Determining the precise locations of underground utilities and subsurface structures can get pretty complicated and is fraught with misconceptions. From the widely held belief that calling 811 will unveil all buried lines to assumptions about the infallibility of ground penetrating radar (GPR), let’s unravel some of the common myths surrounding utility locating and equip you with the facts essential for …

Over the last few weeks, there have been some major stories coming out of the insurance industry, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters like California. State Farm’s recent decision to discontinue coverage for a substantial number of properties in the state serves as a potent example of these shifts. The rationale behind this move included escalating costs, heightened risk …

I was skimming through r/utilitylocator the other night and came across a post which asked “Should Utility Locating & SUE be regulated?” and I thought it would be interesting to open up the discussion here.  For context, the original poster of the question strongly believes that private utility locating should be regulated to some extent, similar to how other professions …

Looking forward to 2028, with the set target of achieving the 50 in 5 milestone, the excavation industry faces significant challenges ahead. However, it’s reassuring to note that many of the solutions needed for progress are already accessible and implemented in various states or industries. This week I’m looking at electronic white lining which I mentioned in my post yesterday …

Utility locating is truly a multifaceted craft, requiring a blend of independence, adaptability, problem-solving, attention to detail, and expertise. Each fresh locate presents its own set of challenges and surprises, demanding not only the standard array of equipment but also the right attitude, awareness, an open mind, positivity, a reliable phone, and even a hefty chunk of metal. Let’s delve …

A Critical Imperative for Safety and Efficiency We’ve been onboarding a lot of new clients lately and part of my role is information gathering. During this time I take a look at their previous processes and paperwork. The huge variance in quality of reports is pretty alarming, and I thought it would be worth exploring the need for standardization in …

Safeguarding Utility Infrastructure The old adage “prevention is better than cure” succinctly captures the essence of proactive decision-making especially in damage prevention. Emphasizing the importance of foresight and precautionary measures, this saying underscores the value of averting problems before they arise rather than addressing them after the fact.  This isn’t always possible in damage prevention but right now the American …

As we step into 2024, we’re once again met with fresh challenges and opportunities in damage prevention. The past year’s experiences have illuminated the path toward greater safety, innovation, and collaborative progress within the industry. Building upon the foundations laid and acknowledging the evolving nature of damage prevention, it’s time to chart a course for 2024 – a year dedicated …

Christmas is nearly upon us, and in the spirit of giving, I’ve curated a comprehensive list of the most cherished and effective equipment and apparel beloved by locators in their day-to-day work. This list is the result of talking to people in the industry who test their apparel everyday in the field. FOOTWEAR Irish Setter boasts an extensive collection of robust, …