TSA PUMA Scheme
UNDERGROUND UTILITY SURVEY BEST PRACTICE
The Survey Association PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation (PUMA) Scheme enables TSA members to demonstrate compliance with PAS 128:2022, which specifies the requirements for the detection, verification, and location of existing and new underground utilities, as well as the implementation of good practice in terms of risk management, competency management, transparency of process and organisational efficiency.
TSA and LRQA developed the PUMA scheme in conjunction with TSA members who participated in the pilot process to support scheme validation. The scheme aims to give accredited TSA members a competitive advantage over other commercial survey companies by giving clients confidence in the level of service and product accuracy assured by the accreditation.
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Participating TSA Members
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PUMA? (PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation)
PUMA is an independent accreditation scheme designed to assess the ability of utility surveying companies to deliver surveys that comply with the PAS128 specification.
Why is PUMA needed?
PAS128 is a complex specification with requirements around staff competency, risk management, survey methodologies, data management and reporting. Without independent arbitration, a company can claim to deliver surveys to the PAS128 specification with no proof of their compliance. PUMA ensures that accredited companies meet the same high standards, providing a benchmark for good practice.
How does PUMA improve safety and efficiency?
PUMA accredited survey companies adhere to rigorous standards for utility surveys. This increases the likelihood of finding buried utilities and reduces the risk of striking underground assets, which can cause injury or death, as well as costly project delays.
Can clients trust data provided by PUMA accredited survey companies?
Yes, these companies have been independently audited to ensure their competence and that their outputs and working practices comply with the PAS128 specification. The TSA application process ensures all members are competent and at rigorous in their processes.
Who developed PUMA and who administers it?
PUMA was developed by LRQA and The Survey Association (TSA).
What are the key stages of the PUMA accreditation process?
Accreditation lasts for three years and involves three stages:
- Office Systems Assessment: evaluation of the applicant's office systems to ensure compliance with PAS128 standards
- Site Assessment: on-site evaluation to verify the practical application of PAS128 specifications in real-world surveys
- Annual Surveillance visits: to ensure ongoing compliance with the standards, processes, and systems against which accreditation was granted.
Who can apply for PUMA accreditation?
PUMA is open to all eligible members of TSA who carry out utility surveys.