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• Follow Lemmy.World Instance rules
• Don't be an ass hole, don't start arguments, don't continue arguments, don't name call or anything that could be considered a problem.
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  -- Talking about stuff you've bought is fine as long as you're not the seller. Commenting on someone else's post if you are the seller requires you to disclose you are the seller of such product.
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Who we are

A Union of Utility Locators, Damage Prevention Specialists, and Subsurface Utility Engineers

What we do

This is a community for utility locators or construction workers who are looking to learn more about utility locating. This includes those working for 811 (and other national locate services in other countries), private locators, contract locators and all other locating people.

As utility locators we work to prevent damages to underground infrastructure. Saving lives, keeping others and ourselves safe, and doing our job to the best of our ability is the goal.

Non-Locator Questions

What do the colors mean?

• White: Proposed Excavation
• Pink: Temporary survey markings
• Red: Electric, power lines, power conduit and/or cables
• Yellow: Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
• Orange: Communication, Alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
• Blue: Potable water
• Purple: Reclaimed water/Storm water, irrigation, slurry lines
• Green: Sewers and drain lines

Who do I call to get something located before I dig?

• In the US you will call 811 or search 811 and your state to find their website.
• Other countries may use other options

I'm a Contractor/Construction Worker, how do I know what these lines are?

• Your locator probably uses paint and/or flags per most state guidelines. If flags are present, they may have the name of the utility on them. Also check the marks for the utility name written somewhere along the marks.

Locator Information

I'm interested in different equipment, where do I even start looking?

• This is not sponsored, Grizzyly Leads is owned and made by a locator.
• If you have other suggestions we'd love to hear it.

Where else can I talk to other locators and learn things?

• Reddit of course
• Discord is a pretty fun place.
• Facebook has plenty if you search Utility Locator. The most common is "The Cable Vine"

How do I get in this field?

• Search for jobs titled "utility locator" or "underground utility locator" sometimes also called "subsurface utility locator"
• Check some of the big name companies websites, USIC, Utiliquest, Stake Center, GridHawk are just a few.