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.

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In the first of a series of snapshots discussing various aspects of surveying, we ask: “Where would we be without underground utility surveys?”   

Essential groundwork

Underground utility surveys, also known as PAS128 surveys are an integral part of the construction process. Without them, it would be much more difficult to ascertain the suitability of a site for building projects, or to understand the location of services and potential obstacles underground.

The layout of any development depends heavily on the resources and services already present. Ideally, you don’t design a housing development on a site criss-crossed by underground electric cables and sewer pipes. That isn’t to say such obstacles are insurmountable, but an underground utility survey could identify them well in advance, allowing designers to proceed accordingly.

Under investigation

Underground surveys are carried out by qualified professionals using geospatial technology. Surveyors use electromagnetic detection, GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar), GNSS and total stations to create a detailed, multilayered digital map of what lies beneath. The construction process can be fraught with unforeseen challenges, but having the assurance of a PAS128 utility survey goes a long way towards minimising these risks.

Construction projects need underground utility surveys (or PAS128 surveys) to be carried out before building work can start. A surveyor will locate, identify and map most utility services beneath the surface. Most underground utilities, such as electric cabling, telecoms, drainage, gas, water, and fibre optic services, can typically be found, along with other buried hazards, voids and other subterranean features.

In a world where surveys are not carried out, expensive design changes or costly diversion of services might be needed mid-project – if existing services are found to  obstruct foundation layouts or conflict with planned utility routes servicing the development.    

Build on solid foundations

A world without underground surveys would mean far more exploratory, preparatory work before any design or construction could begin.

Our ‘depth of knowledge’ and expertise in underground utility surveying is reinforced by our commitment to ensuring our member companies carry out their work to the highest standard. TSA has created a PAS128 accreditation scheme called PUMA (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation) for all its utility surveying members. PUMA provides a defined benchmark and creates a national standard for best practice. It demonstrates continuous professional improvement, gives clients confidence in survey quality, and can save time and costly delays.

To find out more about our PUMA accreditation, get in touch with us today.

The post Where would we be without…underground surveys? appeared first on The Survey Association.

Powers and utility surveys

Powers is a long-established geospatial survey firm in North West England, serving the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors for more than 50 years. The company delivers a full range of geospatial services, including:

• Measured building and topographical surveys
• 3D laser scanning, mobile mapping, 3D Revit modelling, UAV (drone) surveys
• Site‑engineering work like setting‑out, machine control, ground modelling, as‑built surveys, deformation monitoring
• Underground utility detection (PAS 128 compliant and PUMA accredited)

The Powers team brings deep expertise in hi‑tech, high‑precision surveying and works throughout the UK. Powers holds ISO accreditations for Quality (ISO 9001), Health & Safety (ISO 45001), and Environmental Management (ISO 14001), enabling the company to work in the aerospace, defence, and aviation sectors. Powers’ approach is hands‑on, emphasising building relationships with clients to better understand their needs, delivering value within budget and time constraints and supporting decision‑making from early stages in projects.

Why do you think PUMA is important?

In the UK, there’s no mandatory rule governing how underground utility surveys are carried out. Quality varies widely. Being PUMA-accredited tells clients that your surveys truly follow PAS 128 and that your processes are independently audited. That builds trust swiftly, cuts ambiguity in bids, and reduces risk on site. Clients choosing a PUMA‑accredited firm know what they’re getting: independent verification that the surveys meet PAS 128:2022 standards. That spares them from time-consuming due diligence and reduces the chance of buried‑utility surprises, costly delays, or even injuries on site.

PUMA isn’t just a badge. It creates a consistent, national standard for utility surveys by TSA (The Survey Association) and is managed by LRQA (a global leader in quality assurance). Every accredited company is audited against processes, staff competency, risk management, and transparency in results.

How did you find the process of applying for PUMA accreditation?

Earning PUMA isn’t a one‑and‑done. First comes an office systems audit; then on‑site validation of survey methods; then periodic surveillance during the three‑year accreditation period—so the standards are maintained.

As we are already ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certified, the external PAS 128 audit was very similar to our external ISO Standard audits so we didn’t have to change much in order to get through it. All of our projects are subject to high quality standards, so it was a case of communicating this well to the auditor. Unlike our ISO auditors, the PUMA auditors understand the geospatial profession as they also audit NERS (National Electricity Registration Scheme), WIRS (Water Industry Registration Scheme) and GIRS (Gas Industry Registration Scheme) companies. LRQA’s PUMA auditors therefore understood the nuances of underground utility detection to a very deep level which means our clients can be assured we are rigorously checked to a high standard. We passed first time with flying colours and will continue to do this in the future.

What impact do you think being PUMA accredited has on your business?

Having PUMA accreditation helps us to communicate effectively and quickly with clients and establish a clear quality benchmark for our underground utility surveys. Our clients are clear about what they are getting and know that they can leave the technical detail to the experts when dealing with Powers. We believe that all utility surveyors should have a requirement to be PUMA PAS 128 accredited so that the quality of underground utility detection in the profession remains high and standardised.

What advice would you give anyone thinking about starting to apply for PUMA accreditation?

Go for it! The audit is a methodical process and if you’re doing everything correctly and you’ve been following the PAS 128 specification anyway, then you should sail through the audit. It really helps when explaining what we do to potential clients who come from a variety of backgrounds and who may or may not understand utility detection.

To find out more about PUMA, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/puma/.

The post Gaining PUMA accreditation appeared first on The Survey Association.

What is your involvement with utility surveys?

We offer full service PAS 128 underground utility mapping to clients across the UK and Ireland, working on complex infrastructure projects, large-scale developments, and urban regeneration schemes. Our teams use cutting-edge technology to locate and map underground assets accurately, ensuring safe, efficient and informed decision-making for all our clients.

Why do you think PUMA is important?

PUMA sets a national quality benchmark that brings clarity and consistency to PAS 128 surveys. It allows clients to distinguish between providers who meet rigorous standards and those who do not. For the industry as a whole, it raises the bar in safety, accountability and professionalism. For us as a team, being PUMA accredited demonstrates sustainability of quality, not just as a one-time audit.

How did you find the process of applying for accreditation?

The process was thorough but very manageable. We were already working to high standards, so much of the work was about formalising and evidencing our systems. The Survey Association and LRQA were both clear and supportive throughout, and the live assessment was a positive opportunity to showcase our teams’ capability. Malcolm Hughes was one of the earlier companies to  achieve PUMA accreditation and we hope to lead the way.

What impact do you think being PUMA accredited has had/ will have on your business?

Being PUMA accredited gives clients immediate confidence in the quality and reliability of our work. Internally, it has helped us review and strengthen our documentation and reinforce good practice. Strategically, it sets us apart in bids and tenders and aligns with our position as a trusted, progressive industry leader.

At Malcolm Hughes we aim not just to participate but to set the example and be a voice for industry-wide improvement. PUMA supports a culture of accountability, attention to detail, and pride in workmanship, qualities we’ve always valued. Accreditation is not a ‘one and done’ achievement. It’s a living system that motivates our teams to stay sharp, invest in learning, and continue to innovate within a solid, transparent quality framework.

What advice would you give anyone thinking about starting applying for PUMA accreditation?

Start by reviewing what you already have in place, you might be closer than you think. View it not as a compliance hurdle but as an opportunity to stand out and future-proof your utility offering. Be transparent in your approach and use the process to bring your team into the conversation.

To find out more about PUMA, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/puma/.

The post Insight into gaining PUMA accreditation, from Malcolm Hughes Land Surveyors Ltd appeared first on The Survey Association.

Before any construction can take place, an underground survey needs to be carried out so that the whereabouts of any utilities, such as gas, electric and water supply, or drainage services, can be identified. In addition, any other obstructions and potential hazards can also be located and mapped using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or Electromagnetic Location.

Having an accurate picture of exactly what is under the ground reduces the chances of a service strike which can lead to costly delays and inconvenience at the very least, and danger to life in the worst case scenario.

NUAR: digital mapping of underground infrastructure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The importance of improving knowledge about underground infrastructure has been highlighted by the Geospatial Commission, which is currently building a digital map to show the recorded location of underground pipes and cables in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to improve efficiency and safety with regard to installation, maintenance, operation and repair of buried infrastructure. The scheme, named the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2025.

NUAR will provide secure access to data from over 600 public and private sector asset owners, including more than 600 gas, water, electric and telecomms companies and local government bodies. TSA welcomes this initiative which should improve public services and the safety of all those involved in construction projects.

However, it is important to recognise that this digitised record information will still be subject to the same inaccuracy and incompleteness that the paper records it is based on were affected by. It will still be safety critical to carry out utility surveys ahead of excavations and to provide reliable information for project planning and development.

Providing a means of highlighting inaccurate data within the NUAR platform will be an important feedback mechanism which will be able to ensure continuous improvement of the stored utility information.

NUAR recently announced that they are exploring ways of providing accredited utility survey companies access to the platform, with accreditation providing confidence to asset owners that the access they have and the observations they make concerning the location of buried services could be trusted.

PUMA: setting a benchmark and raising standards in underground surveying

Long motivated by the need to improve standards in underground surveys and ensure the highest levels of accuracy, TSA has set up PUMA, which is the first PAS128 Accreditation Scheme for utility surveying companies. The acronym PUMA stands for PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation and utility surveying companies that are TSA members can apply for the accreditation. The PUMA scheme is getting recognition at the highest levels.

The scheme, run by LRQA, aims to provide assurance to clients of the high quality of service and high level of accuracy in the data provided by a PUMA accredited company. In this way, accredited members have a means of demonstrating compliance with the PAS128 specification, and provide clients with confidence that the survey company they choose has the appropriate level of competence and employ qualified staff who understand the complexities of PAS128 surveys..

PUMA aims to provide:

• Clarity about different types of utility mapping services
• Consistency in how these services are carried out
• Accountability for the work undertaken

A guidance document and application form for PUMA can be found here. Find out how to become a TSA member here.

The post Improving standards and accuracy in underground utility surveys appeared first on The Survey Association.

Why is PUMA so important?

PUMA is important to raise the standard of PAS128 surveys in the UK. A properly executed PAS128 survey is more expensive than a standard GPR survey and clients may not be fully aware of the additional costs involved. Currently, anyone with a Level 3 Utility Mapping certificate can profess to be qualified to carry out a PAS128 survey, the result of this is a huge variance in survey deliverables.

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. That’s why, having seen reference to PUMA on Linkedin, I made enquiries about starting the application process with TSA. For me, gaining PUMA accreditation is about accountability to our clients to show that we are committed to providing the best possible service.

How have you found the process of applying for accreditation?

The guidance document provided by TSA makes it clear on the requirements to pass the accreditation and what the audit stages look. This has been very useful and shows exactly what you need to prioritise. We have found that largely speaking it has really been a question of tweaking our current procedures and processes to ensure compliance.

What would you say to anyone considering starting the PUMA process?

People always tend to be quite resistant to change but I would urge anyone considering it to just do it. Widespread uptake can only make our profession better. I think many companies currently undertaking PAS128 surveys will already have 90% of what they need to gain the PUMA accreditation and those carrying out PAS128 properly will have no issues. There are some costs involved of course, but, as far as I’m concerned, the benefits far outweigh the costs.

Underground utility surveys are a growing market and a key component to so many industries. Tier One companies have been some of the biggest adopters of PAS128 surveys and as word spreads about PUMA I think they will be quick to take it up.  As TSA members, we need to be a united front, and we should be promoting PUMA to our clients and educating them on the benefits that it will bring.

To find out more about PUMA, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/puma/.

The post Working towards PUMA accreditation appeared first on The Survey Association.

Construction projects generally need underground utility surveys or PAS128 surveys to be carried out before any building work can start. As the first step towards delivering a project, a utility surveyor’s specialist skills are required to locate, identify and then map all the utility services which may exist beneath the surface. Most underground utility services, including telecoms, drainage, water, gas, and fibre optics can be detected using the appropriate equipment.

Why are underground utility surveys so important?

Once underground utilities are identified and mapped, their whereabouts may have an impact on the design of the buildings to be constructed above them. Having a precise map of their location at the design stage will help avoid the possibility of needing to make expensive subsequent design changes, re-routing services or rescheduling of works if buried services are found unexpectedly once the construction phase begins. These delays can significantly increase project costs. Crucially, of course, it also improves health and safety performance, mitigating against many possible accidents, not to mention minimising the risk of subsequent legal issues.

How are underground utility surveys carried out?

Professional surveyors use geophysical techniques and cutting-edge survey technology, including electro-magnetic detection, ground penetrating radar (GPR), GNSS and total stations to create a detailed digital map of what is lying beneath the surface.

As part of our pledge here at TSA, to help all our members build a better business and ensure clients choose TSA members for their survey needs, we have created a PAS128 accreditation scheme named PUMA (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation) for utility surveying companies that are TSA members.

Four reasons to secure your PUMA accreditation

1. PUMA provides a benchmark and creates a national standard for best practice
2. PUMA demonstrates continuous professional improvement
3. PUMA gives clients confidence in the quality of survey being provided
4. PUMA can save clients time and costly delays.

Find out more about PUMA here https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/puma/

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Presenting PUMA

TSA will be exhibiting at the show, as ever, along with our fellow supporting organisations. This year, we are focusing on our new accreditation scheme, creating a national standard for best practice for underground surveys. Our Technical Director, Sam Roberts is presenting on the new scheme, named PUMA (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation). We will also have a range of TSA promotional items to give away – which will be as eye-catching as ever!

Rachel Tyrrell, Secretary General of TSA, says,

“We always look forward with great excitement to attending Geo Business. I love taking the opportunity to meet up with many of our members, old and new and also to make connections with other companies attending the event.  The CPD-accredited programme looks particularly good this year and we are looking forward to attending as many of the sessions as we can.”

We would welcome the opportunity to talk to existing and potential members at the show. If you are attending Geo Business, please visit us at stand G510 right at the entrance to the show, where Rachel Tyrrell and other TSA Council members will be on hand to answer questions and have a chat.

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