Underground Utility Safety Course

Lesson 1 • Regulatory Framework and Duty of Care

Outlines the legal obligations workers and employers share when working near buried assets. Establishes accountability structures that govern all subsequent course content.

Lesson 2 • Statistics and Real-World Strike Incidents

Analyzes documented utility strike data to reveal common causes and failure points. Motivates rigorous adherence to safe-digging procedures through evidence-based case review.

Lesson 3 • Hazard Categories and Consequences

Defines electrical, explosive, asphyxiation, and flooding hazards linked to network strikes. Connects hazard type to severity of injury and infrastructure damage.

Lesson 1 • Reading and Interpreting Utility Plans

Explains standard symbology, color codes, and scale conventions used on utility drawings. Builds the plan-reading skill required for all subsequent location and excavation tasks.

Lesson 2 • Site Survey and Pre-Work Information Pack

Structures the process of compiling a complete pre-excavation information pack from multiple sources. Links thorough desk study to reduced on-site risk.

Lesson 3 • Sources of Utility Record Information

Identifies asset owner databases, national mapping services, and site-specific records as primary data sources. Teaches systematic information-gathering before fieldwork.

Lesson 1 • Electromagnetic Detection Theory

Explains how alternating current signals radiate from buried conductors and how receivers detect them. Provides the physical basis for understanding all cable-locator operation.

Lesson 2 • Signal Application Methods

Teaches induction, direct connection, and clamp application techniques for energizing buried services. Correct signal application is critical for reliable detection results.

Lesson 3 • Ground-Penetrating Radar Fundamentals

Covers radar pulse propagation, reflection from buried interfaces, and hyperbola interpretation. Establishes GPR as a complementary method for non-conductive services.

Lesson 1 • Recognizing and Managing Survey Limitations

Identifies conditions that degrade survey reliability, including congested corridors and non-metallic pipes. Students apply escalation protocols when confidence is insufficient.

Lesson 2 • Systematic Locating Survey Techniques

Introduces grid-pattern sweeping, peak and null methods, and sonde tracking for thorough coverage. Systematic technique reduces the probability of missing buried assets.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Use Equipment Checks and Calibration

Covers battery status, self-test routines, and calibration verification before each survey. Ensures equipment reliability and supports defensible record-keeping.

Lesson 1 • Non-Destructive Excavation Technologies

Covers vacuum excavation and hydro-digging as primary methods for exposing services without damage. Positions these technologies as the preferred approach in high-risk zones.

Lesson 2 • Excavation Proximity Zones Explained

Defines caution, hand-dig, and no-dig zones relative to located service positions. Zone boundaries govern all tool and technique selection decisions in this chapter.

Lesson 3 • Hand-Digging Procedures and Tools

Specifies approved hand tools, correct technique, and safe working posture for manual excavation near services. Reduces strike risk through controlled, incremental soil removal.

Lesson 4 • Mechanical Excavation Near Services

Establishes conditions under which mechanical plant may operate and required standoff distances. Covers spotter roles and communication protocols between plant operator and ground crew.

Lesson 1 • Recognizing a Utility Strike

Identifies sensory and physical indicators of gas, electric, and water strikes in real time. Early recognition is the critical first step in limiting harm and escalation.

Lesson 2 • Immediate Actions for Gas Strikes

Specifies the stop-work, evacuation, ignition-source elimination, and emergency call sequence for gas strikes. Correct sequencing prevents ignition and protects the public.

Lesson 3 • Immediate Actions for Electric Cable Strikes

Covers the no-touch rule, safe distance establishment, and network operator isolation request for cable strikes. Prevents secondary electrocution of responders and bystanders.

Lesson 1 • Coordinating with Asset Owners and Utilities

Covers notification timelines, asset owner attendance requirements, and joint inspection protocols. Effective coordination reduces conflict and ensures network-specific guidance is applied.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Work Briefings and Toolbox Talks

Structures effective pre-excavation briefings that communicate hazards, controls, and emergency actions. Links briefing quality directly to crew compliance and incident prevention.

Lesson 3 • Permit-to-Dig System Fundamentals

Explains the purpose, structure, and authority hierarchy of permit-to-dig systems. Establishes permits as the primary control mechanism for authorizing ground disturbance.

Lesson 4 • Managing Scope Changes and Unexpected Finds

Establishes protocols for stopping work, reassessing, and re-permitting when site conditions change. Prevents unauthorized work continuation beyond original permit boundaries.

Lesson 1 • Knowledge Assessment and Scenario Testing

Uses written tests and scenario-based questions to verify conceptual understanding and decision-making. Scenarios replicate realistic site conditions to test applied judgment.

Lesson 2 • Competency Standards and Authorization Criteria

Defines the knowledge, skill, and behavioral standards required for authorized worker status. Clarifies how assessment outcomes translate into site authorization decisions.

Lesson 3 • Reflective Practice and Ongoing Development

Introduces personal development planning, near-miss reporting culture, and continuing professional development pathways. Embeds a mindset of continuous improvement beyond initial authorization.