What are the Benefits of Undertaking Buried Utility Survey?

Making sure that a construction or excavation project is completed within budget and on time is an engineer or contractor’s ultimate aim. Avoiding challenging situations and surprises along the way ensures that the journey is smooth and the outcome is cost-efficient.

To make sure that the excavation project goes on safely, it is recommended that the underground utility surveys are completed before the spade hits the ground. This step is crucial in protecting the workforce against utility strikes, which can result in serious injuries, along with financial losses. Also, hitting underground cables and wires might result in temporary disablement of the service and a cause of inconvenience for the buildings near the excavation area. It can also lead to project delay and loss of company reputation.

Buried utility surveys are regarded as the equivalent of hindsight. By carrying out surveys during the early development cycle, contractors and engineers can optimise the plan as per the findings. They will be able to proceed with the excavation project with full knowledge of where to avoid buried utilities.

The key benefits of underground utility surveys are given below.

Planning and design

Ultimately, having complete knowledge of existing underground utilities means that a project needs to be designed only once. Additionally, full survey information enables contractors to identify optimal connection points for the new site supplies on the basis of existing utilities. Also, it is possible to highlight potential buried service diversions, if any.

It will help to mitigate potential issues with design according to the existing buried utilities.

Completion of projects on time

Buried utility surveys help developers in ensuring that projects are on schedule, especially when taking into account the possible impact locating unexpected underground services could have during an excavation or development process.

A survey will alleviate nasty surprises and also reduce the chances of having to pay compensation for any expensive repairs or replacement.

Also, expanding project deadlines as a result of a utility strike will possibly result in expensive outcomes through additional construction work, labour costs and contract renewals.

Safety and health

Utility surveys provide increased knowledge and the ability to prevent accidents from utility strikes. To put it simply, it helps towards risk reduction. Buried utility surveys can make sure that the safety and health of the workforce, as well as, the public during excavation remains unharmed.

Decreases intrusive investigation

Buried utility services reduce the need for invasive underground inspections. Depending on the kind of project you are associated with, surveys can be done alongside topographical surveys, where a combined underground utility and topographical drawing can be produced. The process includes making use of lightweight GPR or Ground Penetrating Radar technology for non-intrusive detection like, mapping cable ducts and underground pipes, alongside the identification of cable services.

The UK experiences 60,000 cable strikes annually. This results in severe injuries to the workforce, inconvenience to the people living and working around the excavation site as utility services are temporarily disrupted and financial losses to the company handling the project. Such risks can be avoided and prevented if thorough underground utility surveys are carried out. However, in order to carry out accurate surveys, you need to have the required knowledge and training. You can sign up for a utility surveyor course in order to gain an in-depth idea about the various steps and processes involved in conducting underground utility surveys. This will ensure that your upcoming projects are carried out without any delays and accidents.

When looking for utility surveyor programmes, make sure to sign up with professional companies. The course must be overseen and conducted by professionals who have a thorough knowledge of the industry. Check the accreditations and make an informed decision. If you become a certified surveyor of buried utility services, it will be your responsibility to ensure that workers are working in a safe environment and there are no risks of utility strikes.

Sygma Solutions Ltd. provides professional utility surveyor course in the UK at competitive rates. Their course is comprehensive and has a hands-on approach. It is conducted by industry-leading experts. Once the completion of the course, the participants will become certified underground utility surveyors.

The company is an approved ProQual Centre and can provide Cat and Genny training to the Level 2 Award in Utility Location and Avoidance.