UFL Field Task Competency Manual - Version 5.0

Version 5.0 of the Underground Facility Locator's Field Task Competency Manual is available now. The UFL Manual specifies Locator training standards and competencies requirements in an effort to increase the accuracy and reliability of locates. The Manual, developed by Locate Management Institute, contains task descriptions written by subject matter experts with input from industry stakeholders.

The Manual is endorsed by the Canadian Association of Pipeline and Utility Locating Contractors (CAPULC).

The UFL Competency Cycle consists of three stages:

1. Knowledge development (preferably industry specific) course(s),

2. Industry specific field training (hands-on or OJT), and

3. Industry specific final assessment (verification of knowledge and skills).

The Underground Facility Locator's Field Task Competency Manual represents the third and final stage in the UFL Competency Cycle.

The Manual is divided into seven sections:

1 – Notification Centres, SUE, and Facility Infrastructure: Describes notification centres, subsurface utility engineering, and facility infrastructure.

2 – Locating Fundamentals: Explains electromagnetic locating theory.

3 – Visual Inspection: Describes the visual inspection process and identifies visual indicators.

4 – Locating Procedures: Details locating procedures from start to finish and methods used to locate underground facilities.

5 – Obstacles and Tracing Problems: Explains problem solving methods for locating obstacles and tracing problems.

6 – Other Technologies: Provides information on magnetic locators, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electronic marker systems (EMS).

7 – Error Producing Factors, CAPULC, Appendices, and Forms: Provides examples of locating errors, describes CAPULC, includes information and tables pertaining to UFL Competency Assessment – Observations and Recommendations; and provides a glossary of terms and other tables helpful to a UFL.

UFL 5.0 Manual Sample

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