Utility Locator Training FAQ's

Utility Locating for 811 in California - FAQ's

Q: What laws or government codes list the requirements for utility locating in California?

A: California Government Code: CGC 4216 is the CA Excavation Law.

Q: What laws or government codes list the requirements for utility locating in Nevada?

A: Nevada Revised Statutes: NRS 455.092 is the NV Excavation Law. 

Q: Who enforces certification requirements in California? 

A: The California Dig Safe Board, Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety enforce excavation safety and locating is required for safe excavation by CGC 4216. It is important to note; having a locator certification is important for proving staff has been properly trained per CCR Title 8, 1541 and Section 1509, Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) in CA. 

Q: What are the requirements for the frequency of training and recertification in CA? 

A: CGC 4216 and CA Law, CCR, Title 8, 1541 that states: "(C) Only qualified persons shall perform subsurface installation locating activities, and all such activities shall be performed in accordance with this section and Government Code Sections 4216 through 4216.9. Persons who complete a training program in accordance with the requirements of Section 1509, Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), that meets the minimum training guidelines and practices of the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Best Practices, Version 3.0, published March 2006, or the standards of the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NULCA), Standard 101: Professional Competence Standards for Locating Technicians, 2001, First Edition, which are incorporated by reference, shall be deemed qualified for the purpose of this section." A qualified person is a person designated by the employer; and by reason of training, experience, or instruction has demonstrated the ability to perform safely all assigned duties; & when required is properly licensed in accordance with federal, state, or local laws and regulations. Cal/OSHA Safety & Health Training and Instruction Requirements - Referenced in Subchapter 4 and 7, Cal/OSHA T8 Regulations (May 2023)

Q: What is NULCA and why is it important?

A: National Utility Locating Contractors Association. NULCA sets the minimum competency standards for utility locator training. NULCA is recognized by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE.) Many utility owners in the USA require NULCA accredited training. 

Q: What experience, accreditations, and certifications does Locating Dynamics have?

A: Locating Dynamics is a NULCA accredited training provider. Founder Adam Zeciri is a CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) with 27+ years of experience locating and mapping subsurface utilities across the globe. He is a former Sr. Technical Instructor for PG&E and was the Locate and Mark Process Owner for PG&E Academy. Adam was the Editor of Underground Focus Magazine from 2010-2013 and has created over 18 issues of utility locator training magazines. Locating Dynamics has created best-in-industry standards, best-practices, work-procedures and job aids for utility locating currently in use by major utility contractors in the USA. This includes field-audit and remediation programs.

Q: How is Locating Dynamics currently involved in the locating industry?

A: Locating Dynamics is an affiliate partner with Underground Service Alert North (USAN 811) in California and Nevada.  Founder Adam Zeciri is currently the Co-Chair of the CGA Technology Committee and sits on the CGA Best Practices Committee and is Lead-Chair of the California Regional Common Ground Alliance (CARCGA) Technology Committee. He also sits on the Nevada Regional Common Ground Alliance (NRCGA) tech team and the American Society of Civil Engineers/ Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute's Subsurface Utility Engineering technology committee. (ASCE/ UESI SUE.)