What is Line Locating and Marking?
Every construction or landscaping project begins with the same critical step, knowing what’s below the surface. Damaging buried utilities can lead to dangerous accidents, service outages, and major repair costs. This course prepares workers with the knowledge and skills to locate and mark underground infrastructure safely and in compliance with Canadian standards
Course Overview
Underground infrastructure powers homes, delivers water, supports communication, and transports energy. While these networks keep communities running smoothly, they also create serious risks during excavation. Striking a buried line can lead to costly damage, service disruptions, or dangerous situations for workers and the public.
This Utility Locating and Marking Training provides participants with the knowledge to dig safely. The course covers safe excavation practices, the “Call or Click Before You Dig” process, and hazard prevention strategies. Through real-world examples and troubleshooting guidance, learners will gain the skills to identify, mark, and avoid underground utilities while staying compliant with safety regulations.
COURSE TOPICS
- Basics of underground utilities and why they matter
- Roles and duties in the locate process
- Excavation rules and one-call requirements
- Canadian colour codes, locate sheets, and documentation
- Utility locating tools: passive, active, radar, and electronic markers
- Equipment setup and operating procedures
- Common mistakes, troubleshooting, and conflict resolution
- Safe work practices, PPE requirements, and site hazards
- Outdoor safety, including weather-related risks
- Digging best practices and tolerance zones
- Responding to utility strikes and emergencies
- Incident follow-up, reporting, and compliance
ONLINE COURSE DURATION
Estimated completion time: 60 minutes
PASS MARK
To successfully complete the module, participants must achieve a minimum score of 80%. Learners have up to three attempts to meet this passing requirement.
CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion of this online course, a certificate of completion will be available for download and printing.
