What is PUMA?
PUMA – or PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation – provides a benchmark and creates a national standard for best practice for underground utility detection surveys. This will give accredited surveyors a competitive edge and will demonstrate their company’s continuous professional improvement. The Survey Association (TSA) has created the trailblazing PAS128 certification scheme specifically for utility surveying companies that are members.
The certification scheme is the culmination of 10 years of development work by TSA. PUMA will provide clients of certified survey companies a resolute confidence in the level of service and the quality of data provided, as well as saving them time and potentially costly delays. In addition to raising standards, it proves that all PUMA-accredited survey companies that claim to work to PAS128 criteria authentically do so. The new PAS128 certification scheme for utility surveying companies is run by LRQA, a global leader in quality assurance, certification and inspection services.
Recognition of our commitment to quality
Matt Powers, director at Powers said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded PUMA certification. It is a reflection of the utility team’s hard work and recognition of our commitment to quality. As part of our geospatial survey offering, we can locate the presence or absence of underground services on prospective building sites. To do this, we use ground penetrating radar (GPR) and other electromagnetic equipment.
“As a member of the professional body, TSA, our membership has allowed us to apply to become certified with the association’s own PAS128 qualification. Our recent achievement demonstrates the knowledge, skills and experience we are so proud of.
The highest levels of accuracy
“PAS 128:2022 is a best-practice specification on the gathering of underground services data. This data can be used to create detailed drawings or models that show the specific location of underground services. These services can be identified via any of the PAS128:2022 Quality Levels. The standard for these levels is based on such aspects as survey type, location accuracy and level of supporting data.
“When we carry out an underground utility detection survey, we’ll provide you with comprehensive services locations to the required PAS128:2022 British Standard. This will show the position, type and depth of live, abandoned or redundant service networks based on the PAS128:2022 Quality Levels outlined above, and agreed in advance of the work being carried out.”
If you’d like to find out more about the PUMA certification or would like to engage us to undertake an underground utilities survey, then get in touch today.
