Top 10 Safe To Dig Steps – Utilities

With over 60,000 strikes on average per year in the UK, the risks when digging and exposing underground utility services are high. Striking or damaging a service can have serious consequences, which may include death and serious injuries, in addition to service disruption and cost issues. Here’s our top 10 Safe To Dig checklist that we consider a must when working around utility apparatus. (In no particular order).

1. Planning

Ensure you plan every aspect of the works and implement a thorough Safe System of Works (SSOW) in accordance with HSG 47. Ensure Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS) are sufficient and suitable and communication is at the forefront of operations.

2.Plans & Drawings

Obtain up-to-date, relevant, and readable plans/drawings/stats from any Distribution Network Operator (DNO), Public Gas Transports (PGT), Water, Telecoms, and any other pipeline distribution networks and scrutinise them. After you’ve checked and reviewed the plans, walk the site area and look for any obvious signs of services such as street furniture, scarring, lighting columns, and more…

3.Permit

These works are High-Risk and therefore the implementation, use, and supervision of a robust Permit system will help to ensure systems are followed before breaking the ground. Clearly define who will authorise, supervise, and sign onto a permit and routinely check for compliance even after the permit has been issued to ensure it is practically being adhered to and the conditions, people, or environment have not changed.

4.People

The workforce must be competent. The correct training, knowledge, and skills are super important and must not be underestimated. Poor training, communication, planning, and supervision will affect the success of the job!

5.PPE (& Equipment)

Select the correct PPE for the job, including fire retardant overalls that may be required. Use calibrated, serviceable, and fit-to-use mechanical apparatus and survey equipment. Only use insulated tools and avoid picks. Remember, alternative options are available when exposing underground services such as Vac-Ex and air picks.

6.Perform Site Surveys

Survey the ground to try and identify potential services (Signals) and infrastructure that may be present. PAS 128 is a recommended standard for greater results, which will use two methods of detection, notably GPR and one other. Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT & Genny) are to be used in accordance with training, the manufacturer’s instructions, and always assume that services are present and live at all times. And remember, the Genny is not there just for technology porn.

7.Provide

Provide information at all times. Implement daily briefs, toolbox talks, permit updates, and site service packs. Include emergency arrangements.

8.Practice Safe Digging Techniques

It is recommended not to use mechanical equipment such as diggers or jackhammers within 500mm of any service (unless breaking the top) and carry out trial holes to expose services. Use insulated tools and dig horizontally whenever possible to minimise damage to services. In any case, the concept here is to avoid hitting a service, so take your time, it’s not a race!

9.Protect & Reinstate

Services that are longer than 1.2m in length will require support at 1m intervals and deploy service protection boards as necessary. Use blocks, rope, or support straps. When conducting reinstatement, ensure it is done to the correct specification standard and backfilled correctly. Remember, help others by leaving marker tape, or similar, in the ground to act as a pre-warning to others in the future.

10. PGL Midlands

When it comes to training, PGL Midlands can provide a range of in-house or accredited options to shore up your SSOW and training programmes across the UK. This includes:

CABWI Streetworks and Locating Utilities

All EUSR Courses

EUSR Category 1 – Locate Utility Services (HSG47)

EUSR Category 2 – Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices

EUSR Category  1 & 2 Combined – Locate Utility Services and Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices

Buried Services Supervisor

Cable Avoidance Training

NPORS Accredited Cable Avoidance Training

EUSR Course Dates:

CABWI StreetWorks Course Dates:

CAT & Genny Course Dates