Utility Line Locator Job Description

Underground Utility Locators

Utility locators are responsible for locating the underground conduits that carry utilities. Their work can be seen in the thin metal rods that are stuck to the ground to mark the path of underground utilities as they pass through neighborhoods. The locators try to protect underground utilities from damage.

locators work with utility maps as a guide, but they must also confirm that the locations marked on the maps are accurate. locators use electronic sensors to find underground utilities if the maps are incorrect. They mark the path of the utility conduit with thin metal rods.

The color coding allows locators to identify the type of utility. Locators spray-painted marks on the sidewalks and streets to show the presence of underground utilities. The type of utility is indicated by the color of the spray paint.

The APWA developed a color code for marking utility lines. Green is for sewer and drain lines, purple is for reclaimed water, blue is for potable water, orange is for alarm or signal lines, yellow is for gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials, and red is for electric power lines and cables. Despite a widespread campaign to inform the public about the dangers of digging before utility locations have been marked, some people ignore the pleand begin excavation before utilities are pinpointed, resulting in substantial damage and even death.

An APWA conference group was told in September of 2009 that an underground utility line is hit every 60 seconds, with a cumulative financial impact of billions of dollars each year. Utility locators work for various companies, including utilities and utility location service companies, and also as private contractors. According to the website, the average annual salary for a utility locator was $33,048 in July of this year.

Online Training Programs for Utility Locator

Some agencies provide electronic mapping systems. Pre-programmed devices allow workers to find and mark different sites quickly and improve efficiency. Locators are responsible for documenting their daily tasks by keeping a written record or by uploading information directly into their electronic systems.

The flag is usually put above the pipe by the locator. Locators must follow a universal color-coded system to designate underground lines. The sewer pipes may be marked with green flags and power lines with red flags.

The utility locator can use spray paint instead of a flag if a line runs beneath a road or sidewalk. The requirements to become a utility locator can be different. Many employers will hire people with high school diplomas who have the physical and technical skills to do the job.

It is possible to find entry-level positions with previous work experience. Private companies, community colleges, and Vocational schools offer online and physical training programs for individuals who want to improve their skills before applying for jobs. Most training classes can be completed in less than six months and teach students about the latest tools and techniques used in utility location.

A Private Utility Locator

If you dig into the ground without first checking the location of utility lines, you can damage them. Digging blind can cause utilities to be cut off, which can be very dangerous. There are reliable utility locator services that can be reached with a phone call.

You will probably need to make a second call before you start excavating. You may need a private utility locator to find and demarcate underground electrical lines, gas pipes, and more. The most important factor is safety.

Call the experts before anyone digs on your property. Call and let the public utility locators know of your plans. Call SoftDig.

The Pipe Spy Project: A Professional Service Provider for Underground Utility Repair and Replacement

Replacing underground utilities is a complex process. It is important to locate and avoid damaging utility lines when a homeowner digs into the ground. Before digging, you need to know what to look for.

The term underground utilities refers to the infrastructure of pipes and cables that transport water, gas and electricity to each building in a community. There are over 100 billion feet of underground utilities in the US, which means there is a line for every person. If you only plan to dig in a small section of your yard, you can outline that area so that your whole yard won't need to be painted or marked.

It is important to speak with a professional utility line inspector who can help you avoid costly and dangerous damage to buried utility lines. Natural gas line breaks can lead to dangerous explosions if you fail to prepare, and service outages can cause more harm if you don't. In many cases, it is a legal requirement to notify the public utility before any excavation, and most locator services require you to call at least 2 days in advance of a digging project.

Utility Color Codes and Spray Paint for the Identification of Underground Utility Systems

Public utility systems are often underground for a variety of reasons. Local governments often require that the underground systems' locations be marked and approved before digging. Failure to call a number ahead of time may result in a fine or even a criminal charge against a person or company, particularly if such negligent behavior causes a major utility outage or serious accident, or an evacuate due to a gas leak.

A boil-water advisory may be required if a water main is hit. Utility color codes are used to identify underground utilities in construction areas. Colored lines, flags, or both are used to mark the location and the type of underground utility.

The Job of Utility Locator: A Mathematical and Civil Engineering Qualification

The Michigan Infrastructure Transportation Association equates utility location to a haystack. You can be a utility locator if you use the geographic information system to find buried utilities. You mark the ground or pavement with flags, chalk or stakes after locating them.

You have to keep up with the location of underground installations and monitor new construction activity to keep accurate records. You may be called upon to inspect the damages after a digging incident. You must be a problem-solver and be organized.

Utility locators work against the clock and have different schedules. If you can't lift 100 pounds, you need to work out. Utility locators need an ability to use math and civil engineering to calculate distances.

A Utility Worker's Perspective

Utility workers perform maintenance in a variety of work environments. A Utility Worker needs to be in good physical condition to do the job. A valid driver's license is essential for many jobs, as utility workers have to operate maintenance equipment and vehicles.

Some employers require candidates to have a commercial driver's license. A clean work area is important for the Utility Worker. Utility workers are often responsible for cleaning other areas of a work site.

Kitchen utility workers are responsible for cleaning dishes and cooking equipment, while manufacturing utility workers are responsible for cleaning machines. Utility workers handle hazardous chemicals. It is up to the Utility Worker to follow safety guidelines and wear protective gear.

The Utility Worker must clean up the spill in accordance with company policy and safety standards. The Utility Worker must conduct an inspection after completing a project. A Utility Worker must inspect each shrub to determine if additional trimming is needed.

A Utility Worker inspects vehicles to make sure the parts have been replaced correctly. Utility Workers are used to repair or replace equipment. A Utility Worker may have to repair a fleet vehicle or perform a power tool repair.

How to Locate an Underground Line

It is easy to mistake a job site problem for an equipment malfunction. There is bad depth. Doesn't locate right.

Matt Manning, the company's products manager of electronics, says that those are the types of brief, vague descriptions that sometimes accompany McLaughlin locators that get sent in for repair. Manning says that a locator is only as accurate as its operator. There can be a lot of human error.

A locator is held straight up and down. Adjusting to the conditions of the job site is what accurate locating is about. If you are trying to locate an underground line in an area crowded with other utilities, you should consider this.

Manning suggests locating the line at a known point. Understanding the soil conditions is important. The soil in dry areas is less likely to be conductive and may produce a weak signal when a line is targeted.

That plays well with sandy soils. Take a course about locating utilities. Many people have been given information from the previous guy.