Underground and Overhead Services
Use records, detection, marking, safe digging, isolation and clearance controls to prevent contact with services.
How to prepare for SSSTS
Connect each duty and hazard to the supervisor's workface sequence: check the task and RAMS, brief the team, establish controls, observe and intervene, then report and learn.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Plans and service records are essential but may be incomplete or inaccurate and must be supported by locating and site evidence.
Exam cue: Use current records and a calibrated locator operated by a competent person.
Concept 2
Underground service control combines survey, detection, marking, safe excavation technique and continued reassessment.
Exam cue: Scan in more than one mode and rescan as excavation proceeds.
Concept 3
Overhead-line work requires avoidance, diversion or isolation where possible, otherwise defined clearance and access controls.
Exam cue: Control plant routes, height, goalposts and a trained signaller near overhead lines.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Treating painted marks as proof of depth.
Guardrail: Do not use a signature, course certificate or verbal instruction as a substitute for a missing competent plan or physical control.
Using mechanical excavation directly over an assumed line.
Guardrail: Do not use a signature, course certificate or verbal instruction as a substitute for a missing competent plan or physical control.
Assuming a warning goalpost electrically protects the plant.
Guardrail: Do not use a signature, course certificate or verbal instruction as a substitute for a missing competent plan or physical control.
Memory anchors
Plan, Locate, Dig Safe
Use layered underground-service controls.
Records Are Clues
Confirm plans with detection and observation.
Rescan as You Go
Exposure reveals information and conditions change.
Avoid the Overhead
Diversion or isolation is stronger than clearance alone.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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