Ground Disturbance 201

This training is accredited by Utility Safety Partners (USP), previously recognized as the Alberta Common Ground Alliance
(ABCGA). Click here to view the official endorsement certificate dated January 25, 2025.

This accredited Ground Disturbance 201 online course by USP is tailored for professionals such as project planners, site managers, supervisors, and workers who are involved in planning, managing, or carrying out any activities related to ground disturbance.

After finishing this course successfully, participants will gain the skills to:

• Understand the critical role of damage prevention in worksite safety
• Recognize responsibilities of all stakeholders in ground disturbance projects
• Define and explain ground disturbance practices
• Identify potential hazards linked to ground disturbance work
• Determine necessary approvals and permits before starting a project
• Locate, mark, and identify underground infrastructure safely
• Use safe methods for uncovering underground utilities
• Know the proper steps to follow when encountering or causing damage

The Ground Disturbance 201 online training provides the same comprehensive content and assessment criteria as classroom-based programs endorsed by Utility Safety Partners (USP) standards. Virtual proctoring is included with your purchase.

If you’re seeking the Ground Disturbance 201 (BC Add-on), which can be taken after this course, visit: https://www.bissafety.app/store/astec-safety-inc-store/productdetails/ground-disturbance-201-bc-add-on

Module A: Damage Prevention

• The significance of preventing damage to underground facilities
• Consequences of damage to buried infrastructure
• Roles and obligations of stakeholders in ground disturbance
• Overview of regulatory bodies, safety organizations, and publications
• Why damage prevention training is essential for workers

Module B: Planning a Ground Disturbance

• Defining what qualifies as ground disturbance
• The importance of adopting codes of practice
• Conducting hazard assessments and creating emergency plans
• Securing required approvals for work
• Agreements that must be considered during projects
• Duties of onsite supervisors during disturbance operations

Module C: Preparing for the Work

• How to effectively search for and identify underground facilities
• Notification processes and compliance requirements
• Procedures for requesting locates and verifying buried utilities
• Recognizing and understanding various locate markings

Module D: Executing and Finalizing the Project

• Utilizing permits specific to ground disturbance
• Pre-job meeting essentials and best practices
• Conducting tailgate meetings for safety alignment
• Hand exposure zones and safe exposure techniques
• Excavation and backfilling safety protocols
• Incident management, reporting, and investigation steps

This online program is compatible with most modern internet-enabled devices, including iPads and Android tablets. For optimal performance, we recommend using Google Chrome as your browser.

The total estimated time to complete this training is 6 hours.

To successfully pass, participants must achieve a minimum score of 80%. Up to three attempts are allowed for the final assessment.

Upon passing the online exam, learners can instantly download and print their certificate of completion. This certification remains valid for 3 years from the date displayed on the certificate.

This program qualifies for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for water and wastewater operators in these provinces:

• Alberta: CEU Value 0.6
• Saskatchewan: CEU Value 0.5

Certified operators are mandatory for certain water and wastewater facilities under Alberta law. Learn more about certification requirements here.

The Canadian Construction Association awards 2 Gold Seal Credits for this course.

• To learn more, visit: https://www.cca-acc.com/gold-seal/accreditation-program/accredited-training/