Ear to the Ground - Fall 2015 - (Page 19)

FEATURE B Y T H E B E L L F I E L D O P E R AT I O N S & D A M A G E P R E V E N T I O N T E A M , B E L L C A N A D A Bell Canada Leads Safety Effort B ecause modern communication networks link millions of customers locally and around the world, safeguarding them requires more than just a warning to "Click" or "Call" Before You Dig. Bell, Canada's largest communications company, is leading efforts to ensure the integrity of those networks in a number of ways. CRITICAL WATCH PROGRAM Excavators need to know more than depth of the network installation to set their drilling equipment. In the case of tie-backs - the cabled anchors that steady high rise buildings - which are usually installed at a 20- to 30-degree angle, drillers need even better information to avoid having their digging become a true shot in the dark. Bell has developed the Critical Watch Program to mitigate the risk by notifying Bell's Damage Prevention Team of a highrisk activity around any central office or critical network site as well as emergency service locations such as fire and police stations, hospitals, airports and key government sites. When an excavator calls the Ontario One Call (ON1Call) Centre or uses the Click Before You Dig online service in any province, Bell's screening centre is notified and the digsite detail is overlaid on Bell's network in a tool called Multiviewer (Figure A). If the excavation falls within the critical notification area (highlighted in pink) it triggers a process led by a Bell Damage Prevention Manager who reviews the details and works with the contractor throughout the dig, including onsite visits, to oversee all aspects and ensure the network infrastructure is not damaged. Thanks to Bell's Multi-Viewer mapping tool application, much of the process is automated. The viewer is easily integrated with the most widely used One Call ticket management systems. Planview Utility Services Limited also developed a Damage Prevention Risk Assessment (DPRA) tool with all critical zones built in as well as historical data on requests and damage. This tool enables the Bell Damage Prevention Team to establish risk criteria for future digs, enabling team members to conduct drop-in audits to ensure excavators have everything required to safely complete the work. It also saves time and makes it easier to manage the thousands of excavation requests and threats that occur each day by focusing on those that represent the greatest potential customer impact. BELL'S PROTOCOL PROJECT Because Ontario law requires all underground infrastructure owners to register their network through ON1Call - and to notify the system about every excavation request, including hand-digging - there are thousands of locate requests every year. The law does not differentiate between high- and lowrisk situations, creating new costs for organizations who must comply. Bell technicians execute about 10,000 work orders a year involving FA L L 1 5 19

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ear to the Ground - Fall 2015

President’s Message
What Is a Stickered Locate?
Green Industry Damages Greatly Reduced
How TSSA Handles Late Locates
The ORCGA 10th Annual Golf Tournament
Hydro One Programs and Initiatives
Bell Canada Leads Safety Effort
Utility Coordination Comes to the Forefront in Canada
2015 ORCGA Locate Rodeo
Index of Advertisers

Ear to the Ground - Fall 2015