Published: 05 Jul 2023
It’s been over two months now since we launched PUMA (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation) to raise standards in utility surveys.
This new accreditation scheme is open to our members who carry out utility surveys and is being run by LRQA, a global leader in assurance, certification and inspection services. PUMA is designed to assess the ability of surveyors to deliver to the PAS128 specification and will create a national standard for best practice for underground surveys.
Since PUMA was officially launched back in May, we have already started seeing an increase in the number of requests received for TSA Membership Application forms from companies who carry out utility surveys. Of course, applying for TSA membership is no guarantee that the application will be successful, as our standards and criteria continue to be rigorous. We are processing applications as quickly as possible and providing advice to unsuccessful applicants where possible to make it easier for them to re-apply as soon as they can.
Named PUMA (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation), the new accreditation scheme is being run by LRQA, a global leader in assurance, certification and inspection services. PUMA is designed to assess the ability of surveyors to deliver to the PAS128 specification. It will provide a benchmark and create a national standard for best practice for underground surveys. Membership of the scheme will give accredited surveyors a competitive edge and will be a tangible means of demonstrating their continuous professional improvement.
The strict assessment process for gaining PUMA accreditation has two key stages. The first is an assessment of the applicant’s office systems and the second stage is a site assessment. Following accreditation, LRQA will institute a surveillance programme to ensure that the standards, processes and systems against which accreditation was granted, are maintained through the three-year validity period of accreditation.
Find out more here.
