IDENTIFY, LOCATE, & PROTECT UNDERGROUND SERVICES
Avoid Disasters Below Ground—Detect, Map, and Protect Underground Utilities.
Course Schedule
| Venue | Fees |
|---|---|
| In-House | ASK FOR THE QUOTATION |
Course Introduction
Working near underground services—such as gas, electricity, water, or telecommunications—poses significant risk to workers, property, and public safety. This course provides participants with the essential skills and knowledge to safely identify, locate, and protect underground assets before and during excavation or construction work. It emphasizes compliance with WHS regulations, utility provider protocols, and safe work practices to reduce service strikes and ensure operational continuity.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
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Interpret utility plans and underground service maps
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Use electronic locating devices (e.g., cable locators) effectively
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Understand dial-before-you-dig processes and legal obligations
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Implement safe work practices when working around services
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Mark and communicate underground utility locations accurately
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Identify potential risks and take preventative actions
Key Benefits of Attending
Striking underground services can lead to serious injury, environmental damage, costly delays, and legal penalties. This course helps protect both people and infrastructure through proactive identification and compliance strategies.
Intended Audience
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Civil and construction workers
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Utility workers and service contractors
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Supervisors and site managers
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Excavator operators and equipment handlers
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Safety officers and project engineers
Individual Benefits
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Gain practical skills to prevent service strikes
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Meet compliance with regulatory and industry standards
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Boost employment opportunities on infrastructure projects
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Receive nationally recognized certification in service locating
Organization Benefits
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Reduce liability and incident-related costs
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Improve risk management and jobsite safety
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Ensure compliance with utility protection standards
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Minimize project downtime due to utility strikes
Instructional Methdology
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Hands-on field training with locating equipment
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Case studies and real-world scenario discussions
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Plan reading and utility mark-up exercises
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Compliance drills and hazard assessments
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Facilitated instruction with equipment demonstrations
Course Outline
5-DAY DETAILED COURSE OUTLINE (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Training Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee Breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Foundations of Underground Services
Module 1: Overview of Utility Types and Common Service Hazards (07:30 – 09:30)
Module 2: Legislation, WHS Regulations & Industry Standards (09:45 – 11:15)
Module 3: Interpreting Utility Maps and Plans (11:30 – 01:00)
Module 4: Dial Before You Dig – Process and Responsibilities (02:00 – 03:30)
Day 2: Locating Underground Utilities
Module 1: Introduction to Locating Equipment – Types and Uses (07:30 – 09:30)
Module 2: Using Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (09:45 – 11:15)
Module 3: Accuracy, Limitations, and Common Pitfalls (11:30 – 01:00)
Module 4: Practical – Setting Up and Calibrating Locator Devices (02:00 – 03:30)
Day 3: Safe Work Practices Around Services
Module 1: Excavation Techniques and Utility Risk Zones (07:30 – 09:30)
Module 2: Safety Controls – Spotters, Barriers, and Permit Systems (09:45 – 11:15)
Module 3: Hand Digging, Vacuum Excavation, and Pot-holing (11:30 – 01:00)
Module 4: Workshop – Implementing SWMS and Control Measures (02:00 – 03:30)
Day 4: On-Site Application and Inspection
Module 1: Marking Utilities Onsite (Color Codes & Conventions) (07:30 – 09:30)
Module 2: Coordinating with Utility Owners and Engineers (09:45 – 11:15)
Module 3: Inspection of Underground Assets During Work (11:30 – 01:00)
Module 4: Field Exercise – Site Setup and Location Walkthrough (02:00 – 03:30)
Day 5: Incident Prevention and Final Assessment
Module 1: Analyzing Utility Strikes – Case Studies & Lessons Learned (07:30 – 09:30)
Module 2: Incident Response, Emergency Planning, and Reporting (09:45 – 11:15)
Module 3: Final Practical Assessment – Utility Locate Simulation (11:30 – 01:00)
Module 4: Theory Exam, Certification, and Wrap-Up (02:00 – 03:30)
Certification
Participants will be awarded a Certificate of Competency in Underground Service Location and Protection upon successful completion of practical and theoretical assessments. Certification aligns with industry best practices and can support jobsite authorization.