Underground Utility Service Locator

The onsite locator(s) will walk over the area to be scanned and form a plan of action taking into account onsite plans, visual prompts and local knowledge. A Risk Control Plan is completed and signed off by the onsite locator(s) before proceeding. If multiple locators are onsite then specific utility locates maybe designated to each locator. Pathfinder locators operate under a written set of Standard Operating Procedures. This ensures a familiar trusted pathway to the underground utility location process.

Both Ground Penetrating Radar and Radiodetection techniques are deployed whenever possible.

Pathfinders philosophy is "Do the job the most accurate way not necessarily the fastest way". Radiodetection is our preferred method of locating underground utilities. This does mean the locator(s) will need to find access points to clamp or clip onto the conductive utilities. Pathfinder locators are familiarised and practised in Electromagnetic Field (EMF) techniques used to determine distorted EMF and triangulate correct positions. Industry EMF locating practices form part of Pathfinders Damage Prevention and Awareness Policy. Two person Active Induction scans are still used to scan large areas for conductive utilities or anomaly.

Both Radiodetection and Ground Penetrating Radar scanning maybe taking place concurrently. Each operation verifying and assisting the other to provide the best possible accurate outcome. When the locator is satisfied with the result they will markout the location. A variety of markout options exist Marker Paint, Chalk, Crayon or Flags. A Locate Report is completed which includes an evaluation on the Quality Level of locating for individual utilities.

Quality Level Evaluation
The underground utility locate Quality Level evaluation is based in part on the British Standards Institute PAS128 specification. This assessment is done using a matrix approach. It considers a Risk Assessment combination of;

Severity and Likelihood.
Consequences and Probability.
Impact and chance of occurance.

The evaluation can assist in determining if further steps are required to lessen the risk of utility strike prior to excavation.