TRAINING PROGRAM FOR TRACING UNDERGROUND

FACILITIES WHILE EXCAVATION

TRAINING OBJECTIVES
Set Safeguards for Construction and
Excavation

Protect Public Health and Safety

Stay Abreast of Law Changes and

Regulations

Define Responsibility &

Liability
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
Process for Proposed Excavation
- Locating and marking utilities
- Pre-excavating process (have a system!)
- Reporting and repairing damage

Pipeline & Utility Damage

- Laws, Enforcement & Penalties

Protocol & Emergency Response

Best practices
DEFINITIONS

Excavation:

“Any operation in which earth, rock, or other

material on or below the ground is moved
or otherwise displaced by any means.”
DEFINITIONS
Underground Facility:

“Any item buried or placed below ground for use in connection

with the storage or conveyance of water, sewage, electronic,
telephonic or telegraphic communications, cablevision, electric
energy, petroleum products, gas, gaseous vapors, hazardous
liquids, or other substances and including but not limited to
pipes, sewers, conduits, cables, valves, lines, wires, manholes,
attachments, and those parts of poles or anchors that are
below ground.”
 DEFINITIONS
Service Lateral:
“An underground water, stormwater, or sewer facility
located on a public right-of-way or utility easement
that connects an end user’s building or property to a
facility operator’s underground facility and
terminates beyond the public right of way or utility
easement.”
THE INCIDENT HAPPENED DUE TO THE DAMAGE OF
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DURING EXCAVATION

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
REGARDING UNDERGROUND
UTILITIES
LEADS TO SERIOUS ACCIDENTS.
 OUR SCOPE OF WORK:-

• TRENCH EXCAVATION FOR UNDERGROUND CATHODIC

PROTECTION CABLES.
• 2M VERTICAL DRILLING FOR POLE FOUNDATION
• 100M VERTICAL DRILLING FOR DEEP ANODE BED.
• CATHODIC PROTECTION STATION AREA EXCAVATION.
UNDERGROUND UTILITIES AVAILABLE IN OUR SITE:-

GAS PIPELINES

OIL PIPELINES

WATER PIPELINES

TELECOMMUNICATION
CABLES
FIBRE OPTIC CABLES
ELECTRIC CABLES
METHODS OF MARKING UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

SIGN BOARDS

POST MARKERS

SURFACE MARKER
WAY TO FIND OUT UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

BY COORDINATION WITH NEIGHBOURING

BY DRAWING CONTRACTORS AND PROPONENT
ORGANIZATION

BY VISUAL
INSPECTION
LOCATE WITH DEVICES
WAY TO FIND OUT UNDERGROUND
UTILITIES BY DRAWING
 GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING
UNDERGROUND
UTILITIES BEFORE EXCAVATION AS PER SA CSM
• BEFORE EXCAVATION ACTIVITIES BEGIN, THE SAPO(E.G., ENGINEERING/TECHNICAL) SHALL CONFIRM AND MARK(E.G., BY
FLAGS OR CHALKS) THE LOCATION OF ANY KNOWN OR SUSPECTED UNDERGROUND PIPES, CABLES, VESSELS, STRUCTURES,
ETC., THAT ARE IN THE AREA OF THE PROPOSED EXCAVATION.

• THE SAPO SHALL CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE SA ORGANIZATION, SUCH AS UTILITIES, COMMUNICATIONS, POD, PIPELINES,
ETC., AND REQUEST THEM TO ACCURATELY MARK THE LOCATIONS OF THEIR UNDERGROUND UTILITIES/INSTALLATIONS.

• THE SAPO SHALL ENSURE THAT NON-SA UNDERGROUND CABLES OR UTILITIES ARE ALSO LOCATED AND MARKED PRIOR TO
EXCAVATING. SAPO INQUIRIES MAY BE ADDRESSED TO GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS.

• UNDERGROUND UTILITIES SHALL BE LOCATED BY REFERENCE TO DRAWINGS, DISCUSSIONS WITH THE RELEVANT
ORGANIZATIONS, AND BY USE OF CABLE/PIPE LOCATORS.

• MECHANICAL EXCAVATORS SHALL NOT BE USED UNTIL ALL UNDERGROUND UTILITIES AND INSTALLATIONS HAVE BEEN
EXPOSED BY HAND DIGGING.

• MECHANICAL EXCAVATORS SHALL NOT BE USED WITHIN 3M OF UNDERGROUND UTILITIES OR INSTALLATIONS. PNEUMATIC
BREAKERS SHALL ONLY BE USED WHERE NECESSARY TO BREAK CONCRETE OR OTHER HARD MATERIALS.

• EXCAVATING UNDERGROUND PIPING, MANHOLES, ELECTRICAL CABLES, DUCT BANKS, SIDEWALKS, ETC., THAT COULD BE
UNDERMINED BY AN EXCAVATION SHALL BE PROPERLY BRACED OR SHORED.

• ANY UNDERGROUND CABLE/PIPELINE THAT IS EXPOSED DURING EXCAVATION WORK SHALL BE ASSUMED TO BE
ENERGIZED/PRESSURIZED AND NOT TO BE REPOSITIONED OR MOVED UNTIL IT HAS BEEN VERIFIED TO BE DE-ENERGIZED
/DE PRESSURIZED BY AN AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL.

• EXPOSED CABLES IN OPEN EXCAVATIONS SHALL BE PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND BARRICADED.

• ANY DAMAGES TO CABLES DURING EXCAVATION ACTIVITIES SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO THE SAPO.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A
LOCATOR
INSTRUMENT USED FOR TRACING
UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

MEGGER EASYLOC
RX
 THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS ARE SPECIFIED FOR THE RX
VERSION OF THE RECEIVER

Parameter Value
Frequency ranges
•Range 1: radio 15 kHz to 23 kHz
•Range 2: power network 50 Hz / 60 Hz

•Range 3: transmitter 32.768 kHz

Sensitivity at a depth of 1 m
•Range 1: radio >20 µA
>7 mA
•Range 2: power network >5 µA (at 32.768 kHz)
•Range 3: transmitter >40 µA (at 8.44 kHz)

Depth determination … of a conductor … of a probe

(not available for Easyloc Basic)
0.3 m … 5 m (12 in … 0.3 m … 7 m (12 in
•Depth range 16 ft) … 23 ft)
0.1 m
•Resolution 0.1 m
•Accuracy (assuming interference-free
signal transmission) ±20 %
±20 %
- Range 1: radio ±5 % (up to 2 m),
-Range 2: power network ±20 % (2 m … 5 m)
±10 % (up to 2 m)
-Range 3: transmitter ±20 % (2 m … 7 m)
 THE FOLLOWING LIMIT VALUE AND
STANDARDS ARE
APPLICABLE FOR THE EASYLOC STANDARD RXTX LOCATION SYSTEM

Parameter Value

Sinusoidal vibrations in accordance with IEC / EN 60068–2–6

Peak acceleration 20 m/s²
Frequency
10 Hz … 150 Hz

Free fall in accordance with IEC / EN 60068-2-32

Max. height (packaged) 80 cm (weight up to 10 kg)

Relative humidity max. 93 % at 30 °C

Atmospheric pressure max. 4 kPa

Protection class III
(meets IEC / EN 61140)
 COMPONENTS OT THE RECEIVER:-

4
5
 COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION:-

Item Description

1 Control panel with display.

2 Speaker with volume control
The speaker plays back various acoustic signals (e.g. beeps with modulating pitch
relative to the signal strength).

Quieter Louder

When the receiver is switched on, the volume is set at a standard level. The receiver will
only start with the volume at a different level if the volume has been manually increased
before switching off the receiver.

3 Headphone jack
To connect headphones with a 3.5 mm plug connector.

4 Battery compartment
5 Floor cap
This replaceable floor cap serves to protect the housing.
 DISPLAY AND CONTROLS:-
The following illustration shows the control panel and displays for the Easyloc StandardRx:

4 6

5
Control Description
element
1 Light sensor
Light sensitive photo cells to automatically regulate the display lighting.
The display lighting can be manually activated for one minute by briefly covering the
light sensor.
2 On/Off switch
By quickly pressing this button the Easyloc Standard Rx can be switched on or off.
The Easyloc Standard Rx will switch off automatically if no functions are carried out
within 7 minutes of being switched on.

3 Display
Provides a visual indication of reception strength, line depth, mode of operation, battery
status and menu items.

4 Button 1
Depending on the status of the system, this button is used to:
• Manually decrease reception sensitivity
• Start measuring depth

5 Button 2
Depending on the status of the system, this button is used to:
• Adjust reception sensitivity
• Start measuring depth

6 Button 3
Depending on the status of the system, this button is used to:
• Select the mode of operation / receiving frequency
• Manually increase reception sensitivity
 TRANSMITTER CONTROL PANEL:- THE
FOLLOWING ILLUSTRATION SHOWS THE
CONTROL PANEL OF THE EASYLOC STANDARD
TX
1
4

6
3
5
Control Description
element

1 Battery status indicator

When the battery status LED blinks in red, the batteries need to be replaced.

2 On/Off switch
By quickly pressing this button the Easyloc Standard Tx can be switched on or off.
All appropriate LED’s blink when the Easyloc Standard Tx is on, depending on
operating function.

3 “Signal type” button

This button is used to switch between continuous and pulsed signal output.

4 Jacks for connecting accessories

These jacks are used to create a direct galvanic connection with the target line or to
create a connection using a special connection set (e.g. EasyClamp transmitter clamp
or house connection set).

5 “Mode” button
This button is used to switch between inductive and direct signal coupling
(galvanically or via transmitter clamp).

6 “Signal strength” button

This button is used to select one of two signal strength levels (see Technical Data).
Transmitter signals and modes of operation:-
Symbol Signal type
Pulsed signal
As it is more easily distinguished from other signals, the pulsed signal is helpful for
locating when there is interference within the frequency range of the transmitter. This
also helps to conserve the batteries.
Depth measurements cannot be made using a pulsating signal!
Continuous signal
This signal type has to be activated before a taking a depth measurement.

Signal strength
Low output signal strength
Low signal strength conserves the batteries.
High output signal strength

Symbol Mode of operation

Induction
In this mode of operation, the transmitter's signal is emitted through the integrated antenna and is
Tx thereby inductively coupled with any metallic lines located within a certain radius.
Direct connection
In this mode of operation, the signal is directly coupled with a metallic line via the measurement cable
which is connected to the jacks on the front panel of the transmitter. Transmitter clamps, alligator clips
or power socket adapters (for example) may be used to connect the measurement cable to the lines.
OPTIONS FOR DIRECT AND INDUCTIVE SIGNAL
COUPLING ON CABLES
Direct galvanic coupling is practical for cables that are easily accessible and free of current. The
method of connection is dependent upon the position and nature of the lines (e.g. insulation,
cable conduit, accessibility of the cable ends).
Direct coupling presents a reliable option for selective cable location, as the signal can be coupled
onto a specific cable with virtually no loss.

The following illustration shows an example of direct coupling:

WARNING

If the lines being located are energized, the following five

safety precautions should be taken before connecting the
transmitter:

FIVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: -

1. DISCONNECT POWER
2. SECURE AGAINST RECONNECTION
3. CHECK FOR PRESENCE OF CURRENT
4. MAKE EARTH CONNECTION AND SHORT
CIRCUIT.
5. COVER OR BLOCK ACCESS TO ADJACENT
COMPONENTS WHICH ARE ENERGISED.
 APPLICATIONS OF DIRECT COUPLING
Application
Single-wire lines or pipes (with or without insulation against earthing) The distance between the earth spike and the ends of the
connected lines should be as great as possible.
There is a danger of the return current flowing through the earth into adjacent lines, which could result in their path being
followed.

Single-wire cable with metallic screen and earthing insulation

Short circuit between internal conductor and screen at the end of the cable with earthing at the beginning and end of the
cable as well.
If the earth connections made are unfavorable, the current in the internal conductor and the return current in the screen
will cancel each other out. Under certain circumstances this can prevent the cable from being detected.
Alternatively, a connection without an earth connection can also be made.

Multiple-wire cable (internal conductor connected or disconnected) with metallic screen and earthing insulation Same application
as in example 1.
Metallic conduit (with or without insulation against earthing)
The earth spike and the conduit should be spaced as far apart as possible. Under
certain circumstances, optimum positioning of the earth spike may require
several attempts.
If a return wire is available
The spacing of the return wire should correspond to at least 10 times the depth of the line being located.
Pair of wires (with or without screen) with short circuit at the end of the cable
For twisted pairs of wires (with a length of lay of the twist greater or equal to the laying depth), the orientation of the cable
can be easily determined.
Adjacent lines which are horizontal to each other ð
Minimum of the reception signal
Lines situated on top of each other
vertically ð
Maximum of the reception signal
HOW TO LOCATE THE UNDERGROUND UTILITIES BY
USING EASYLOC DEVICE
• Push the transmitter switch to “Cable Scan”, turn the thumbwheel switch to a high tone.

• Attach one alligator clip of transmitter to the cable, and the other to independent
grounded earth with a grounding stake or screwdriver or one conductor with grounded
earth of non-shield drop wire.
• Swing the receiver antenna close to the ground and approximately 10-15 feet away from
the transmitter location. (The tone will be heard on either side of the path with a null
directly over the path. )
• Proceed along the path following the null direction to adjust the transmitter and receiver
to achieve further distances.
• Once the path has been determined, mark the ground at a null point along the path.

• Hold the receiver antenna at a 45-degree angle to the ground and move at a right angle
away from the path of the wire until another null is found. Mark this point.

• Measuring the depth. The distance is the approximate depth of the wire.
MEASURING THE DISTANCE: -
 THERE ARE TWO MAIN DETECTION
PRINCIPLES: -
• PASSIVE LOCATION: - USED TO LOCATE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ALREADY PRESENT
ON A UTILITY. SOME SIGNALS MAY ALREADY PRESENT ON A BURIED UTILITY, EITHER
THROUGH SIGNALS RADIATING OFF A POWER CABLE OR THE RE-RADIATION OF RADIO
SIGNALS INDUCED ONTO THE UTILITY FROM A RADIO TRANSMITTER.

• ACTIVE LOCATION: - ADDS A SPECIFIC SIGNAL USING A SIGNAL

TRANSMITTER(EASYLOC) ONTO A LOCATED UTILITY. A SIGNAL CABLE LOCATOR AND
SIGNAL TRANSMITTER WILL SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE DETECTION PROCESS. THIS
SMALL PORTABLE UNIT INDUCES A SIGNAL TO A CABLE THAT CAN BE TRACED BY THE
CABLE LOCATOR. THIS IS CALLED ACTIVE LOCATING.
 PRINCIPLES BEHIND POWER MODE: -

• WHEN AN AC CURRENT TRAVELS ALONG WITH THE UTILITY IT GENERATES AN

ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNAL. USING A CABLE LOCATOR, A SURVEYOR CAN DETECT THE
POSITION OF THE BURIED CABLE BY SEARCHING FOR THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD. LOCATING
ELECTRICAL CABLE USING A CABLE LOCATOR ON ITS OWN WILL ONLY ALLOW THE OPERATOR
TO DETECT UTILITIES WITH THE ALIVE CURRENT, LIKE A STREET LIGHT CABLE DURING THE
NIGHT. HOWEVER, WHEN LIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF, NO CURRENT FLOWS, AND THE BURIED
ELECTRICAL CABLES ARE NOT DETECTABLE USING A CABLE DETECTOR.
 PRINCIPLES OF RADIO MODE: -

• LOW-FREQUENCY WAVE RADIO SIGNALS TRANSMITTED FROM A RADIO

MAST CAN PASS INTO THE GROUND, INDUCING A SIGNAL ONTO METALLIC
UTILITIES. THE UTILITIES RE-EMIT THESE SIGNALS AND THEY CAN BE
LOCATED AND TRACKED USING A CABLE LOCATOR IN RADIO MODE
 PRINCIPLES BEHIND AUTO MODE: -

• EASYLOC CABLE LOCATOR FEATURES AUTO MODE, COMBINING THE BENEFIT OF

SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION IN POWER AND RADIO MODES. AUTO MODE HELPS
TO CONFIRM THE PRESENCE OF UTILITIES ON FIRST SITE VISITS.
 APPLYING AN ACTIVE SIGNAL

• A MAJORITY OF BURIED UTILITIES MAY NOT BE DETECTED BY SEARCHING

FOR PASSIVE SIGNALS USING THE LOCATOR ON ITS OWN. THESE HIDDEN
UTILITIES MAY NOT CARRY A LIVE CURRENT OR RADIATE RADIO SIGNALS,
REQUIRING A SIGNAL TO BE INDUCED DIRECTLY ONTO THE UTILITY TO
LOCATE THEM. TO DETECT THESE ADDITIONAL UTILITIES, AN ELECTRIC
CURRENT OR SIGNAL WILL NEED TO BE APPLIED TO THE BURIED METALLIC
UTILITY, WHICH ENABLES THE UTILITY TO BE TRACED AND IDENTIFIED BY
THE LOCATOR. UP TO 60% OF BURIED UTILITIES COULD BE MISSED WHEN
DETECTING IN PASSIVE MODES ALONE.

• MAINLY THERE ARE TWO ACTIVE SIGNAL MODES: -

1. INDUCTION MODE
2. CONNECTION MODE
 INDUCTION MODE: -

• INDUCTION IS A QUICK AND SIMPLE WAY TO APPLY A SIGNAL TO A UTILITY

WITHOUT THE NEED TO MAKE ANY PHYSICAL CONNECTION. AN INTERNAL
AERIAL GENERATES A MAGNETIC FIELD INTO THE GROUND. ANY BURIED
METALLIC UTILITIES ROUTED WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE SIGNAL
TRANSMITTER WILL BE INDUCED WITH THE SIGNAL, ALLOWING THE UTILITY
TO BE LOCATED AND TRACED WITH A CABLE LOCATOR.
 CONNECTION MODE: -

• THIS IS THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY OF APPLYING A SIGNAL TO A UTILITY AND SHOULD BE USED
WHENEVER POSSIBLE (ESPECIALLY WHEN TAKING A DEPTH READING). THE OUTPUT FROM THE
SIGNAL TRANSMITTER CAN BE DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO A CABLE OR PIPE. A CIRCUIT IS COMPLETED
BY A CONNECTION TO AN EARTH STAKE OR GROUND CONNECTION POINT.
• APPLYING A SIGNAL DIRECTLY TO THE UTILITY ALLOWS THE OPERATOR TO POSITIVELY IDENTIFY AND
TRACE ITS PATH.
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES: -

• BY THE END OF THIS TRAINING PROGRAM WE ARE: -

1. ABLE TO TRACE THE UNDERGROUND UTILITIES SAFELY.
2. ABLE TO EXCAVATE SAFELY AS PER SA CSM.
3. ABLE TO USE THE TRACING EQUIPMENT SAFELY.
4. ABLE TO DO THE EXCAVATION WITHOUT GETTING ANY HARM TO
THE UNDERGROUND UTILITIES.
5. ABLE TO MANAGE SAFELY. THANK YOU
HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE
DAY AHEAD