[Pipeline]

Is a utility license required for soft digging, pot holing and/or utility locating using vacuum excavation?

It"s considered a non-destructive evacation method used for exploratory digging to locate services prior to major excavation work.

In essence, you are providing safety support to excavation contractors.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts...

 

[tgeb]

What is a Utility License?

 

[Upchuck]

In mass., I think all you need for a vac-truck is a CDL. I'm seeing more & more of these trucks around lately. I hear they work very good.

 

[Upchuck]

tgeb

I think he is talking about what we call a hoist license in Mass. We need a hoist license to run equipment.

 

[Pipeline]

Sorry for the confusion.

In Florida they have a Underground utility and excavation license (site prep, storm drains, sewers, catch basins, etc). Would this type of technology require this license?

Technically, vacuum or hydro excavation is "digging" into the ground.

However, with vacuum excavation, you're not installing anything, you're just clearing the soil to indentify / verify electric, fiber optic, water, gas and conduits existence.

 

[tgeb]

tgeb

I think he is talking about what we call a hoist license in Mass. We need a hoist license to run equipment.

Hoist license?? :blink:
What do you have to do to get one of those?
Do you have to renew it periodically like a drivers license?
Is there a proficiency test to get/keep one?

Sorry for the confusion.

In Florida they have a Underground utility and excavation license (site prep, storm drains, sewers, catch basins, etc). Would this type of technology require this license?

Technically, vacuum or hydro excavation is "digging" into the ground.

However, with vacuum excavation, you're not installing anything, you're just clearing the soil to indentify / verify electric, fiber optic, water, gas and conduits existence.

What does the State of Florida say as far as licensing, there must be some legislation detailing it, but if it were me.....I'd get the license for excavations.

Even though you might consider that you are only sucking up soil/water and pushing it into a barrel, you are technically creating an excavation.

 

[Upchuck]

Hoist license?? :blink:
What do you have to do to get one of those?
Do you have to renew it periodically like a drivers license?
Is there a proficiency test to get/keep one?

I think it is kind of a joke. You take a test answering questions based on safety more than anything else. I know guys who are great operators that don't have one. I've never been on a job where they have asked for it. You have to renew it every few years.

I feel it's just another way to generate some money for the state. Always wondered how it worked in other states.

 

[tgeb]

.....I feel it's just another way to generate some money for the state. Always wondered how it worked in other states.

You're probably right about the money.

We have no licensing of operators here, if you can hold down the seat and figure out how to start it, you're good to go!