In this episode, Ben from Geelong Cable Locations, Geoff from Locators, and Danny from In Depth Locations share their expertise on the art and science of utility locating. They explore essential topics such as the various quality levels involved in the industry, offer insights into the best types of paint for marking, and provide practical tips for accurate and efficient …
WHAT MAKES A GOOD LOCATOR?
I was watching this video recently about what makes a good locator, and it got me thinking about the qualities that truly define excellence in this critical role. Utility locating is more than just a job – it’s a responsibility that requires precision, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety. The importance of this role cannot be overstated. …
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION
Effective and transparent communication is the backbone of safety in the utility industry. In an environment where small oversights can have catastrophic consequences, ensuring that all stakeholders – from utility companies and contractors to locators and excavators – are aligned is paramount. Too often, preventable accidents occur due to gaps in communication, leading to service disruptions, costly repairs, and even …
UA / ISSUE 107
“When we protect underground utilities, we’re not just preventing damage—we’re protecting lives and the environment.” Welcome to this issue of Utility Alert, here’s the top 10 stories from the last week: Louisiana leads nation in broadband expansion, but some don’t dig the success: READ He struck an underground electric line… and lived! WATCH Exploring the Global Impact of Trenchless …
VHS | I HIT UTILITIES & LIVED
The video highlights a significant lesson in damage prevention, focusing on the necessity of being thorough even when you think you’ve covered your bases. In this case, an experienced contractor believed he had accurate information on utility lines but failed to call for an 811 utility mark before beginning work. This led to striking a high-voltage line during an excavation …
IS TICKET SCREENING RIGHT FOR YOU?
Utility companies often face the critical decision of whether to implement ticket screening as part of their operations. For many, this process can lead to significant time and cost savings, but it there’s a few things to consider in how you implement screening depending on your priorities. The key to determining what type of ticket screening is right for your …
UA / ISSUE 106
“Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle.” | James Russell Lowell. Hope you had a great 8/11 day. Here’s the latest damage prevention and utility news: 811 Day & The Excavator: WATCH Can the Grid Handle the New Energy Reality? READ Gamifying Damage Prevention: READ Conquering …
VHS | NATIONAL 811 DAY
In (belated) celebration of National 811 Day, it’s vital to remind everyone of the critical message: always call 811 before starting any digging project. The shared video underscores this point by showcasing the expertise and diligence of utility locators.The video features Sarah, an in-house locator at Duquesne Light, who explains how locators use electromagnetic devices to detect underground utilities accurately. …
DEEPFAKES & DAMAGE PREVENTION
In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, the integration of sophisticated geo techniques and game theory principles could and hopefully will transform our industry and move the needle in damage prevention. This article delves into the synergy between these concepts, exploring how super-resolution satellite imagery, enhanced through Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), is revolutionizing our ability to audit, monitor, and improve safety …
GAMIFYING DAMAGE PREVENTION
I’ve been using DuoLingo a bit recently and it’s been bringing out my competitive side. I don’t like droppoing out of the leaderboard and I’m not going to let my streak go! I was thinking about how we could apply some of these strategies to our industry and what we might gain from it. To address the damage prevention industry’s …