Published: 22 Apr 2026
The Survey Association will return to Utility Week Live in May to spotlight PUMA, its PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation Scheme, following its successful reception at last year’s event. PUMA has established a recognised national benchmark for high‑quality underground utility surveys and provides a formal way to assess a survey company’s capability to deliver work in line with the PAS128 specification.
Across the UK, more than four million excavations are carried out each year. A significant number proceed without a comprehensive survey of buried pipes and cables. Strikes on underground assets pose serious risks to life and can cause major financial loss and project disruption. Improving the consistency and reliability of utility surveys is crucial for improving safety and reducing cost and delay. TSA created PUMA to provide its members with a robust, independently assessed framework that raises standards across the industry.
By choosing a PUMA‑accredited company, clients gain assurance that survey work will be carried out accurately and to an agreed level of quality – helping avoid costly errors, unnecessary delays and potentially dangerous incidents.
Sam Roberts, Chair of the PUMA Governance Committee and TSA Council member, said:
“Before the introduction of PUMA, any organisation could state that they were working to the PAS128 specification, but there was no requirement to verify this. TSA’s accreditation scheme has changed that. When clients see that a survey company holds PUMA accreditation, they can be confident that the service and data quality will meet a recognised and independently assessed standard.”
Two stages to PUMA accreditation
PUMA is available to eligible members of The Survey Association. The scheme is delivered by LRQA, a global leader in assurance, certification and inspection. Accreditation involves two stages: a rigorous review of a company’s office processes and systems, followed by a detailed site assessment. Once accredited, companies enter a three‑year cycle of LRQA surveillance to ensure that the standards on which accreditation was awarded are consistently upheld.
Come and meet TSA’s team on Stand P128
Visitors to Utility Week Live 2026 are invited to meet TSA’ ‘s team on stand P128 to learn more about PUMA and how the scheme supports safer working, improved efficiency and significant cost savings across utility and construction projects.
Register for Utility Week Live 2026 here.
