The PAS128PTD Template
Every company is different. Every mind is different. Every Permit to Dig scenario is different.
But our approach is identical in every case and it is unchanged as how things should be done.
Please download the template and analyse it in full. Additionally we made a video explaining each and every segment of it. The template is a fruit of 3 years of intense thinking, several large projects implementing it in full and the past experience from Australia.
If there is anything else you think we forgot please let us know and we will be more than happy to incorporate it.
The key thing other than PAS128 table is the documentation process. Another elements is having your plant operators to read and sign their section. Finally – there are multiple questions we forget ourselves to ask when raising permits – so if you are prompted to think about something then it is more likely to fulfil your duty to implement required measures.
Our Template is how we believe the system should work. Our Template takes PTD protocol on par with Lift Permit. By only applying this template presuming you have fun understanding of how to fill this in properly your volume of service strikes will plummet rapidly. So have a go at changing your system on your own. We are also here to help to train and guide you through.
STEP BY STEP – PAS128 PTD
Let’s keep it short and simple.
SEVEN STEPS TO STOPPING SERVICE STRIKES
NUMBER ONE – DEVELOP YOUR OWN BESPOKE SPECIFICATION / CAD TEMPLATE
This is how your CAD model should look like. If you have no powers to implement it do things on the ground using our format. Then take many photos to document what you have done and use CAD layout to then stipulate how each of the lines have been identified.
NUMBER TWO – ONE PROCUREMENT TEMPLATE IN LINE WITH STEP NUMBER ONE
Not much can be said in this section when you have your PTD to fill in. This section is mainly for earlier project stages and searches.
NUMBER THREE – DEVELOP A DOWNLOAD PACK CONTAINING ALL THE TEMPLATES
Download your pack and set it up properly. Be methodical. Do not let anybody to influence you in a negative way. Always recover field PTD, then scan it and save in the same location as original permit.
NUMBER FOUR – INVEST IN EQUIPMENT – GPR UNIT IS A MUST
If you do not have GPR unit on site and the hopes are null for getting one always use Class D where you could not trace the service. Some plans from our experience may vary in places by 1m or more and restocking them out with GPS could be risky. SO what you can trace do trace again. What can be done with GPR only do it with GPR if you have it. Remember – use GPR as the last method not the first!
Commit to as many trial holes as you have to. If you choose to use GPS to stake out GPR lines as Class B add GPR symbol next to it.
NUMBER FIVE – DESIGN AND INVEST IN TRAINING AND REVIEW SKILLS
If you feel you do not have enough confidence in what you have done do not proceed. Nobody will blame you for that. And if they do run away from that place. Being in prison or being with no job there is little difference n it except if your error leads to somebody’s injury or death this may never leave your consciousness for the rest of your life.
NUMBER SIX – THE PAS128PTD TEMPLATE – DOCUMENT THE PROCESS
Fill in the Template properly. Do not lie to yourself. Ask questions if you must. There is no such thing as a stupid one. Make sure everybody understands your brief. Be stubborn even if your superior becomes relaxed about some of the rules.
And check, check and check again. Never trust even yourself. There is never enough of analysis that can be done when being engaged in this process. This does not mean to loose sleep over it. Only to be conscious that if you have omitted something stop the works and review.
Follow each step methodically and if anything goes wrong there are only two options – you came across a non-traceable asset or someone broke the protocol.
STEP NUMBER SEVEN – PAS 128 FIELD MARKING GUIDELINES
This step is possibly more important than anything. Communication is a key! And if you get it wrong you will be in trouble. Changing the template is a massive improvement but unless the legend in your paperwork corresponds with marking on the ground you will have issues.
So – do understand that only when we start using this language everywhere and only when every person understands the meaning of A, B C and D only then we can be hoping to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Labelling utilities on the surface is in our view the most important thing and our guidance is there to help you to roll this out and integrate with your PTD Procedures.
Documenting the Process – two pair of eyes are a must
There is nothing like having another more experienced member of staff to glance over your PTD.
The number of times where a service strike occurs and where a human error whether as a result of the lack of training, incompetence or other has been at the core of the huge number of cases.
So – again – be methodical and seek help left and right. Never apply the permit without that second pair of eyes review and approval. You will be surprised how many times you will be returned to the drawing board to redo things properly. Be mindful – this is also the process to learn. To learn ho to do things properly.
On the job – doing things on time – CAD model updates
Finally – it does not matter how good your permit is and how well you plan. It is equally important to close all expired permits and make sure any as-builts have been incorporated within your model – mainly as Class A. If you know something has been installed and you have no as-builts do change it on your plans manually! Do not wait. Have it as an active line on any of the further PTD. This is one of common scenarios when we put something in the ground and the next day we strike it. Even if something doesn’t go in the ground for a few days do still show it as already active!
There will be a substantial reduction in service strikes if we apply this approach.