17 JANUARY 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Communicating with Property Owners During Broadband Installations: Part 2 Adapted from Information by Vermeer Corporation Once a crew gets closer to the start of a broadband installation in a particular residential area, locates need to be called in. In addition to making that call, it is good practice to communicate with property owners to let them know someone will be out marking existing underground infrastructure. Include details about how vital these markers and paint lines are for helping prevent utility strikes so they understand flags should not be moved for any reason, including for mowing. This is also an excellent time to ask property owners if they have any private lines (irrigation, invisible fences, electrical, etc.) running underground which workers should be aware of. A door flyer/hanger may also be used to outline the following: k Approximately when work will begin and how long it will last. k Hours crews will be working throughout the day. k Instructions/guidance about how they can help (i.e., please keep pets leashed or inside during work, do not walk near equipment, etc.). k Overview of when and how restoration work will be done. k Contact information for someone they can talk to about any questions or concerns. In addition to communicating details of broadband installation plans early and often, Vermeer Utility Sales Manager Brandon Wagner said crews can also take steps during a project to minimize disturbance to residents. “Residential neighborhoods usually have fairly narrow streets, making it a challenge to move equipment and trailers around. Crews need to make sure they’re doing a good job of sharing those streets. That means parking on the right side of the street whenever possible and ensuring other vehicles can get around trailers, trucks, and machines; and crews should always use cones, signs, and barricades on the job,” he explained. Another thing Wagner recommends is making sure equipment, trailers, trucks, and employees all have some type of identifier such as a logo or company name. “The communications sent out to property owners ahead of time should include a company name and logo, so having that type of identification on machines and workers can help them mentally make the connection. Plus, it looks professional. So, give crews safety vests and hardhats with the company name/logo, and they will likely receive fewer questions about what they’re doing on someone’s property. When work is finished for the day, crews should make sure to leave a tidy jobsite which is properly secured and clean. Mud from trucks and equipment in streets or on sidewalks isn’t going to win many friends, so contractors can help by doing their part during every phase of the broadband installation process. When the conduit or cable is in the ground, everything should be restored to its original state in a timely manner. Drops to homes or businesses need to be buried as soon as possible. People often scrutinize work until everything looks like it did before the job began. Having a project go unnoticed by people working and living in the area is one of the highest compliments a utility contractor can receive. It means the neighborhood understands what is being done there and how they benefit, and crews have done an excellent job minimizing their impact while expanding broadband access. DIR For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com All New! Atlantis-Pro Vault • Traffic-Rated Capable • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation
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