Benchmark: Utility Surveying Training
The Benchmark Utility Surveyor Qualification is a new professional standard for the location and mapping of underground services.
Designed for practitioners by practitioners, the course is set to become the benchmark for knowledge and skills; a definitive way of identifying quality and professional competence.
Utility Plans
- Explanation, purpose and interpretation of plans
- Marking up of plans, identifying marker posts, covers and any visible signs of utility routes
- Examples Of utility plans
The Introductory Certificate
Module 1 forms a 'back-to-basics' introduction to buried utilities, covering fundamental topics such as utility network design and functioning.
Although aimed at the novice utility surveyor, this module serves as the building-block for advanced location techniques and sophisticated technology covered in Modules 2 and 3.
Too often, the fundamentals of infrastructure design are overlooked or misunderstood by 'experienced' surveyors, restricting the effectiveness of their work.
In outline, Module 1 covers the following areas:
Overview of buried utilities and utility types
- Types of buried services
- Typical placement
- Materials used (metallic / plastic construction)
Examination of utility networks from source to end-user (power, gas, water reviewed separately):
- Physical observation (including use of dye and sound testing)
- 'Mapping without a locator' techniques and practical know-how
Working with utility plans (interpretation and conventions)
- Drawing-up techniques and approaches
Legislative Environment
- HS(G)47
- Asset ownership principles
- Legal restrictions on the utility surveyor
- Site safety awareness
- Safe working practices
Introduction to the equipment range used by a utility surveyor
Limitations of technology
- 'Impossible situations'
- Recording and highlighting untraceable services
The Intermediate Diploma
Module 2 focuses on 'hands-on' equipment use.
The two principle technologies - electromagnetic (EM) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) - are examined through a combination of theory and practical sessions.
Once basic equipment usage has been established, the course looks at 'real-world' scenarios, examining how a utility surveyor should approach a given survey area.
All practical elements of the course are delivered on-site. Theory and discussion sessions are held in the classroom.
Electromagnetic equipment
- Equipment range and popular manufacturers
- How EM locators work - the theory
- Limitations and problems with EM technology
- Techniques (focus on location rather than avoidance of buried utilities)
- Use of sondes
GPR equipment
- Equipment range and popular manufacturers
- How GPR locators work - the theory
- Limitations and problems with GPR technology site appraisal
- 'Plan of attack'
- Importance of observation (building on module 1)
- Different approaches ('grid' technique versus tracing methodologies)
- Practical applications (use of manhole and valve reference points)
The Advanced Diploma
Module 3 deals with advanced location techniques. It requires a solid understanding of GPR and EM use, combined with extensive field experience.
Module 3 begins with a session on 'myth-busting' aimed at dispelling the many fallacies commonplace within utility location. Specifically, this session will examine limitations of technology - what can and can't be done - the importance of ground conditions and why many popular techniques have become accepted working practices despite any sound technological basis.
The module will then be structured around the two main technologies again, before a concluding session draws the course together.
Electromagnetic
- Current direction
- Current measurement
- Deep sewer location techniques
- Use of peak / null and the impact of distortion
- Double-ended connection
- Cathodic protection
- Locating a sonde inside metallic pipes
- Interpreting fluctuations in audio:
- HV / LV differences
Ground Penetrating Radar
Introduction to off-site processing
Introduction to mapping techniques and post-processing
The Experience Route
Utility surveyors who are actively employed in the location of buried services and are familiar with non-intrusive technology, may consider the experience route to fast-track qualification.
The experience route allows practitioners to skip module 1 or modules 1 and 2. Note that there is no exemption available for Module 3, the Advanced Diploma stage.
A detailed checklist of skills and required knowledge for each module is available on our website. Candidates will be expected to confirm their eligibility using this checklist.
Candidates must also demonstrate a minimum length of work experience (verified by their employer) in order to pass over Modules 1 or 2. In order to advance straight to Module 2 you must have already worked as a surveyor for 6 months. Advancement straight to Module 3 requires a minimum of 1 years experience.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for exemptions, with some reservations. Many practising surveyors have gaps in their technical knowledge or breadth of experience and would benefit from a 'back-to-basics' approach. If you decide to progress straight to Modules 2 or 3, you must be confident that you have the knowledge and experience detailed on the appropriate skills checklist.
Candidates are strongly advised that they are unlikely to pass the exam and practical assessment otherwise.