The Importance of Underground Service Locators – How to Prevent Catastrophe

10 Sep The Importance of Underground Service Locators – How to Prevent Catastrophe

If you are planning on starting a construction project or performing maintenance that requires underground work, it is crucial that you engage a BYDA certified underground service locator before you begin. Digging without a proper survey can risk the safety of your staff, result in legal issues, or cause damages that can quickly drain your finances. By understanding the dangers of digging without underground utility detection and the methods used by underground service locators, you will be able to make an informed decision, make your site safer and more compliant.

To work with underground service locators Brisbane and Sunshine Coast wide, get in touch with the team at 1300Locate. For general enquiries, reach out through our online contact form, call on 1300 562 283, or email at admin@1300locate.com.au. For project estimation, send us an email on estimating@1300locate.com.au.

 

The Importance of Underground Utility Detection

Safety

If underground utility detection isn’t done before breaking ground on site it can create an unsafe working environment. Striking a gas line or electrical cable can cause serious injuries, or even fatalities. Pressurised water lines are just as dangerous, and if struck can still cause major bodily injury, major delays and possible damages to equipment. These incidents can be prevented with a proper survey conducted by underground service locators.

Legal Compliance

There are laws and regulations in place to ensure underground utilities are located before beginning construction work. Failing to conduct an underground survey can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and possible lawsuits. If an underground utility is damaged, and you haven’t done your due diligence, you can be held liable for any damages that occur.

Save Money

If you don’t properly assess underground utilities, either from not conducting an inspection or doing so poorly, unexpected issues may arise. This can cause delays in work or result in the site being shut down, losing you time and money. Investing in a professional service locating assessment upfront can save you serious time and money throughout the design and construction process. Having a trusted partner, like 1300Locate, will help you remain compliant.

 

Methods Of Underground Utility Detection

Radio Detection

Underground cable location uses highly sensitive equipment to scan for pipes that are metallic or have metal cores. Using this you can identify electrical and communication cables, water, and other utilities. With RFID-capable equipment, you can also locate RFID marked utilities. By identifying the location of these utilities, you can avoid any damage to property and potential risks to safety.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

GPR is a common tool used for locating underground utilities that aren’t metallic or aren’t equipped with RFID. The radar (Underground Imaging) can detect utilities that would be otherwise undetectable without digging. Being able to locate shallow and deep targets, this tool is essential in tandem with the pipe locator to complete a thorough survey of the site.

Underground Leak Detection

A hidden leak in an underground utility is potentially one of the most destructive and expensive issues your site could face. Using acoustic leak detection equipment, you can identify any underground leaks in water or gas pipes that may have or have the potential to cause damage. Digging where there is a leak can cause instability in the land, potential damage to equipment, and even explosions.

NDD Excavation

If you have conducted a survey of the underground utilities, it may be determined that you need non-destructive digging services. This method of excavation is perfect for safe, damage free digging around fragile utilities. This will enhance the safety on site by ensuring no damage is done to the utilities, saving you from potential hazards, possible lawsuits, and a large repair bill.

 

Trust The Professionals at 1300Locate

Never dig without consulting the professionals. If there is the slightest chance that an underground utility could be damaged, or cause harm, you need to contact us at 1300Locate. Our team provides comprehensive utility locating services to ensure a safe working environment.

 For general enquiries you can fill out our online contact form, call on 1300 562 283, or email at admin@1300locate.com.au. For project estimation, send us an email on estimating@1300locate.com.au.