilst damage to plant and machinery can delay the contract and incur additional penalties. Add to this charges for traffic delays and road damage, contractors are under significant pressure to minimise excavation risks. Why do these problems occur? Quite simply, because existing records are not sufficiently accurate and non-metallic services have been undetectable – until now.
For some years the principle technology available to assist detection of these utilities has been electro-magnetics packaged into the now commonly used CAT device, (a Cable Avoidance Tool). Combined with generators (Genny) these devices are effective detection products, however they can only detect some power and some metallic services. The substantial installation of "inert" materials such as plastic gas and water pipes, fibre optic cables as well as clay and concrete drainage systems has created a major difficulty for any organisation needing to know what's below the surface.
The introduction of ground probing radar products in the late 1990's has led to the emergence of a new market service…. non-invasive underground surveying which can detect these previously undetectable non metallic utilities.
Sumo Services Ltd: Incorporated under the laws of England & Wales / Company Registration No 4275993
Registered Office: Unit 10 Hayward Business Centre, New Lane, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 2NL
