Locating Buried Utilities - Know the Levels of Utility Detection
- Author Peter Ashcroft
- Published October 23, 2019
- Word count 632
Increasing population and changing environment bring the need to renovate existing buildings and build new ones. Infrastructure, especially buried utilities need to be repaired and maintained continuously. The main challenge that workers face when it comes to buried utilities is not knowing their precise location. It is not possible to repair or maintain them without knowing the exact position of the utilities. If the underground utility location is detected incorrectly or has not been detected at all, it can lead to expensive damages and hazardous accidents. To protect assets and people, the quality of mapping and detection has to be ensured.
As per the TSA or The Survey Association in the UK, there are 6 levels of quality when it comes to detecting underground utility services. Each of these levels has been briefly described below.
Level 1
Level 1 refers to a desktop search of the records of utility companies with the results consolidated into base mapping. This is the most basic or general type of survey and it is often provided with a low cost and sometimes for free. However, this level of utility detection only shows the utilities that are known and does not provide their coordinates or location. Moreover, it is impossible to see old utilities, as well as, utilities crossing each other. But, this is a good place to start as it provides information about the size, type and direction of the utilities.
Level 2
Level 2 refers to utility detection using an EML or electromagnetic locator search in both passive and active modes with the located buried utilities marked out on the surface of the ground. EML devices are capable of detecting metal services like, power cables of metal pipes. This level of surveying is perfect for avoidance applications where the services are not going to be mapped. However, it is not possible to detect non-conductive lines by using EML devices like, plastic pipes, concrete pipes or fibre optics.
Level 3
This is like a level 2 survey, but the results are plotted in CAD onto digital base mapping. For level 3 surveying, surveyors mark the utilities that have been detected on the surface of the ground and collect the points with a positioning device. In order to become a level 3 surveyor, the contractor would need a CSCS card by getting a certification in utility mapping and surveying. A CSCS utility surveyor is someone who completes a 5-day utility mapping training programme that covers the processes of PAS128 utility mapping, which includes GPR and EM locators.
Level 4
This is a level 3 survey with the additional processes of inspection pit covers and lifting manholes, recording the contents and making a note of the lines of ducts and pipes. The results are produced digitally in CAD. By opening the covers of a manhole, the surveyor gets information of the dimension, type and materials of the utilities.
Level 5
This is a level 4 survey with the addition of the use of GPR or ground penetrating radar technology. The GPR technology helps in detecting buried utilities. The main benefit of using this technology is detecting non-conducting materials as well. The device can help in locating plastic and concrete pipes or fibre optic cables, along with conductive materials.
Level 6
This is a combined survey of level 1 and level 5, along with 100% coverage of the area that is being surveyed. This survey is the highest level of utility detection and gives the workers a clear idea about the areas where underground utilities are located.
So, these are the levels of utility detection. If you are aspiring to become a utility surveyor, you need to find a training company providing utility mapping and detection courses. Without proper certification, you will only end up jeopardising the entire project.
Once you complete the course, you will know the right use of the detection tools and equipment.
Sygma Solutions is the professional training company that provides comprehensive utility detection programmes for individuals interested in becoming a CSCS utility surveyor. The company works with contractors and companies to reduce the rate of cable strikes in the UK.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Google SEO Updates 2024 Jackyan
- Cost-Effective Gardening: Tips for Enhancing Your Garden on a Budget
- Keeping Your Garage Door Running Smoothly: A Guide to Drum Replacement with GarageDoorMagnolia
- When Your Garage Door Goes Rogue: Off-Track Repair in Tacoma and Seattle
- Same Day Service? Kiki Garage Door Repairs Your Garage Door Fast in Sammamish, WA
- Cost-Effective Strategies for Business Owners in 2024: Maintaining Efficiency Without Reducing Staff
- Navigating Compliance for Personal and Professional Contributions
- Smart Savings: The Benefits of Buying Out of Season
- Youtube To MP3 Converter -- Free
- The Benefits of Outdoor Training
- A Fashionable, Artistic, and Modern Adventure: Three Days in Paris
- Why buy stock footage on mediaCastpro? Here are the benefits.
- GoPDF An Online PDF Editor Releases Mobiles Apps Compatible with iOS & Android: A Faster Solution for PDF Editing
- The Best AI Logo Generators in 2024
- How to prepare for a house clearance, a few tips from experts
- Adapting to Rising Parcel Rates in 2024 with Business Central and Order Ship Express
- Not All LED Lights Are Created Equal
- Zoviz Launches New Solutions Day by Day to Users as An AI Logo Maker
- Campervan Maintenance: All You Need to Know
- Fighting the Silent Epidemic: Safeguard Your Child's Future with Vitamin D Screening at KinderCure | Dr. Garima Mengi
- 5 Inspiring Stories of Women Who Achieved Gorgeous Lashes with Careprost Eye Drops
- Is Your Finance Strategy Ready for ERP Software?
- A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Career in Web3
- The Vital Role Of The Courier Industry: Connecting People, Businesses, And Communities
- Learning From Successes And Setbacks: The Importance Of Post-Bid Analysis In Professional Bid Writing
- Music And Identity: Exploring The Role Of Music In Shaping Culture And Identity
- Demystifying Dental Myths: Separating Fact From Fiction
- Expert and Little Known Tips for Limestone Floor Maintenance
- Explanation of how to improve the quality of low-resolution videos
- Do Compelling Marketing Pictures Unlock Sales Potential?