Introduction to Dig Safe (BC)
This introductory seminar provides workers, supervisors, and contractors with the essential knowledge required to safely perform ground disturbance activities in BC
Description
This introductory seminar provides workers, supervisors, and contractors with the essential knowledge required to safely perform ground disturbance activities in British Columbia. The course focuses on legal requirements, safe digging practices, and practical steps to prevent damage to underground infrastructure.
Aligned with industry best practices and regulatory expectations, this session supports safer worksites, reduced utility strikes, and improved compliance.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:
- Understand what constitutes ground disturbance in BC
- Identify key legal and regulatory requirements
- Describe the role of BC One Call
- Interpret basic utility locate markings (APWA color code)
- Follow a safe digging process from planning to excavation
- Recognize common causes of utility strikes and how to prevent them
- Understand basic response procedures in the event of a utility hit
Course Content
1. Introduction to Ground Disturbance
- Definition and scope in BC
- Types of excavation activities
- Roles and responsibilities
2. Regulations & Industry Requirements
- WorkSafeBC OHS requirements
- BC One Call process and timelines
- Overview of BC Energy Regulator and Canada Energy Regulator considerations
- BCCGA Ground Disturbance 101/201
3. The Safe Digging Process
- Planning and hazard identification
- Requesting locates
- Verifying and marking
- Safe excavation practices
- Exposure (hand digging / hydrovac / dryvac)
4. Utility Markings & Tolerance Zones
- APWA color codes
- Understanding markings and limitations
- Safe approach distances
5. Common Causes of Utility Damage
- Failure to request locates
- Improper excavation techniques
- Miscommunication on site
6. Basic Utility Locating Awareness
- Overview of locating methods (EM & GPR)
- Limitations of locates
7. Emergency Response
- What to do if a utility is struck
- Gas line emergencies and evacuation basics
- Reporting requirements
Course Delivery:
- Format: Virtual Delivery via Zoom
Outcome
Participants will leave with a clear understanding of safe digging requirements in BC and the confidence to perform ground disturbance activities safely, reducing risk to workers, the public, and underground infrastructure.
Presented By:
Ronald Enns – BC Utility Locator School (bculs.ca) / Trench Safety BC (trenchsafetybc.ca) Dragonetti Group Inc.
(dragonettigroup.com)
Ron Enns started in the Water & Wastewater Industry in 2002 with the City of Vancouver Sewer Operations, working in many positions from Laborer, Shoring Technician to Utility Locator, Sub Foreman to Acting Superintendent. He left the City of Vancouver in 2015 to join Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) as a Manager of Business Development focusing on building Utility Locating, Trench Safety & Water & Wastewater Education for BC, Yukon and beyond.
Ron Joined the BC Common Ground Alliance in 2017, ASTTBC Underground Utility Locator Board in 2018 and the Member Resource Council for BC1Call in 2019 to help build standards, education and certification. In 2020 he joined the Canadian Association of Pipeline and Utility
Locating Contractors (CAPULC) working on the National Underground Facility Locating and Marking Standard, the first-of-its-kind Standard in Canada.
After learning KPU will no longer continue with Utility Locating, Trench Safety and Water & Wastewater Education, Ron went back to the Water & Wastewater Industry as the Supervisor of Liquid Waste for Metro Vancouver (GVRD). He also opened BC Utility Locator School in 2022 with a focus on educating Utility Locating Technicians and in 2024 he received his EM Locating & GPR Certification from an Accredited School with the National Utility Locators Contractors
Association (NULCA). In June 2025 Ron received his ASTTBC Registered Utility Locating Technician (RULT) a professional designation created to recognize the experience and key competencies of utility locators who work in various industries in BC.
Ron left Metro Vancouver in February of 2025 to pursue his passion focusing on standard best practices, quality education and building a career path for todays and future Utility Locators, Trench Shoring Specialists and Water & Wastewater Operators in BC
Sharing a single registration between two or more individuals is not permitted. Please register each person that will be in attendance.
Who Should Attend
- Public Works employees
- Contractors and equipment operators
- Utility workers
- Supervisors and forepersons
- Anyone involved in excavation or ground disturbance
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.