World’s first excavator-mounted cable avoidance tool

EZiDIG, the world’s first excavator-mounted buried-service avoidance tool, is designed to add an additional level of safety to excavation operations by cutting the amount of damage caused to buried services by excavators, reducing the risk to excavator operators, decreasing project downtime and enhancing productivity. Developed by Staffordshire-based Cable Detection Ltd and primarily aimed at construction and utility contractors, the system is able to detect buried services while the excavator is being used.

Traditionally, hand-held locators have been used to scan an area before excavation begins, with best practice recommending frequent repeat scans as digging progresses. However, errors due to human failure can result in damaged services, machinery and injured site workers. EZiDIG is said to benefit any excavation project as it scans the area continuously during excavation, thereby significantly reducing the risk to excavator operators and leaving them in control of their own environment.

The EZiDIG sensor unit is attached to the excavator’s dipper arm and communicates in real time with the driver when it locates electromagnetic signals emitted by buried metallic services, thus avoiding costly and dangerous cable strikes. This is made possible by the system’s special set-up: the sensor, attached to the excavator with a high-strength magnet assembly, is connected to the power supply box and the display screen situated in the driver’s cab.

In designing the EZiDIG, Cable Detection say they have answered the market need for a tool that is easy to use, reduces training times and, most importantly, can accurately pinpoint cables prior to excavation.

For further information contact Yvonne Conway on tel: (01782) 654454.