Saturday, September 1, 2012

Know How About Utility Locators

By Mitzi Fitzgerald


Utility locators are skilled professionals who identify existence of underground utilities. Their tools while at work include maps, hand held electronic devices and schematics among others. They discover utilities such as fresh water, underground cables and sewer lines in a non destructive way. They detect cracks and defects without incurring costs associated with digging up the ground.

They make sure that during any digging up exercise, no pipe, cable or line is accidentally damaged. Their main employers are governments, Construction companies, or special private utility firms. An individual working as a locator should be keen to details as their work involves reading availed blue prints or maps. With the use of electronic devices utility locators are able to mark and find their sites within a short time and efficiently.

The tools are classified into passive and active tools. Electronic systems are able to detect leaks from water or oil pipes. They emit a sound through a transmitter when they get closer to the leakage. The system is able to stop or reduce the leakage in most cases. This is very convenient in looking for solutions.

Keeping record of accomplished task at work is good habit. The electronic device possesses an option of helping the workers to keep record of their daily reports. Depending on personal preferences, some might not down their own way or use the electronic gadgets. Colors are used to designate cables among other utilities. The codes might be university or specific to individual companies.

The job requirement for a locator is different in different companies. There are companies that look at the technical and physical experience of a candidate. They do not mind diploma or high school graduates. All they look for is whether a candidate has passion for the job and whether they can perform.

Mathematics is a subject that is mostly required for the job. If you wish to join the team experts, you need to have some experience working with either a construction company or utility companies. There are online and physical training programs in vocational institutions and community training centers. The minimum training period may be six months.

The best position that offers a great opportunity to newly employed staff is assistant technician. The supervisors can be able to assess your work pattern and ethics and decide whether you are fit to join the team of experts or not. If you are lucky to pass the test of tasks then its congratulations you will soon become a supervisor.

Utility locators can use Ground Penetrating Radar technology which makes their work easier. Utilities such as communication cables, electricity cables can be seen easily through scanning technology. Engineers, miners, geology people and forensic scientists need this information to make future financial and strategic plans for the company. Electrical devices are efficient but they might pose danger to the users if they get electrocuted. The new technology is therefore a safer method for locating.




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