JOC ARCHIVES
Weekly Poll for April 4, 2009
In 2007, one company in B.C. reported that gas line hits increased to 1,750 from 1,560 hits the previous year.
Should a locator be dispatched to all construction sites to find buried utilities before excavation?
| Yes |
 71% |
| No |
 29% |
Comments
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7. April 11, 2009 — It makes a big difference in the security of any project that the people in the know be responsible for their own utilities. The cost of such responsibility is of a great concern but the protection of the workers on site and the public at large is of a greater concern. Respond to this comment
John Cunningham, Division Manager, DGS Astro Paving, Fort St. John, B.C.
6. April 11, 2009 — If locates are always done we can guarantee no one will get hurt. Don’t let this be a situation that will only get rectified once we have lost a lot of lives. Proactive — not Reactive — is the key. Respond to this comment
Debra Dotschkat, Glass Canada Inc., Kelowna, B.C.
5. April 9, 2009 — It’s interesting to read the increase in gas main hits being attributed to increased construction activity. Are there statistics to support this statement? What are the number of gas main hits for 2008?
One fact to ponder. During this same period of increased gas main hits, this company also discontinued providing field locate services on Vancouver Island.
Currently the poll is showing strong support for dispatching a locator. A question I would ask in a future poll is: “One of the contributing factors to underground utility hits is contractors not calling BC One Call. Would you be more likely to call BC One Call if, in addition to being provided plans, a locator was dispatched to mark out the utilities at no cost to you?” Respond to this comment
Stephen Ricketts, Construction Manager, City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo, B.C.
4. April 9, 2009 — I have in the past found that safety as regulated by the provinces of B.C. and Alberta to be exceptional. To recommend not having a first call system in place based on the safety regulationas stated would be irresponsible and cause unwarranted safety issues to persons and property and could cost not only grief but dollars as well. This is a no brainer. Due diligence must prevail. Respond to this comment
Bill Anstead, Office Manager, Gemini Electric, Kelowna, B.C.
3. April 9, 2009 — No, not to all construction sites. There should be guidelines. It will get to be too expensive if everyone calls (for a physical locate) every time they dig. Respond to this comment
Eugene, Calgary, Alberta
2. April 7, 2009 — In our experience, the gas company fails in some cases to install its gas main to a minimum depth of .9 metres (36") below road grade, as required by local laws. On one occasion, the gas main was installed .1 metre (4.5") below road grade. Worksafe BC stated that it does not have control over the utility provider. I am a strong believer that all utility companies must conform with local laws and provide an accurate location of their pipes and cables at their own expense. Respond to this comment
Luigi Mandarino, President, West Ridge Ventures Ltd., Williams Lake, B.C.
1. April 7, 2009 — Locates should be the responsibility of the utility as they are best equipped to find their lines from the drawings they created or had created. We are the anomaly in B.C. and this needs to be rectified before someone is KILLED! Respond to this comment
Debbie Hicks, President, SICA, Kelowna, B.C.