BCCGA is not a training provider. That said, we work with our members to ensure that education around safe digging practices is available.
The requirements to perform work in BC depends on who you are performing work for. Generally, WorkSafeBC requires that the utility owner rules are followed, and those vary by owner in BC. You must check with the company/organization you are doing work for to determine what their requirements are.
Companies offering training according to the Training Standard are noted below. The Standard is relatively new and we are encouraged that more providers are working through the audit process.
The Standard between BC and AB is similar except where regulations are different (for example BC Oil and Gas Commission, WorkSafeBC) and where practice is different (for example AB utility owners are required to locate, BC sends drawings).
Note that it is not required for utility owners to be members of BC One Call.
Please check with the company/organization you are doing work for to determine what their requirements are.
The Ground Disturbance 201 Standard (BC)
The Ground Disturbance 201 Standard (British Columbia) has been developed by the Alberta Common Ground Alliance Training Standards Committee with input from the stakeholders in the ground disturbance and buried facility damage prevention communities in British Columbia through the BCCGA. It defines the minimum content and student evaluation requirements for classroom and online training programs suitable for those that wish to ultimately become ground disturbance supervisors.
The Standard includes regulatory requirements, ground disturbance/buried facility damage prevention best practices and industry guidelines to provide students with the best information currently available. The Standard does not address the geotechnical aspects of safe excavation and trenching. The Standard is British Columbia specific.
ENDORSED TRAINING PROGRAMS
The following training providers have submitted their training programs for assessment and their programs are currently endorsed by the BCCGA as meeting the Ground Disturbance 201 Standard (British Columbia).
CLASSROOM TRAINING PROGRAMS
ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMS
For all endorsed programs – click here.
APPLICATION TO ACCESS THE STANDARD
We are pleased to announce that we are accepting applications to access our Ground Disturbance 201 Standard (British Columbia). Training providers in British Columbia who are looking for endorsement to the new BCCGA Ground Disturbance 201 Standard can find the process here.
Access to the Ground Disturbance 201 Standard (British Columbia) will be granted to bona fide training organizations on submission of the application form and approval by the Utility Safety Partners (formerly ABCGA). Approval of the Application to Access the Ground Disturbance 201 Standard will include an invoice for the Standard access fee in the amount set out in the current Schedule of Fees. On payment of the Standard access fee, the Applicant will receive a downloadable copy of the Standard.
Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta CGA) is managing the application and certification process on behalf of BCCGA.
PROCESS
Approved training providers will go through three stages of assessment before receiving endorsement to the BCCGA Ground Disturbance 201 Standard. You can download an overview of the standards, the schedule of fees and the conditions of endorsement policy below.
Important Documents: