EXCITING INNOVATION – Alternate Locate Provider Program

Training Standards Committee

The Alternate Locate Service Provider (ALSP) Program signifies a progressive milestone in the damage prevention industry, providing an innovative collaborative approach to enhance the efficiency of the locate process in Alberta. Recognizing the escalating challenges in keeping pace with the growing demand for locates during peak periods and the need to manage the costs associated with protracted timelines, the initiation of the ALSP Program is a positive response to a “real world” challenge that will better support industry's dedication to safety, and the evolution of the damage prevention process. 

The ALSP program offers a new alternative optional process where excavators can contract a registered, program-approved locator to conduct locates on behalf of participating USP infrastructure owner members. This model not only minimizes delays and uncertainties around project schedules and expenses but also supports a foundational requirement for controlled, efficient, and safe excavation practices within the industry.

A key element of this effort is the recent publication of a Locating & Marking Training STANDARD by the Utility Safety Partners (USP) Training and Standards Committee. The resultant training programs, initially Instructor Led Classroom and Virtual, developed by damage prevention professional training organizations will equip locators with the necessary knowledge to satisfy one of the program pre-requisites to become an ALP (Alternate Locate Provider). The certification is two stage, starting with a one day instructor-led training program that orientates the locator to the ALP requirements, followed by a requirement to successfully complete a comprehensive skills assessment administered by the utility owner designate. 

The USP Endorsed Locating 101 - ALP Program is available now through the audited and endorsed providers Astec Safety Inc. (eLearning System - bistrainer.com) and Global Training Centre. Both of the endorsed providers are offering the Locating 101 - Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) training on a frequent basis, with options of classroom or virtual Instructor-Led Training (ILT) and will travel to your site/region to ensure timely access to the required training. While the Locating 101 - ALP program was developed with locators as the primary target audience; damage prevention administrators, excavators, and key personnel interfacing with locators, will all benefit from the content covered in this USP-endorsed one-day program. 

Both of these long-standing training institutions are at the forefront of providing comprehensive educational safety training programs that ensure locators are fully prepared to meet the program’s rigorous requirements. By facilitating access to high-quality training, Global Training Centre and Astec Safety play a vital role in the ALP Program’s mission to foster a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective locate process.

As we approach the 2024 digging season, the ALP Program is poised to expand locator engagement options for the digging community and utility owners, offering a solution that effectively addresses the operational challenges faced by all stakeholders involved in this time sensitive projects. This initiative is indicative of the industry’s proactive approach, consciously designed to reduce risks, enhance safety, and improve the efficiency of construction and excavation projects across Alberta.

For those interested in affording themselves greater flexibility by taking advantage of this ground breaking program, the most current information and details on how to access the training through the Global Training Centre. and Astec Safety Inc. (eLearning System - bistrainer.com) can be found in the USP site (*NEW* Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) | Utility Safety Partners). Additionally, a detailed FAQ section is available to address any questions. The ALP Program (#ALP Program FAQ | Utility Safety Partners) is not merely a development; it represents a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of the damage prevention industry, reflecting a consistent commitment to adaptability, safety, and efficiency in today’s rapidly advancing landscape.