This course is endorsed by BC Common Ground Alliance (BCCGA). Click here to view the 2023 endorsement certificate.

This online BC Common Ground Alliance (BCCGA) endorsed course is designed for planners, managers, supervisors, and employees who are required to develop, plan, or undertake any kind of ground disturbance.

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Explain the importance of the damage prevention process
• Outline ground disturbance stakeholder responsibilities
• Identify and define ground disturbance
• Describe hazards associated with ground disturbance
• Identify approvals and permits that may be required
• Explain how to search for, locate, and identify buried facilities
• Describe methods for exposing buried facilities
• Outline the procedures to follow if damage is caused or found

This Ground Disturbance 201 course contains the same course content and examination criteria as a classroom delivered course that has been endorsed to the BC Common Ground Alliance (BCCGA) Ground Disturbance 201 Standard. Virtual proctoring is available on purchase.

Module A: Damage Prevention

1. The importance of damage prevention
2. Buried facility damage and its consequences
3. Responsibilities of stakeholders involved in damage prevention and ground disturbance
4. Damage prevention regulators, organizations, and publications
5. The need for damage prevention and ground disturbance training

Module B: Ground Disturbance Planning

1. The definition of ground disturbance
2. The importance of codes of practice
3. The importance of, and requirements for, hazard assessments and emergency response plans
4. Various approvals required for ground disturbance
5. Various agreements related to ground disturbance
6. Onsite supervision responsibilities for all parties involved in a ground disturbance

Module C: Preparing for a Ground Disturbance

1. The requirements for conducting a search for buried facilities
2. The notification process and the requirements of those involved
3. The responsibilities and requirements for requesting locates and locating buried facilities
4. Different types of locate marks and outline marking requirements

Module D: The Execution and Completion of a Ground Disturbance

1. How to use a ground disturbance permit
2. The purpose of a pre-job meeting
3. Tailgate meetings and how to conduct them
4. Hand expose zones and hand exposure techniques
5. Proper excavation and backfilling procedures
6. Damage management, incident reporting, and investigation requirements

Approximately 6 hours

A mark of 80% must be achieved in order to pass this course. The final exam is able to be taken three times in efforts to achieve the pass mark.

Upon successful completion of this online course, a certificate of completion will be available for download and printing. The certificate is valid for 3 years from the course completion date indicated on the certificate.

This course was created using standards that will allow playback on most internet capable devices with standard web browsing capabilities, including Apple’s iPad and most other tablets including those with Android and Windows operating systems.