Make sure your staff is trained – is it enough?
Training means nothing. The problem with most training is it only shows you how to use equipment. It trains you how to turn it on and how to operate. Rarely more than that.
It was our nightmare for nearly two decades to watch and to be asked to locate services without being taught how to do it. With no adequate training being in place we came up with some simple ideas – a table with guidance on which method should be used and when. Unless you are a utility surveyor and do your permits at ad hoc basis you forget all you may know if you do not use it frequently.
Additionally we put a list of questions you should be asking yourself on Page 2 to remind you what other things need to be considered. The very same questions are part of our Permit to Dig template. And rather than scratching your head when filling in your permit – you are provided with advise in the field. Simply download it to see how two page guidance would reduce number of service strikes in your organisation.
Have one of these tables laminated with every set of CAT & GENNY or other locating equipment. This is one of the key elements required to be implemented to bring required change.
Our other recommendation is to have dedicated and properly trained staff to deal with utilities. We are happy to make recommendations as whom to speak to. You can also craft a company designed training programme where those depending on a level of involvement can receive adequate training. Our approach to the training would be a 5 day course with the following structure:
Day 1 – Theory on all methods / DBYD / Setting up your Site Systems / PAS128
Day 2 – Day of electronic locating only – use of the above table and questions
Day 3 – CAD is a must / Survey and Processing Data / Running your CAD model / Review of your DBYD agains site survey
Day 4 – GPR and other methods of locating – use of industrial size GPR
Day 5 – Field Review / Exam
This training should come certified with CSCS card. Unfortunate CSCS certification is structured in a different way. Again – it may not be adequate the way it is for currently designed for the industry.
However – if you provide this bespoke training to your staff with additional tools and measure in case if you have to face a judge you will be able to prove you have done well above what is currently assumed to be adequate.
Competency checks and approval process
Competency checks are as important as training your staff. There are some companies in the industry who introduced this system. Any checks are better than not having them.
As described above – all we do is put people on the training but not actually checking what they learnt or if they remember how to operate the equipment.
So the best way to provide prove to a judge that you have fulfilled your duties as an employer is to have the table provided above as a competency assessment.
You can additionally expand on it but remember – do not overcomplicate it like current PAS128 has been.
Locating guide – see the Matrix
As described above – download the matrix and have a laminated copy of it with every CAT & GENNY unit. Remember – this is just a guide. More methods can be applied than those described in the Matrix but they may not be accessible to an average site.
They may be expensive – e.g. CCTV survey. When doing a CCTV survey we would advise to have a sonde attached to a vehicle and take the reading with your receiver. Use of a SONDE is probably the most accurate method of locating especially with death exceeding 2m.
Design your own Training Programme
Remember – because someone is certified to train it does not mean they know best or know everything.
Attend several different trainings and make your own assessment.
Ideally – you can design your own training. You can craft your needs to what you specify in. You can focus not only on training how to use equipment but more importantly on how to locate utilities.
Locating is an art you learn over a long period of time. Hitting services is probably one of those undesired outcomes.
Having our PAS128PTD System incorporated within your training will give you a different dimension to the training. Combine what there is out there with your template protocol and only then you will have created a perfect symbiosis required to succeed.
We are happy to help to advise you what to incorporate in your bespoke training depending on your business needs.
Have a dedicated and appointed staff
Doing permits and dealing with services with random staff is not what you want. Most of those involved in the process hate it and they are asked to undertake possibly the most risky activity with no adequate training, no adequate tools and systems in place.
Training is expensive so do speak to your staff about it. Do not force anybody to do it. And reward those who are willing to have sleepless nights with financial incentive.
By rewarding you are incorporating those individuals to gain knowledge, skills and train others to raise the bar. By having your own staff go well above average you will then benefit by them having to do our job in the future.