DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR LIFECYCLE DELIVERY – MAINTENANCE DELIVERY
Element of Competence:
Locating Underground Services
Context
Most drinking water distribution assets are located underground. Drinking Water Distribution Operators need be able to safely locate distribution assets whilst avoiding other buried utilities assets. Knowing where underground assets are buried before digging helps to protect water distribution operators from injury and minimises the risk of asset damage and service interruption.
Outcome
Drinking water distribution assets are safely located using plans and electronic locating equipment.
To do this, Drinking Water Distribution Operators need to be able to: ▪
Use service plans, GPS, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to determine the location of both underground drinking water distribution assets and also assets belonging to other utility services.
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Request a locate service using a range of internet based services such as Before U Dig.
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Follow Safe Working in Roads procedures for assets located in the road reserve.
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Visually inspect the work area surface to identify evidence of any drinking water distribution assets along with evidence of other utility assets.
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Use electronic locating equipment to determine the location of buried utility assets.
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Mark and record the position of services and sub-structures on the work site.
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Communicate to others the details of the position and type of services and sub-structures.
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Report deviations in the expected position of assets to the appropriate people.
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Excavate trial pits to expose the exact location of utility assets.
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Store tools and equipment safely and securely and leave the work area work in a safe condition.
To do this, Drinking Water Distribution Operators need to know: ▪ The Health and Safety hazards associated with working on or near underground services relating to including hazards related to the following utility types: - Wastewater / Stormwater - Gas - Electricity - Telecommunications / Fibre optic - Oil / Petroleum - Traffic signal cables and detector loops - Working in the roading corridor ▪ The requirements of any Traffic Management Plan (TMP) which relate to the site in question. ▪ How to interpret GIS, utility drawings and line search documents to identify underground utilities assets. ▪ Methods of visually locating and identifying underground services including typical markers and signs.
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