Blog posts tagged with 'ufl'

To see a sample of the manual click here.

Locate Management is proud to announce the availability of Version 3.0 of the Underground Facility Locator's Field Task Competency Manual.  This manual specifies Locator training standards and competencies requirements in an effort to increase the accuracy and reliability of locates. By the nature of their role as critical stakeholders in the damage prevention process, Locators can have a significant influence on the success of a ground disturbance. The UFL is responsible for locating underground facilities within urban and rural settings, and for creating and updating maps and records indicating the approximate horizontal alignment of underground facilities. Locators have an obligation to provide sufficient information to anyone undertaking a ground disturbance to allow the ground disturber to complete their work safely and in compliance with the governing regulations.The Manual contains task descriptions developed by experienced Locators with input from industry stakeholders.

Competencies are identified as every day work tasks that make up the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and technology used by Locators in accomplishing their day to day employment.  The Manual developed for UFL’s is endorsed by Canadian Association of Pipeline and Utility Locating Contractors – CAPULC (refer to Section 6.1). The tasks in the Manual were derived from an extensive base of 3200+ competencies outlined in a line locator occupational profile assembled by Locate Management. Section 6.2 provides a cross-reference of Underground Facility Locators (UFL) competency requirements. A Locator’s competencies and skills assessment can Use Section 6.3: UFL Competency Assessment – Observations and Recommendation to document a Locator’s competencies and skills assessment.

Field task competency training, work performance, experience, and successful completion of an industry-specific locating course(s) or program(s) are requirements for Underground Facility Locators.

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To see a sample of the manual click here.

In Canada, the Canadian Association of Pipeline and Utility Locating Contractors (CAPULC), a nonprofit association that provides leadership, promotes safety and works to enhance the value and reputation of the underground facility locating industry in Canada.

As part of these responsibilities, CAPULC works in partnership with industry stakeholders to recognize Locators as an important occupation in an effort to standardize the industry in Canada. Through this mandate, CAPULC has reviewed available locator training programs, and endorses Locate Management’s “Underground Facility Locator (UFL) Certificate Program” (the “Program”) as being of superior quality.

This 3-step program includes 1) completing (preferably industry specific) knowledge development courses, 2) participating in field training classes and 3) assessing an individual’s skills.

1. Knowledge development courses offered by Locate Management include:
   1. Petroleum Advanced Line Locating (PALL) – this course is designed to develop knowledge and skills associated with locating petroleum producer’s facilities. 
   2. Transmission Advanced Line Locating (TALL) – this course is designed to develop knowledge and skills associated with locating transmission pipeline facilities.
   3. Utility Advanced Line Locating (UALL) – this course is designed to develop knowledge and skills associated with locating underground facilities (electric power, gas distribution, and telecommunications).
      

      Each of these courses detail the necessary methods and procedures to safely perform facility locates within their respective industry as per applicable regulatory requirements, acts and industry best practices, as well as providing advanced solutions to abnormal operating conditions.

2. Field training is delivered by Locate Management in one of two ways:
   1. Open enrollment classes
   2. Specific industry training purchased and arranged for a specific company.
      
      Our experienced instructors have located in and trained in rural and urban areas including in some of the most facility congested areas in North America.
      
      
3. Assessment of a Locator’s skills is achieved through the use of Locate Management’s Underground Facility Locator Field Task Competency Manual (UFL Manual). This manual represents the final step in the Underground Facility Locator Competency Cycle. Tasks within the manual are designated as complete upon 3 successful assessments over a six-month period. All required tasks for an industry must be marked complete within one year of the initial assessment to qualify for the UFL Certificate of Achievement for that industry. These industries include gas distribution, telecommunications, petroleum, electric power, transmission pipelines, potable water, sewer and storm water, each industry has generic and specific competencies that need to be met as outlined in the UFL Manual.

Completing the Underground Facility Locator (UFL) Certificate Program takes time. However, the learning benefits are many and should provide a Locator with the knowledge and experience to handle most situations that they will likely face within their industry.

To find out more information email us or call 844-568-7246