What is a Certified Cable Locator?
A certified cable locator is a trained and qualified professional who specialises in detecting and identifying underground utility services—such as high and low voltage electrical cables, communication lines including Telstra and NBN, gas pipes, sewer and storm water pipes and water pipes (conductive only i.e copper)—before excavation or construction begins.
Using a locator who has been certified by Certloc ensures that the locator has met current Australian recognised industry standards for safety, accuracy, and best practice. In Australia, this includes meeting the competencies outlined by organisations such as Certloc and adhering to Australian Standard AS5488, which governs the classification of subsurface utility information.
What does a Certified Locator Do?
- Uses specialised equipment (such as Electromagnetic Induction or EMI locators) to trace and pinpoint underground cables and pipes without the need for digging.
- Interprets asset plans and data obtained from Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) and compares it with real-time field locating using Electronic Locator vLoc Pro3 or Ground Penetrating Radar to confirm the presence and position of utilities and cable and pipe assets.
- Marking of assets onsite using Australian Standard colour codes to clearly indicate what lies beneath the surface.
- Provides the customer with detailed reports and maps and utility classification levels, to assist with safe planning and excavation.
- Reduces the risk of damaging critical infrastructure, which can lead to service outages, safety incidents, costly repairs, and legal liability. Although risks in digging around assets cannot be eliminated completely, we can help you reduce your risk.
- Hiring a certified cable locator ensures you’re working with someone who is not only skilled but committed to the highest standards of safety, compliance, and quality assurance.
