ENHANCING DAMAGE PREVENTION

In the world of construction and infrastructure development, one of the greatest challenges is preventing damage to underground utilities. Accidental hits on gas lines, electrical cables, or water pipes not only pose safety risks but also result in costly repairs, project delays, and even environmental hazards. However, by embracing Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) practices and incorporating innovative safety measures like …

APPLE VISION PRO X DAMAGE PREVENTION?

Any time there’s a major new product launch like the Apple Vision Pro headset, I try to think of where it could be implemented into the utility and damage prevention industries. The $3500 price point may be a bit of a sticking point so it’s hard to imagine giving them to locators in the field, but maybe supervisors could have …

VHS | WHAT MAKES A GOOD LOCATOR?

Here’s a video from GeoScope TV on the secrets to successful utility locators! “Locating underground utilities may seem challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes easier to avoid mistakes and ensure successful outcomes. In this video, we delve into the key differences between good locators and not-so-good locators. We believe that locating isn’t inherently difficult; it’s the people who …

VHS | LOCATING SUBSURFACE OBSTRUCTIONS

Here’s a video from GPRS on Locating Subsurface Obstructions in Toledo Ohio! – with roving Reporter and Vijay Gentles. “Ground Penetrating Radar Systems LLC is the nation’s largest company specializing in detecting underground utilities, video pipe inspection, and the scanning of concrete structures.” Subscribe to their channel here: GPRS YouTube VHS (Video Highlight Series) is where we shine our spotlight …

Q + A: DIGGING AROUND UTILITIES

 Digging near utilities requires careful consideration to ensure safety and prevent damage. Here are the list of questions we’ll be answering: How should you approach digging around utilities? How can you determine what lies below without digging? How accurate are utility markings? How deep can you go before calling 811? What are the potential consequences of digging without contacting 811? …

VHS | JUMPING A GAP

Ray Taylor from NZ produced this fantastic video on getting a locate signal to jump a gap. This video is informative for industry veterans and newcomers! Ray goes through quite a few different frequencies and shoes the difference between a 1cm gap and earthed gaps. For anyone involved in damage prevention and especially field workers this is a must watch …

VHS | 7 MYTHS ABOUT LOCATING

Savage Group LLC produced this informative video on dispelling myths about utility locating, it’s worth watching and sharing In their own words they, “There are a lot of myths out there about underground utility locating. In this video, we debunk the seven most common ones. If you’re planning to dig, it’s essential to know where your utilities are. Learn the …

IMPROVING YOUR DELIVERABLES

Locate companies are under immense pressure to reduce damages and meet targets with limited budgets. Improving what you provide customers with can help close gaps that One Call / 811 don’t cover, speed up projects and improve relationships. Utility locators can improve the deliverables they provide to customers in several ways: Timeliness: Providing timely deliverables is crucial for customer satisfaction. …

VHS | PERFORMING A QA REVIEW OF UTILITY LOCATES

multiVIEW did this great video of their QA process for utility locates. It’s worth a watch. In their own words they, “a technician can be seen using an electromagnetic locator to detect current in a tracer wire connected to the underground utility line to verify the accuracy of surface utility marks after a Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Quality Level ‘B’ …

WHY ONE CALL / 811 WON’T FIND ALL UTILITIES

Before you start a project that involves excavation or breaking ground—whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, landscaper, or even a large municipality—there is something you have to take into account: There are utilities buried below the ground surface that can cause conflicts, hamper progress, wreak financial havoc on your budget, and even cause physical (and, in the worst case, mortal) harm. …