Utility Inspection Service
Utility Inspection Service
What are Some External Influences on a Utility Inspection Service?
In a construction project, utility inspection services play an important role. The utility locates service providers detect and mark the position of underground utilities, preventing damage and ensuring safety during construction.
There are many factors that influence the process. So, before you hire a utility locator, you should understand the external elements that influence the service for the successful outcome of the project.
The external influences are:
Weather
If the weather condition is not stable, it affects the accuracy of the locating service. Heavy rain or snow obscures or buries utilities, complicating the detection process more. Additionally, weather can eliminate field markings of utilities making it seem like they aren’t there or were never marked.
Soil Conditions
The soil condition significantly affects the accuracy of underground utilities. If the soil is sandy or dry, detection becomes easier, whereas if the soil is wet and muddy, detection becomes challenging.
To avoid any problems during the utility inspection service and enhance accuracy, it’s important to conduct a comprehensive soil analysis. This saves time and resources, making the service feasible for your business.
Depth
Some utilities are buried deep underground, significantly affecting the detection process. If the utilities are buried deep, it’s challenging to get signals and detect them. For such utilities, advanced equipment and techniques are used.
Interference
The accuracy of the detection process is hampered if there is interference from nearby electrical sources. Electrical interferences disrupt the signals used in detecting utilities, giving false readings.
To identify and mitigate interference sources, you should thoroughly assess your site. Equipment should be set, and specialized filters should be used to eliminate interference and ensure safety and efficiency in the construction project.
Common grounding and metal fences also interfere with electromagnetic signals causing bleed offs, signal distortion, or ghost reading.
Mapping
If maps and records are outdated or inaccurate, they can cause confusion about a utility’s location, increasing the risk of damage during excavation.
Before giving these outdated maps to inspectors, verify and update them. If you regularly update them reflecting any new changes or new installations, there will be accuracy in the locating process. If you think maps and records are not appropriate, don’t use them.
Conclusion
The process of utility locates is complicated and there are several external elements that influence its result. Above, we have mentioned some reasons that you shouldn’t ignore at any cost. Your ignorance can lead to severe consequences.
As the process is complicated, you need professionals by your side. They know how important it is to locate utilities accurately and avoid mistakes in the process. They are also aware that the safety of every member involved in the project is crucial. So, they plan carefully and complete the utility inspection service safely and accurately.
If you need utility detection and inspection services for your construction site, contact C-N-I Locates. We will consider all the factors discussed in this post and help provide accurate utility locate results.
