Closing the Communication Loop

Closing the Communication Loop

Utility Safety Partners (USP) and PelicanCorp have been working hard to finalize the Positive Response system for its use in Western Canada. Positive Response allows locators to record the status of a locate in the Before You Dig Partners (BYDP) ticket software. This record of locate closes the communication loop between locators and excavators and reduces the risk of miscommunication about the location of facilities in the work area. 

Excavators will be able to log into the Positive Response system and see which facilities have been cleared, located, or are scheduled for locate for each ticket. This will allow easy identification of outstanding locates and allow excavators to send reminders directly to facility owners who have not responded after the minimum notice period has passed. Individual Positive Response statuses can be viewed at any time and once a Positive Response has been recorded for all notified facility owners, the ticket requestor will receive an email. 

Locators will be able to submit Positive Responses by logging into the BYDP system or through an API connection with their ticket management software. Once a Positive Response status is submitted, that status is visible to the excavator and a reminder can no longer be sent for that ticket. Once the final software adjustments are complete, USP will be reaching out to facility owners and locators to begin individual configuration and testing.  

The addition of Positive Response is an important improvement to the Damage Prevention Process. Unclear communication can lead to facility damages and put worker safety at risk. The Positive Response system provides a tool for both excavators and locators alike to confirm which locates are complete. We are looking forward to launching Positive Response in 2022!

Kassi Zaba - Member Liaison - Utility Safety Partners