PUMA
The new PAS128 Accreditation Scheme for utility surveying companies
The PAS128 specification introduced clarity, consistency and accountability around underground surveys. However, until recently, survey companies could claim to deliver to the PAS128 specification but did not have to provide any proof of their capability and there was no recognised standard for them to work to. This led to a huge variance in survey deliverables. PAS128:2022 has introduced new requirements and further variability.
About PAS128 Accreditation
Raising standards in utility surveys is essential to prioritise safety, drive efficiency and save money. To that end, TSA has created a trailblazing PAS128 accreditation scheme for utility surveying companies that are TSA members. Named PUMA (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation), the new accreditation scheme is the culmination of ten years of development work by TSA.
PUMA is designed to assess the ability of surveyors to deliver to the PAS128 specification. The scheme aims to give accredited TSA members a way of demonstrating compliance and give clients confidence in the level of service and product accuracy assured by the accreditation.
By standardising PAS128 surveys, PUMA will raise the bar for the whole market. Any company which has PUMA accreditation will be able to prove to their clients that they have been audited and can carry out the surveys to the specification.
PUMA is run by LRQA, a global leader in assurance, certification and inspection services.
For TSA members
PUMA aims to provide a benchmark and create a national standard for best practice for underground surveys. Membership of the scheme gives accredited surveyors a means to differentiate themselves and demonstrate their commitment to continuous professional improvement.
For clients
PUMA aims to give clients of accredited survey companies confidence in the level of service and the quality of data provided, as well as saving them time and potentially costly delays. PUMA accredited companies have been independently audited to ensure their outputs and working practices comply with the PAS128 specification and all its requirements around staff training and competence. Clients can be assured that the PUMA accredited company they use is competent to carry out the services requested and fully compliant with PAS128:2022.
PUMA Governance Committee:
Sam Roberts (Chair) – TSA Member representative (Met Geo Environmental Ltd)
Maddy Lees – TSA Member representative (40Seven Ltd)
Nick Spenceley – TSA Member Representative (Catsurveys Ltd)
Gordon Livie – TSA Affiliate Representative (Freedom Group)
Steve Walker – CICES Representative (CSTA Global)
Nicole Metje – Academic Representative (University of Birmingham)
(placeholder) – Industry Representative
Role of the Governance Committee:
- To establish and maintain an overall view of the performance of LRQA as the Accreditation Body and its compliance with the Scheme guidance documents and standards
- To provide guidance to the Accreditation Body as to the resolution of disputes that may arise with members seeking accreditation, the accreditation Body withholding such accreditation, due to a perceived failure to achieve the required standards, should they remain unresolved, having exhausted the disputes and appeals procedures defined in the Scheme guidance document.
- To establish a process, as necessary, to resolve disputes that may arise between TSA Council and the Accreditation Body
- To act as a forum for feedback from both the Accreditation Body and members as to the Scheme performance and advice as to how the Scheme may be revised in the light of such feedback
- To review and accept Scheme guidance documentation, assessment procedures and practices and provide guidance and advice on subsequent revisions thereto
- TSA Council members will be responsible for informing their respective stakeholder interests of Scheme changes etc
Are you ready to be part of it?
To find out more about how to become part of PUMA please find below a link to a guidance document and application form