Page 59 - BCCGA Best Practices Version 3.0

58 British Columbia Common Ground Alliance
Notable exceptions may include utility “Transmission” situations, where signal
application opportunities may be limited (e.g. fibre optic networks,
transmission pipelines and long distance power conductors). In these
situations, to ensure that a reliable locate is achieved, attention should be paid
to ensure a suitable signal launch is achieved. Subsequently, careful reference
to distant locate signal characteristics should be made.
In cases where non-conductive utilities such as plastics cannot be located using
electromagnetic means, radar-based methods such as Ground Penetrating
Radar (GPR) and associated technologies can be used to determine the location
of such utilities. It is important to note that these technologies are not
applicable in all areas or conditions, because conductive soils and materials
obscure radar signals. Users of these technologies should have the degree of
knowledge and extensive training and experience required to operate the
associated equipment and/or to interpret the results. Applicable radar
frequencies range from 100 MHz to 2300 MHz, where higher frequencies
provide higher resolution but shallower depth of penetration.
3-12 LOCATE RECORD
PRACTICE STATEMENT: Documentation of work performed on a locate is
maintained.
PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: A locator always documents what work was
completed on a locate request. This practice assists in the locate process. It
makes the locator review what was located and verify that all facilities within
the requested locate have been marked. Careful documentation helps to
ensure there is an accurate record of the work completed by the locator. It also
helps eliminate confusion over what work the ground disturber had requested.
3-13 THE LOCATED AREA
PRACTICE STATEMENT: The Located Area is properly established and
identified on the Locate Form.
PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: The Located Area will be identified by a North,
South, East, and West boundary and will be outlined and labelled on the sketch
of the locate form. Fixed objects or measurements from fixed objects such as
building lines and curbs may be used to define the Located Area. Where
practicable, the locator creates limits that are at least one metre from any