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chance to be the first line of defense for the company. You are the one that brings the lines to the surface. We also get
to interact with the public. As a Pastor, I love to fellowship with folks. And the fact, that every day is a new challenge.” When Cody is out locating, he may have a customer who comes out a little frustrated about why he is putting paint
on the ground. “My response is to encourage that customer that it is my job to keep your water flowing. If I do not locate these lines, someone may hit your lines and you will not have water.”
Speaking of challenges, Cody gave me a list of challenges
that are presented to locators. One of the big ones is the weather. “We typically try to stay a day or so ahead for our locate tickets. If it is a rainy day, you are going to have a hard time getting paint to stick. We use flags when we need to, and we try not to use them in residential areas. Some property owners may pull those flags up or run over them with a lawnmower.” Along with the weather, Cody told me that natural disasters, like tornadoes – which Rutherford County has faced a number of times in recent years – make it tough for locators. Another challenge Cody mentioned is the traffic in a growing community like Murfreesboro. “When you are working in a busy intersection, there is a ton of traffic, and some folks are not attentive. They are focused on their phones and devices more than driving. We try to time things right and go to that intersection when it is less busy.”
When I asked Cody what one recommendation he would make for other locators or future locators to be successful, he told me this. “Slow down and absorb what the locate tickets ask you to do. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings.”
A story that goes hand in hand with Cody’s quote is the job site safety component of locating. “The other day there was a wreck at a job site of where I had a locate request. I did not want to walk off into hot electrical wires on the ground where a light pole was smashed by the car crash. Before I went on the scene, I went over to the electric truck and asked the guys if there were any hot lines on the ground. I was told we were good, and it was safe to locate. A young locator may not take that step for safety. It is important to think about each job site and be familiar with any dangers.”
I would like to thank Scott Calamusa, Cody Turner, and all the folks at CUD for being advocates for damage prevention. Remember, always Call or Click 811 before you dig!
Do you know a Damage Prevention MVP who deserves recognition? Send an email to jfryer@tennessee811.com
2024, Issue 1
Tennessee811 • 5