Engineering workprints can be overwhelming, especially for a new TCP Specialist. The many acronyms, numbers and symbols can leave us wondering where to start. In this series we will cut through the clutter and identify those aspects of an engineering workprint that someone designing a Traffic Control Permit needs to know to create a safe and professional product that the contractor can be confident in.
Getting Started:
The proposed work scope is the first thing to identify when receiving a new workprint (WP). This can often be found on the front page of the WP in summary form. However, many WPs will omit this summary and use callouts within the body of the WP. Being familiar with the terminology frequently used within these summaries is essential. The following is a list of the most common abbreviations relevant to a TCP specialist.
MH – Manhole: Circular openings large enough to allow workers to enter and access utilities.
HH – Handhole: Smaller openings which house telecommunications fiber.
PED – Pedestal: 3’ tall, round containers which typically provide fiber to a single parcel.
FP – Flowerpot: Same as a pedestal, but buried to ground level and accessed via a 10” cap.
MPOE – Minimum Point of Entry: The point where telecom fiber enters a building.
TERM – Terminal: The original telecom access point from which new fiber can extend.
In addition to the plan summary or callouts, another important indicator that can commonly be found on WP diagrams are items highlighted in bold. Bolded lines and items indicate new work to be done, instead of pre-existing fiber, utilities and structures.
Symbols:
Often, a WP diagram will use specific symbols to represent many of the items listed above. While many of these symbols, and most of the written information on a WP, will only be relevant to the engineers and workers involved in the project, bolded symbols are important for creating an accurate TCP because that is where actual work will be done. Here is a list of many of the most common symbols used in WPs.
ATCO prides itself on providing high-quality TCPs to its customers. Identifying the important parts of an engineering work print for conversion into a safe and accurate traffic control permit is a critical skill for any TCP specialist. But what about specific types of TCPs? In the following articles in this series, we will look at many of the various categories that WPs can come in. We will dig deeper into what it takes to translate those specialized WPs into a polished and professional TCP. Stay tuned!
Written By: Eric H, ATCO TCP Specialist