This week, SOMA Bedrijfsopleidingen provided a customized training. Locating cables and pipes for a group of legal experts from the National Inspectorate for Digital Infrastructure (RDI). Under the guidance of lecturer Sytze Kloosterman, the participants were introduced to the practical aspects of underground work. This includes digging, drilling, piling, and the installation of piles and masts. Knowledge of the subsurface is essential for these activities to prevent damage to cables and pipelines.
The training combined theory and practice and was specifically tailored to the work of the RDI. As a result, participants gained insight not only into the technical aspects of cable and pipeline localization, but also into the daily practice of the professionals working on and around underground infrastructure.
The day started with a theoretical explanation of locating cables and pipelines. This covered various localization methods, the role of drawings, and the risks of discrepancies in cable and pipeline information.
Subsequently, the participants went out into the field themselves. During various assignments, they experienced how cables and pipelines are located and what challenges can arise. It became apparent that practice is often less predictable than it appears on paper.
The practical assignments took place at SOMA’s Living Lab. This unique training ground is designed as a realistic reflection of underground infrastructure. Here, participants can experience in a controlled environment what they encounter in practice outdoors. Various cables, pipes, and other objects representative of daily practice have been installed underground. The situation above ground is also realistically set up, including asphalt paving and street work. This allows participants to carry out work under conditions that closely resemble real projects.
For the legal experts at the RDI, this offered a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the challenges that can arise during underground work and why carefully locating cables and pipelines is so important.
“Only when you are out in the field yourself do you see how complex the subsurface can be in practice,” says lecturer Sytze Kloosterman. “Cables are not always located where you expect them. Experiencing this firsthand creates a greater understanding of the challenges that contractors face on a daily basis.”
Because the participants, in their roles, supervise activities related to the digital infrastructure, the training was specifically tailored to their daily practice. In addition to the regular course material, the cable detection equipment used by the RDI was also covered.
This customized approach ensured that the link between regulations, supervision, and execution became immediately visible. By experiencing firsthand how work is carried out underground, a greater understanding is gained of the technical, organizational, and safety aspects that play a role in preventing damage to cables and pipelines.
For the participants, the day offered a valuable insight into the world behind the laws and regulations. It was precisely the combination of theory and practice that made it clear that situations underground are not always black and white and that cooperation between various parties is essential.
With this customized training The RDI legal experts gained not only more insight into cable and pipeline localization, but also a better understanding of the practice where supervision, execution, and safety converge.
SOMA Bedrijfsopleidingen regularly develops customized training programs for government bodies, clients, and companies within the construction, infrastructure, and engineering sectors. In doing so, we align with the participants' daily practices and the specific challenges within their organizations.
Curious what a customized training what this means for your organization? Contact one of our account managersThey are happy to help find a suitable training solution.
RDI legal experts receive an explanation of cable and pipeline localization at SOMA's Living Lab. During practical assignments, participants experience firsthand the challenges that can arise during underground work.
