5 Tools Everyone in the Underground Detection Services Industry Should Be Using

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When beginning a project, always make sure to call 811 before you dig. The next step is generally researching companies that specialize in utility locating services, but not all companies use the same equipment and hold themselves to the highest training standards. Here are 5 tools every underground detection service should be using:

1) Extensive and Up-to-Date Training

The Underground Detective’s focus on the health and safety of our employees means that they must participate in a variety of training programs, both before they start working and as they continue to do so. All field technicians are required to go through an extensive one year training program. This involves many hours of class room time, learning the concept of locating and the process of The Underground Detective. It also includes months of field training, working with experienced technicians to mold them into trained professionals. Each of our drivers are trained in fatigue management and Smith System defensive driving courses. It teaches 5 key elements:

  1. Aim High
  2. The Big Picture
  3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
  4. Leave Yourself an Out
  5. Make Sure They See You

The combination of these training programs helps each of our new employees learn the skills necessary to not only perform their job, but to do it in a way that promotes safety for both themselves and everyone around them.

2) Ground Penetrating Radar

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This non-destructive method uses electromagnetic radiation waves and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures. The GPR device is an essential tool in The Underground Detective arsenal, requiring years of experience to correctly interpret its results.

GPR is used in a number of odd jobs, but the most common calls we receive request help with locating and searching for:

3) 2 Man Electromagnetic Scan

2 person Inductive Electromagnetic Scanning can locate utilities without previous knowledge of the buried facilities. This is performed by a team of two, one with a transmitter, and one with a receiver. If they walk across a metallic utility at roughly the same time, they will recognize it, and will be able to mark it, and thereafter follow it. Because each particular scan can only reliably pick up perpendicular buried utilities for 90 Degrees out of 360 Degrees, four different sweeps or sweep angles must be performed throughout the search area to maximize the effectiveness of the procedure.

4) Vacuum Excavation

Vacuum excavation is the latest land excavation technology. It uses kinetic energy in a high velocity air stream to penetrate, expand, and break up soil for underground utility excavation. When compared to water or shovel, air accomplishes difficult excavating tasks with greater speed and efficiency, increasing production while reducing cost. These benefits, in combination with added safety for both the operator and utilities, make air vacuum the choice for The Underground Detective’s excavation needs. Vacuum excavation is used for the following services:

  • Underground Utility Verification
  • Remote (Inside Buildings) Excavation
  • Valve Box and Catch Basin Cleaning
  • Utility Line Service Terminations
  • Clearing Environmental Boring Holes
  • Precise Vertical, Horizontal, Size and Type of Utility for Pre-Job Surveying

5) Up-to-Date Equipment

The Underground Detective locates private utilities using state-of-the-art equipment for all pre-excavation and site planning needs. The Underground Detective not only uses electromagnetic locating equipment, but also uses ground penetrating radar, and locating sondes. All of our technicians are extensively trained on a program based on the Staking University and focused to do quality work, NOT quantity. We strive to save people time, money, and valuable resources.

When it comes to underground detection services, The Underground Detective has got you covered! Request a quote today.

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5 Tools Everyone in the Underground Detection Services Industry Should Be Using
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Not all companies use the same equipment and hold themselves to the highest training standards. Here are 5 tools every underground detection service should be using:
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