What is a Locate?
Locates are documentation AND ground markings that identify the position of underground facilities based on records or electronic locating equipment.
Ground markings consist of different colours that are used to reflect each type of infrastructure (Gas, Electric, Water, etc.).
Universal Colour Codes:
CLICK ON THE “HOW TO READ A LOCATE SHEET” BELOW TO EXPAND.
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN CREATED TO HELP EXCAVATORS DECIPHER LOCATE DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED BY FACILITY OWNERS OR THEIR AGENTS:
How to Read a Locate
Excavators are required to request the location of underground facilities at each excavation site by notifying the one call centre and/or facility owner. Contact your One Call Centre at least five business days before starting your project to allow the necessary time to secure required locates. If you’re aware of your anticipated start date, most one call centres can process requests up to one year in advance.
When necessary, the excavator or the locator may request a pre-excavating meeting at the jobsite just prior to the actual marking of facility locations. Such pre-excavating meetings are important for major, or unusual, excavations.
Be aware that privately owned buried facilities (e.g. pool and barbeque lines) may exist within the work area. If so, you must contact a private locator. Contact your One Call Centre for more information.