Page 54 - CCGA Best Practices Version English

• Date or period after which the locate will expire
• Total number of pages issued
• Name or ID# of the party issuing the locate report
Validity of the locate is also affected by one or more of the following
conditions:
1. Marks on the ground conflict with the locate report – if the marks on the
ground do not match the sketch or other information contained in the
locate report then that portion within the located area affected by this
condition is no longer valid.
2. Discovery of an error – if there is an error or omission that affects the
accuracy, identification or interpretation of the marks then that portion
within the located area affected by this condition is no longer valid.
3. Unlocated underground infrastructure – the presence of underground
infrastructure that has not been marked or cannot be marked until it
is found by excavation creates a circumstance where the limits of the
located area should be adjusted to exclude the portion of area affected by
this condition. If this is not done then that portion within the located area
affected by this condition is no longer valid.
4. Clearances – in situations where a dig area is clear of an owner’s
underground infrastructure there will be no marks on the ground and
a valid locate requires only a locate report in the form of a written
statement to this effect.
5. Alternate Locate Agreement – in situations where an ALA has been issued
there will be no marks on the ground and a valid locate requires only that
the conditions for the ALA have been met and the ALA has not expired.

3-22: Quality Assurance

Practice Statement: Owners should have a Quality Assurance (QA)
program in place for assessing the accuracy of locating and marking facilities.
Practice Description: The process of conducting QA audits on locates
is a critical component to the protection of underground facilities. The
recommended components listed below are meant to provide general
guidelines for auditing the work of locators. The QA program is a valuable
component in the damage investigation process.
• Conduct random field audits
• Check accuracy of markings against minimum tolerances

• Check accuracy and completeness of the locate report
• Measure timeliness as defined by Regulations.
• Check the legibility of the completed locate report
• Verify the most up-to-date records were used to complete the locate

Canadian Common Ground Alliance
Best Practices Version 3.0 – October 2018
49