Page 11 - TEnnessee

Simple Recipe
By Dean Anderson Damage Prevention Liaison East TN
In the utility locating profession within the construction/ engineering/utility industry, the locator plays a critical role in crafting a “recipe” for accurate and meaningful utility locates. Often, this process requires following established guidelines, techniques, and standards set by others. Ultimately, the success of this recipe is measured by the results it yields.
A well-executed locate process can lead to successful outcomes that meet industry standards. Each locator may personalize their approach to suit their unique style, but certain foundational steps are essential for a successful locate:
First and foremost is Safety. Locators must maintain strong situational awareness, employing strategies such as defensive driving, proper parking, and the use of safety cones and lights to stay alert to their surroundings. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and keeping a cell phone handy are vital for ensuring a safe work environment.
Next, Review the Locate Ticket to confirm the address, due date, and whether it falls under high-profile criteria. Clarity in marking instructions is crucial, and any ambiguities should
be addressed before proceeding.
Upon arriving on site,
conduct a thorough Site
Assessment to identify all
potential utilities that could
affect your locate. Look for
tangible utility elements such as meters, test stations, manhole covers, and access points that can aid in your work. It’s also essential to Check All Records prior to starting the locate, noting the general location, material type, and size of the utilities.
The most critical step, aside from maintaining safety, is Performing the Locate itself. Choose a suitable access point and the best location to place your equipment for completing the circuit, ensuring a strong signal. Using the lowest signal frequency minimizes interference from other utilities. Always conduct a full 360-degree sweep of the area to accurately pinpoint the target utility, marking it clearly with paint, flags, and offsets. Adhering to the ticket’s scope is crucial, particularly for liability reasons in the event of utility damage.
After the locate, Verification is Essential. Both locators and utilities
acknowledge that the prints are guidelines, and thorough
verification ensures all utilities are
accounted for, leading to a logical
endpoint. Double- Check Your Results against the
prints to confirm that all lines are marked and within the ticket’s scope. Finally, Restore the Site to ensure it’s safe, closing all access points and retrieving any locate equipment.
Documentation is a key component of this process. This is where locators can include valuable notes about contractor interactions, abnormal operating conditions, or difficulties encountered during the locate. Using pictorial documentation, including geographic information, tells the story of the utility location in a visual format.
Ultimately, the recipe for successful locating centers on the safe operation of all parties involved. While some
may choose to bypass certain steps without immediate consequences, skipping critical components can lead to disappointing outcomes. Just as in cooking, omitting key ingredients might result in a dish that looks fine but leaves a bitter taste.
2024, Issue 4 Tennessee 811 • 9