TRAINING STANDARDS

This overview of the Ground Disturbance 201 Standard identifies the subject matter required in classroom and online ground disturbance training programs. Sufficient detail is provided to allow a training provider to make an informed decision about developing a program and submitting it to the ABCGA for endorsement. It also provides employers and prospective students the information necessary to appreciate the benefits of a ground disturbance training program that has gone through the ABCGA’s endorsement process.

The Training Standards Committee will accept applications for assessment and endorsement to the Ground Disturbance 201 Standard from those training organizations whose classroom and online programs have been endorsed under the old process and who have stated their intent to apply for endorsement under the Ground Disturbance 201 Standard.

Those that disturb the ground need access to consistent, accurate information that will help them minimize the risks of contacting buried facilities associated with ground disturbance activities. Especially given the extent and complexity of the underground infrastructure and the multiplicity of regulations that affect buried facilities.

Employers must ensure that their employees are competent to carry out their required tasks. Since competency involves a combination of qualifications, training and experience, employers have an obligation to provide high quality training.

On the premise that an employer should be able to use his/her training organization of choice and at the same time should be able to rely on that training organization to provide accurate and consistent information, the ABCGA, through its Training Standards Committee, has established the minimum standard content for two levels of ground disturbance training and has put in place a training program assessment process that when successfully completed will lead to the endorsement of ground disturbance training programs by the ABCGA.

Endorsement of ground disturbance training programs by the ABCGA provides employers, purchasers of ground disturbance services and operators of potentially affected buried facilities confidence that those holding certificates from endorsed training organizations have received consistent, accurate information to an industry approved standard.