PROPOSED NEW PRACTICE – Trouble Locate (Unlocatable) Resolution Period
Trouble Locate (Unlocatable) Resolution Protocol
Practice Statement:
This practice is not intended to circumvent existing statutory language regarding ticket processing but rather provide supplemental tools to reduce damage potential and maintain Excavator productivity. In response to a valid One Call request, and upon initial arrival at the location, a facility within the proposed excavation area is determined to be unlocatable (aka trouble locate) and based on the Operator’s compliant mark out criteria, the tolerance zone cannot be established with confidence.
In this scenario the Locate Entity:
· Applies any initial locate protocols available to them that may result in establishing the tolerance zone and placing markings to avoid unnecessary escalation.
· After exhausting initial trouble locate protocols, and prior to the required marking date, escalates the trouble locate internally for advanced/enhanced resolution measures, i.e., Vacuum Truck, Line Tracer, GPR, In-line 3D Gyro Mapping technology, etc.
· Attempts to make direct contact with the excavator (cell phone, text, email) and documents the method and message. If a specific interim positive response code is available or comments can be placed in the 811 center system, share why the locate cannot be completed, along with contact information.
· Designates the trouble locate area consistent with their procedures and using paint, flags, or other methods that distinguishes the specific trouble area, from the locatable areas.
· Prioritizes the completion of the Trouble Locate and maintains communication with the Excavator until resolved. In this communication the Operator should warn of any unique or elevated risk associated with the unlocatable facility (high pressure gas, high voltage electric, high density fiber, etc.).
· Operator makes the appropriate records/mapping corrections, and when feasible takes action to make the facility locatable going forward (tracer wire, EMS-Marker Balls, etc.).
· Completes the appropriate positive response in jurisdictions that provide the option.
Practice Description:
The operator has a trouble locate resolution protocol that emphasizes the timely and accurate completion of the trouble locate request with communication between the parties and documentation of actions taken. Consider Damage Prevention Institute (DPI) metrics that track On-Time Performance and resolution of Trouble Locates.
Benefits:
Enhances communication and documentation between the parties, keeps the Excavator working in non-trouble areas when applicable, improves Operator’s facility records, and reduces damages to at-risk facilities that could otherwise cause a delay.
References:
- Existing practice by Southwest Gas operating in Arizona, California, and Nevada; UGI Utilities, Inc., operating in Pennsylvania and Maryland; NiSource operating in Indiana.