Survey Solutions Strengthens Utility Expertise with PUMA PAS 128 Accreditation
Published on
By Toni Abrahams
Survey Solutions has achieved PUMA PAS 128 accreditation, a significant milestone for our Utilities team and a clear demonstration of our commitment to giving clients greater confidence, clarity and certainty on their projects.
The PUMA scheme was developed by The Survey Association (TSA) in partnership with LRQA (Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance) as part of TSA’s ongoing drive to raise standards across the Geospatial industry. It provides independent recognition that our working practices, staff competency and survey deliverables meet the requirements of PAS 128, the recognised industry standard for underground utility detection, verification and location.
With this achievement, Survey Solutions has become one of only twelve companies in the UK to hold the accreditation, placing us among a select group of utility surveying providers whose capabilities have been independently assessed against the requirements of PAS 128.
Independent Assessment From Office Systems To Site Delivery
Gaining PUMA accreditation is a robust process. It involves an independent review of how a utility surveying business operates, from the systems used behind the scenes to the way survey teams work on site.
The assessment begins with a detailed review of office systems, looking at how utility survey projects are planned, managed and delivered. This includes competency management, risk management, survey methodologies, data handling, quality assurance and reporting, helping to confirm that PAS 128 requirements are embedded throughout the process.
Assessors then observe surveying activity in a live site environment, reviewing how those systems are applied in practice. This includes the competency of the survey team, the correct use of detection and location equipment, adherence to agreed methodologies, safe working practices and the accurate recording and classification of survey findings.
Survey deliverables are also reviewed to ensure the information provided to clients is clear, transparent and produced in line with PAS 128. This confirms that the quality demonstrated in the field is reflected in the data, drawings and reports clients rely on to make informed project decisions.
PUMA accreditation is valid for three years, with annual surveillance visits to ensure continued compliance. This means accreditation is not just a one-off achievement; it is an ongoing commitment to maintaining competency, quality and consistency.
Successfully completing the process demonstrates that Survey Solutions has the people, procedures and technical capability needed to deliver utility surveys to a recognised and independently assessed standard.
Greater Confidence For Clients
For clients, collaborating with a PUMA-accredited provider brings added assurance that utility surveys are completed safely, accurately and consistently. Reliable survey information supports better decision-making at every stage of a project and helps reduce the risk of utility strikes, unexpected costs and avoidable delays.
““Achieving PUMA accreditation is a huge milestone for Survey Solutions and our Utilities team. It shows that our working practices, staff competency and survey deliverables have been independently assessed and meet the requirements of PAS 128. For our clients, it provides added confidence that their utility surveys are being completed safely, accurately and to a recognised industry standard. This helps reduce the risk of utility strikes, unexpected costs and delays later in their projects. For us as a company, it recognises the hard work of our teams across the country and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high standards, developing our people and continually improving the service we provide. It strengthens Survey Solutions’ position as a trusted utility surveying provider and is something the whole team should be incredibly proud of.””
Associate Director of Utilities, Survey Solutions
Recognising The People Behind The Achievement
The achievement reflects the knowledge, care and professionalism shown by colleagues across the business. It also supports our ongoing investment in training, robust working practices and the consistent delivery of high-quality survey information.
The accreditation process brought together contributions from across the Utilities team, from colleagues completing surveys on site to those responsible for project planning, data processing, quality assurance and the preparation of client deliverables. Its successful completion reflects a shared commitment to applying high standards at every stage of every project.
““I’m proud of the team for all their hard work in achieving this accreditation. It shows our clients that they can trust us to deliver high-quality surveys and great customer service every time.” The achievement further strengthens Survey Solutions’ position as a trusted provider of utility surveying services and gives clients additional confidence that their surveys are being delivered by competent professionals working to a recognised industry standard.”
Associate Director of Utilities, Survey Solutions
