Discover essential tips and techniques for using traceable rods to efficiently locate non-conductive assets like fibre optic cables and PVC pipes. Enhance your knowledge with insights on capacitance, connection to carriers, and proper grounding techniques.
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Latest Articles
Technical Tips for Certified Locators – Edition 5
Understanding Traceable Rods for Efficient Location
Technical Tips for Certified Locators – Edition 4
Case Study: Exploring the Impact of Earth Stake Distance, Earth Mats, and Ground Conditions on Signal Strength
Accurate and reliable locating depends on the strength and quality of the signal transmitted and received along a target asset. In this edition, we examine how the distance of the earth stake from the target asset, the use of earth mats, and the ground conditions affects the resultant current and signal strength.
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Elevating Industry Standards
Introducing CERTLOC - a World-Leading Certified Locator Institute
As leading Australian safety and utility damage prevention advocates, the renowned global leader formerly known as DBYD Certification Ltd (DCL) has rebranded to CERTLOC. As a Certified Locator Institute, CERTLOC is making a significant leap towards improving underground location services and qualification standards in Australia. CERTLOC led by Robert Row, has been a CEO of […]
Read more Technical Tips for Certified Locators – Edition 3
Capacitance or Far End Earthing
This article discusses Far End Earthing and Capacitance as methods for signal creation and detection in insulated conductive materials. It emphasises practical techniques like Direct Connect and the use of alternating current (AC) for effective signal transmission.
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Technical Tips for Certified Locators – Edition 2
The Signal: Back to Basics
The article explains the fundamentals of locating buried assets using Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF). It covers signal generation, current flow, and the impact of ground conditions, emphasising the importance of understanding these principles for accurate asset location. By Steve Wood, Senior Trainer and Assessor, CERTLOC Introduction to Locating Buried Assets In the world of Certified […]
Read more Technical Tips for Certified Locators – Edition 1
Locating High Voltage Electrical in Passive Mode
The article explains the importance of understanding passive mode for locating high voltage (HV) electrical systems. It covers distinguishing HV from low voltage (LV) cables, and best practices for safe and accurate identification of critical infrastructure.
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Breaking Ground and Breaking Barriers
Jessie's Journey: From Heels to Steel Caps - Inspiring Women in Utility Locating
In a tale of resilience and determination, Jessie McCracken is currently one of only nine women in Australia who are Certified Locators. Transitioning from corporate accounting to construction sites, her journey exemplifies the expanding horizons for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. As an accountant, she was well accustomed to corporate life, but following the birth […]
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Earnest’s Journey to Certified Locator
Earnest Banhwa reflects on the challenges, rewards, and significance of achieving Certified Locator status, offering valuable tips for locators interested in becoming certified
Becoming a Certified Locator is a significant milestone in the career of every underground utility professional. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Earnest Banhwa, the Principal Surveyor at Precise Positioning Solutions Pty Ltd, to delve into his experience with the Certified Locator journey. Name: Earnest Banhwa Position: Principal Surveyor Organisation: Precise Positioning Solutions […]
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The Thrill of the Unknown
With years of experience across Sydney, the UK, and complex city sites, Ben Whitfield reflects on his journey to becoming a Certified Locator and shares valuable insights for aspiring professionals in the field
Ben Whitfield, Service Locator at Locate Scan and Survey in NSW, has recently achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming a Certified Locator. With over three years locating experience in Sydney and the UK, Ben brings a variety of expertise to his role in underground service location. For Ben, obtaining certification is a testament […]
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Proving Competency
Riley Brown's Journey to Certification
Meet Riley Brown, a newly Certified Locator from the Wollongong area of NSW. With 18 months of hands-on experience with A1 Locate Services Pty Ltd Riley offers insights into the significance of achieving certification and his passion for the role of underground services locator. For Riley, becoming certified as a locator is a big achievement […]
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A Curious Nature and a Good Process Will Help You to Get Certified
Charlie Euston, having spent the last year as a Service Locator at DWB Service Locating in Victoria, decided that obtaining certification was the only way to ensure that he was recognised in the locating industry
“Getting certified was a validation of my learning, skills and also a key step in my career progression. It signifies my dedication to upholding the industry’s stringent standards and DBYD Certification’s rigorous assessments,” Charlie affirmed. Reflecting on the certification process, Charlie acknowledged facing two significant challenges. Overcoming test anxiety was crucial, necessitating practice until procedures became […]
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Protecting the Public and Myself is Crucial
John O'Brien, an experienced Certified Locator and Manager at Locate Scan & Survey, provides insights into the industry
Locating isn’t a guessing game. Clients need to know your receiver isn’t a magic wand.
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Overcoming Obstacles is Part of the Fun
Problem solving is something all utility locators seem to have in common - and Peter Hawkes is no exception
Located in Coffs Harbour, northern NSW, Peter is the Director of his business Locate3D. He says one of the most challenging things about being a locator is also what he likes most. “I like working out what’s going on underground and how best to overcome each obstacle that comes along.” “On the flip side, one […]
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Locating is About Safeguarding People and Assets
For Joshua Taylor, Director and owner of Subsurface Locating, completing a locating job to an accepted industry standard means doing all you can to protect people and utility assets
Locating isn’t a guessing game. Clients need to know your receiver isn’t a magic wand.
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From Surveying to Locating – The Best of Both Worlds
After nine years of surveying and working with utility locators, Leyton Varley finally decided to give in to his curiosity about locating
After nine years of surveying Leyton finally decided to give into his curiosity.
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Being Certified is Providing Peace of Mind
Beau Atkinson may be relatively new to utility locating, but that didn’t stop him from quickly moving onto the next step and becoming a Certified Locator
Being certified gives Beau a sense of pride that he's doing all he can to give clients peace of mind so workmates go home safe.
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Working in Paradise Every Day
Being able to locate any part of North Queensland is paradise says Russell Fry, Managing Director at Groundvac
Being able to locate any part of North Queensland is paradise says Russell Fry, Managing Director at Groundvac.
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From Solicitor to Utility Locator
A unique path to a more satisfying career
After five career changes that started as a solicitor and ended with being a school teacher, Aidan Waszaj, South East Scanning, finally decided to ditch the whole nine-to-five routine and become a utility locator.
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Meet Australia’s First Female Certified Locator Assessor
A lot can change in a year, and it certainly has for Gabrielle Johnson
A lot can change in a year, and it certainly has for Gabrielle Johnson. A year ago we profiled Gabby as one of the eight female Certified Locators in Australia. This year we’re excited to share Gabby's appointment as the first female assessor for the Certified Locator program!
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Tackling Challenges in Remote and Urban Locations
From electric fences to high-rise buildings, Kane Anderson's journey with Abaxa highlights the versatility, problem-solving, and confidence gained through certification
Each location I’ve been to – from quiet camp sites and lakes to high-rise city buildings and hospitals – all had something different to offer.
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Embracing the Challenges and Learnings as a Certified Locator
For Matthew Fuller, becoming Certified means credibility and achieving this national recognition is a must if you're serious about locating
Becoming a Certified Locator is a must if you’re serious about locating.
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Committed to Prioritising Safety and Best Locating Practices
With a passion for overcoming challenges and a commitment to safety, Aaron Soetens journey to certification contributes to promoting best practices in utility locating
While taking care of personal safety is a priority, so too is contributing to workplace safety and making sure any locate job is carried out with care and attention to detail.
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A Certified Locator Unlocking New Opportunities
From discovering abandoned safes to exploring Brisbane's historic stormwater outlets, Matty Carr shares his journey of certification and the rewarding autonomy of a career in utility locating
As a locator, Matty has had some interesting encounters, including finding an abandoned safe!
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Certification Giving Industry Recognition
Meet Cameron Edge: Problem solving and finding ways to get the most accurate locate on tricky lines
One of the highlights of being a locator is definitely the problem solving and finding ways to get the most accurate locate...
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