Ground Disturbance ​201

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Ground Disturbance 201 course about? ×
  • Core Focus: This course teaches supervisors and workers how to safely plan and execute ground disturbance activities—like digging or excavating—while avoiding damage to underground utilities. It’s all about keeping the job site safe and compliant.
  • Key Topics: You’ll learn to identify buried facilities (e.g. pipelines or cables), understand regulations like those from Utility Safety Partners (USP), and follow best practices for permits and locates. It’s thorough and actionable.
  • Who It’s For: Aimed at supervisors, planners, or anyone overseeing excavation work, it ensures you’re ready to manage risks. Picture a construction boss needing to know exactly where gas lines hide before breaking ground.
• How long does it take to complete the Ground Disturbance 201 course online? +
  • Typical Duration: Our course takes about 5 to 7 hours. It depends on your pace since it’s self-directed.
  • Flexibility Factor: You can pause and resume anytime, which is great if you’re squeezing it into a busy workday. No need to rush through it all at once.
  • Included: That time covers lessons, quizzes, and a final exam—needing an 80% to pass—plus practical scenarios to test your know-how. Trainingsource.ca offers virtual proctoring, which might add a bit of setup time but a great option if desired.
• Who needs to take the Ground Disturbance 201 course? +
  • Supervisory Roles: It’s a must for anyone overseeing ground disturbance, like site supervisors or project managers ensuring a dig goes smoothly and safely.
  • Solo Workers: If you’re digging independently—like a contractor installing a fence—you need this to understand the rules and risks.
  • Permit Handlers: People issuing or receiving ground disturbance permits also require it to keep everything legal and above board. Think of it as mandatory for anyone who’s accountable when the shovel hits the dirt.
• What do you learn in the Ground Disturbance 201 course? +
  • Hazard Awareness: You’ll spot risks like hitting a power line or gas main, learning how to avoid them with proper planning and equipment checks.
  • Regulatory Know-How: The course dives into provincial standards—like Alberta’s USP or BC’s BCCGA—covering permits, crossing agreements, and safety steps. It’s dense but critical.
  • Practical Skills: Expect to master locating underground facilities and managing a dig from start to finish, including what to do if something goes wrong. Real-world examples, like a backhoe nicking a water line, bring it home.
• Is the Ground Disturbance 201 course certification valid across Canada? +
  • Regional Endorsements: It’s often endorsed by groups like USP (Alberta), BCCGA (British Columbia), or MCGA (Manitoba), making it valid in those provinces. Check your local rules, though.
  • Duration: The certificate lasts three years, after which you’ll need a refresher to stay current. It’s a solid credential but not eternal.