2022 Special Locate Issue
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2022 Special Locate Issue Articles
Locating – STOP, DROP, AND ROLL
I’ve been training locators for over 20 years now, a good amount of that time having been spent training technicians outside of my own company.
Global Perspective – CCGA Best Practice Committee Pushes Forward
DESPITE THE PANDEMIC that has affected all our lives, the important work of damage prevention in Canada continued the past two years at the Canadian
Pre-Excavation Checklist before EVERY Excavation!
IN THE OFFICE ❑ Review all drawings, plans, engineering blueprints for existing buried facilities ❑ Proposed excavation area has been marked in white paint and/or
Association Spotlight – AZUCA
AZUCA Arizona Chapter of NUCA – Representing Utility and Excavation Contractors THE ARIZONA UTILITY Contractors Association (AZUCA) rejoined the National Utility Contractors Association in April
Giving Back – Dealing with Mental Illness: A Journey to Health and Healing
I’D LIKE TO SHARE a personal story about myself with you all. This is separate from my role at Texas811. I make this clear distinction
Thanks to our Speakers!
Dr. Ahmed Al-Bayati, Lawrence Technical University William Alex, Henkels & McCoy Group, Inc. Steve Allen, Budco Inc. Dr. Sam Ariaratnam, Arizona State University Tina Beach,
Global Excavation Safety Conference 2022: A Warm Reunion in Arizona
IT HAD BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE the damage prevention industry gathered for an Excavation Safety Conference (Global ESC). In that time, plenty had changed. New
Louisiana811 Locator of the Year Winners
Each year Louisiana811 (LA811) recognizes a standout with their Locator of the Year Award. Nominations are accepted allowing excavators and member utilities to nominate a
The Global Locate Summit
Moderator: Ron Peterson – Executive Director, Nulca Panelists: – Jim Plasynski – Chief Revenue Officer, KorTerra – Donavon Busta – Regional Opeations Manager, Blood Hound
Global Locate Masters – A Champion is Crowned
Global Locate Masters – Hosted by UTTO, Sponsored by USIC The Inaugural Global Locate Masters took place in Phoenix, AZ at Global Excavation Safety Conference
Advances in GPR Array Data Processing a Boost to AR
It was not many years ago the first ads ran on television broadcasts for persons donning headsets for gaming and other activities. For some of
6 Tips to Ease Claims Damage Headaches
Everyone knows how important it is to avoid the damage and disruption of vital services such as water and internet—our communities depend on locate professionals
Top 10 Locator Safety Hazards
Confined Space Threats to the Eye Climate & Weather Dog Bits Punctures & Foot Trauma Poison Ivy & Other Skin Threats Insect Bites and Stings
The Look Up and Live app has been a successful innovation in Australia, receiving Many Innovation and Safety Awards
“Look up and live,” is a notable quote when it comes to powerline safety all over the world. It is easy to say, but in
Excavation Safety Alliance 2022 Town Hall Schedule
Excavation Safety Alliance (ESA) virtual Town Halls are an open forum for all stakeholders to discuss concerns and present potential solutions to improve damage prevention
Locator Safety & Appreciation Week 2022: How You and Your Company can celebrate
Always observed on the last full week of April, this year’s Locator Safety & Appreciation Week (LSAW) is April 24-30. LSAW is about letting locators
OHIO ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP GRANTS
The state of Ohio recently announced the 13 recipients of the industry sector partnership grants. The Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership (SCMWDP) was awarded
IUB RECEIVES TOP SCORES IN PHMSA EVALUATION
The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) received top scores from federal evaluators for its 2020 pipeline safety program activities. The evaluation was conducted in September by
Glen Cook Wins Synaco Safety Award
Glen Cook, a Principal Community Safety Specialist, won the prestigious Synaco Safety Award at the 2021 Queensland Community Achievement Awards in November. Cook has been
BLACKSTONE Acquires Irth Solutions
Blackstone Energy Partners announced in December an agreement to acquire Irth Solutions, a provider of cloud-based software solutions that automate processes for damage prevention and
Leading People – Been in MY Boots Lately?
CHANCES ARE IT DOES not require news of patriotic truckers, carried jerry cans like a scene from a movie, stand-offs in foreign countries, or some
Ask the DP Pro
Q How can Contractors Mitigate Risk on Trenchless Pipeline Projects? A BY James H. Anspach & Tom Olson RISK ON TRENCHLESS PROJECTS comes in various
Damage Prevention Hero – Joe Rubbelke
IF YOU LOOKED UP JOE RUBBELKE ON LINKEDIN, IT WOULD TELL YOU HE IS A DIRECTOR FOR UTILITYLOGIC, A MINNESOTA- BASED COMPANY THAT PROVIDES INNOVATIVE
Social Media
#GlobalESC The damage prevention industry gathered in Phoenix, AZ in early March to take part in Global Excavation Safety Conference 2022. Over the course of
From the Publisher
DAMAGE PREVENTION without Locators would be as effective as a Car without Wheels If you are reading this article, you probably have a great deal
Minnesota Pilot Program Update: GPS Enabled Locating Systems
The first and ongoing phase of the Minnesota Underground Utility Mapping Project Team (UUMPT) was to introduce two leading GPS underground utility locating systems to
Canadian Association of Women in Construction
THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION of Women in Construction (CAWIC) strives to facilitate the success of women in the Canadian construction industry by uniting their voices, knowledge,
NUCA Safety Directors Forum
THE NUCA SAFETY / Damage Prevention Conference, held in Denver, offered the opportunity for members involved in safety and damage prevention to hear from experts
Flingin’ Flags & Sprayin’ Paint at the 2022 International Utility Locate Rodeo
COMPETITION DAY at the International Utility Locate Rodeo (IULR) featured sunny skies and mild temperatures in Springfield, Missouri, as 75 volunteers from multiple states and
There’s a Mouse in the House – Meet “Click”
WITH LONG HOLD TIMES and limited resources in our contact center, we decided to get creative and come up with a campaign that would help
Locator Certification vs. Locator Competency
The topic of Locator Certification versus Locator Competency has been a debated topic for many years and, more recently, a “hot topic” in the Underground
Locator Certification – An Australian Success Story
In Australia, the Certified Locator program has been running successfully since 2015. The national program was established following concerns from utility owners about the inconsistency
The Legend of Bad Digger Bob
Many years ago, Bob Smith was one of the premier operators of heavy equipment used for excavations. Bob’s name was synonymous with quick, efficient and
Steps for Overcoming a First Amendment Audit in the Field
It’s your first locate of the day. The address is a small commercial building on a side street a few blocks from city hall. You
Grafton Technologies Teams up with Norfield to Create Operational Efficiencies
Grafton Technologies Inc. has provided broadband, television, and telephone services to the residents of Illinois for over 100 years. Throughout that time, the world of
Is there a Standard for Fiber Optic Installation?
With heightened public interest and many newcomers joining national efforts to close the digital divide in America by bringing broadband access through fiber optics to
Are You Sure THAT’S RIGHT?
If a new employee headed out to the job site carrying flags and paint when you knew he was supposed to be locating telecom cables,
Damage Prevention Hero – Jim Hayes – An Influential Leader in the Fiber Optics Industry
JIM HAYES, AND HIS WIFE KAREN, BEGAN THEIR CAREER IN FIBER OPTICS IN 1980, WITH THE CREATION OF THE WORLD’S FIRST FIBER OPTIC TEST EQUIPMENT
Ask the DP Pro
Q What is the “Danger Zone” when a Gas Line is Fractured? A BY David Heldenbrand, Bison Engineering, Inc. DATA HAS BEEN COLLECTED that shows
Community Partnership Leads to Stronger Safety Message
THE CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE Damage Prevention Department is active when it comes to educating our community on pipeline safety, electrical safety, and the importance of
Fiber Builds with Damage Prevention as a High Priority: A Case Study of Effective Partnerships
In recent years, fiber builds have become one of the main topics of concern at national, state, and regional damage prevention, UCC, and 811 center
NUCA STAR Program Shines Brightly For Our Industry’s Safe Jobsites
With our members, jobsite safety is paramount. Bluntly put, excavations can injure or kill, so nothing is more important than keeping everyone safe on a
From the Publisher – GOOD Locators & Listening To All Stakeholders
GOOD Locators & Listening To All Stakeholders At Infrastructure Resources (IR) we have always believed locating and locate technicians are a critical part of damage
Tips for getting the Most out of attending a Conference
STRENGTHENING EXISTING RELATIONSHIPS AND MEETING NEW PEOPLE you can learn from happen best in face-to-face situations, which is an irreplaceable part of live conferences. This
The New Texas811 Website. Smart. Sleek. Powerful.
ON AUGUST 10, 2022, Texas811 unveiled two new websites with a new layout that is easy to navigate. The new sites are another Texas811 initiative
Calendar of Events
January 2023 17-19 World of Concrete (Las Vegas, NV) 24-26 Louisiana Damage Prevention Summit (Baton Rouge, LA) 24-27 API / AGA Joint Committee on Pipeline
ISE Expo 2022
ISE EXPO 2022 marked the 30th Anniversary of a long-standing educational resource within the telecom world. Held in Denver, ISE Expo 2022 provided educational sessions
JULIE Announces Damage Prevention Advocacy Awards
THE BOARD of Directors at JULIE, Inc. recently announced the winners of the first Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Awards. David Tidball, a damage prevention
August 11, 2022, Brought Awareness of the Potential for Injuries, Property Damage and Outages if Underground Utilities are Damaged
ACCORDING TO the Texas Railroad Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention program, “Texas has more miles of pipeline than any other state. In reports submitted to the
Educating the Next Generation: Georgia 811’s Digger Dog Program
GEORGIA 811 has been reaching out to the next generation of Georgians for over 15 years with our special safety ambassador, Digger Dog. Digger Dog
Pipeline Task Force Update
The Pipeline Task Force (PTF), a subset of The Council for Dredging & Marine Construction Safety (CDMCS) and Coastal and Marine Operators (CAMO), is a
The Benefits of a Rigorous Utility Investigation for Project Development
There are several risks that might prevent a project from being completed in a safe manner, on time and within the construction budget. These risks
DAMAGE PREVENTION BY DESIGN
A few weeks ago, I was reminded of a story that I read as a child titled “The Ants and the Grasshopper.” The short of
CGA’s Next Practices Initiative
Legendary management consultant W. Edwards Deming once said, “A system must be managed. It will not manage itself. Left to themselves, components become selfish, competitive,
Leveraging Technology to Speed Up Locates
Locate requests not being completed on time continues to be a challenge within the damage prevention industry, according to the CGA 2020 DIRT Report. The
EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) 2020 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) provides first responders with a go-to manual to help deal with hazmat
Geoff Zeiss’ Memory Lives on through Research Fund
For over 30 years, Geoff Zeiss devoted his life to the Geospatial industry and community across the world. It was a life focused on the
KOHLBERG & COMPANY TO ACQUIRE 50% STAKE IN USIC
Partners Group, a leading global private markets firm, has agreed to sell 50% of United States Infrastructure Corporation (USIC) to Kohlberg & Company, a leading
Damage Prevention Hero – Glen “Cookie” Cook – An Innovator and Driver of Energy Queensland Initiatives
GLEN “COOKIE” COOK IS A PASSIONATE POWERLINE SAFETY ADVOCATE. HE IS CURRENTLY A PRINCIPAL COMMUNITY SAFETY SPECIALIST FOR ENERGY QUEENSLAND WITH CLOSE TO 30 YEARS
Your Role in RECOVERY
STORM SEASON is upon us and whether the weather is quiet or active, it affects your role, position, and operations. How do you recover? What
Updated API Standard for Pipeline Public Awareness Programs Enhances Public Safety
On August 11, 2022, “National Call Before You Dig” day, the American Petroleum Institute (API) released an updated standard for pipeline public awareness programs, which
Introduction to APGA
THE AMERICAN PUBLIC GAS ASSOCIATION (APGA) is the only trade association that solely represents the interests of public gas systems at the legislative and regulatory
2022 Damage Prevention Hero of the Year
Ketha Molina (Spring, 2022) An Unrivaled Commitment to a Culture of Safety. Ketha Molina is the Senior Damage Prevention Manager for Texas811, Vice President
From the Publisher – Saving Lives Through Education
Our mission at Infrastructure Resources (IR) is “Saving Lives through Education™”, which is reflected in everything we do, including dp-PRO magazine. The magazine launched in
Leading Women in Action
As women, we tend to downplay our accomplishments. We don’t speak up in meetings, we don’t share our ideas, we might even shy away from
AGA Operations Conference & Spring Committee Meetings
The 2022 AGA Operations Conference & Spring Committee Meetings was a great event. The level of happiness to be back face-to-face was undeniable. New Orleans
Increase Locators Profile: Hold a Local Global Locate Masters Qualifying Event
2022 saw the inception of Global Locate Masters (GLM), a new industry initiative created by Infrastructure Resources (IR) in conjunction with UTTO. The GLM is
Indiana 811 Launches Kids Safe Digging Program
In the Spring of 2022, Indiana 811’s Education and Outreach team launched a new program in partnership with National Energy Foundation for their first-ever Indiana
A Damage Prevention View of the Infrastructure Bill: What we know so far and how to ready your Organization for its Impact
The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Bill, signed into law in November 2021, includes $550 billion in new federal investments for roads, bridges, water infrastructure, internet, and
Meet Buxus™: Information the Way Emergency Responders Want (and Need) It
Firefighters across the United States are all-hazards responders. From medical calls to fires, firefighters respond to anything and everything 24/7. Some incident types are low-risk,
An Assessment of Societal Risk and the Cost of Saving Lives
During the period of 1994-2013, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials and Safety Administration (PHMSA) collected data on natural gas pipeline accidents considered significant. The resulting
ESA Late Locates: The Conversation Continues
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the April town hall, Late Locates: Partnering with Notification Centers. After listening to the recording, I would like to
ESA Town Hall Discussions (May, June, and July)
How can SUE and Accurate Maps Be Used to Reduce Both Damages and Costs? Moderator: Daniel Bigman, President, Bigman Geophysical Panelists: • Barbara Cederberg, COO,
The 2022 Pipeline Awareness & Safety Summit Focuses on the Role of Field Data
Moderator: Kesley Tweed – Executive Director, PAPA Panelists: Tina Beach – Representative, Government Relations Senior, CHS Chad Shannon – Business Development Manager, MEA Energy Association
Damage Prevention Goes Offshore
As the Council for Dredging & Marine Construction Safety Pipeline Task Force meetings in New Orleans came to an end, attendees were invited by Weeks
Pipeline Task Force
The Council for Dredging & Marine Construction Safety (CDMSC) and Coastal and Marine Opera- tors (CAMO) pipeline groups are the leaders for raising safety standards
Safe Digging?
What is Safe Digging? We have all heard the phrase “safe digging” from excavators, utility companies, and regulators, but do we really understand and work
Damage Prevention Hero – Danny Nichols, In Memoriam – Celebrating an Industry Veteran and Visionary
Danny Nichols, an industry veteran and visionary, passed away on June 24. He began his career with the pipeline industry in the mid-80’s, working in
Reader Response
Sharing Our Electrical Safety Messages with Children (Shared in Industry News – 2019) “Thanks for making the post and keep sharing.” – West Providence Electrical