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It’s never good to find out the hard way that there was a gas, power, water, or communications line buried right where you needed to put something on your site! Safe excavation practices help you to get through the work without injury and avoid hitting critical services. 

Digging blind is not the best way forward for your schedule or your safety, so we have put together some key notes for you to bear in mind when excavating to help save you some costs, time and help you avoid tragedy. 

What is the definition of excavation?

Excavation work is any work involving the removal of soil or rock from a site to form an open face, hole or cavity, using tools, machinery or explosives. This includes open excavations, potholing, pit excavations, trenches, retaining walls and shafts and drives.

What are my legal obligations? 

Employers have a legal duty of care to take reasonable actions to protect both the people and the services which may be affected by their work. Getting and using the appropriate information on the services is an important part of ensuring safe excavation on your site. There is a large range of options this can cover, so we will cover the basics in this article.
If you have more complex excavations and want advice then get in contact with us.

Remember any ground disturbance regardless of depth can damage infrastructure networks like gas, water, electricity so you need to get the right information to keep you & the utilities safe.

Where do I start to prevent incidents and asset damage on-site and protect my workers? 

Before you start digging, you need to know what’s below the surface. Use Linesearch Before U Dig – a free online service that helps you check for underground assets from over 140 asset owners. However, keep in mind that not all asset owners are part of Linesearch. This means you might need to contact other organizations like the local roads authority, street lighting authority, or National Grid to get their plans and information.

Steps to Follow:

1. Get All the Info:
   Wait for all asset plans and details before starting work. Make sure the plans are up-to-date.
2. Share the Plans Onsite:
   Keep the plans on-site and ensure all workers have the health and safety information they need.
3. Secure the Site:
   Isolate the work area to keep the public safe.
4. Check Your Surroundings:
   Look for marker posts, inspection points, and meters. Remember, pipes and cables might not run straight or be at the depth shown on the plans. Always assume they’re live, even if they seem abandoned.
5. Assess the Risks:
   Carry out a risk assessment to spot hazards and plan the right controls. Make sure everyone involved in digging is trained and competent – for example, your excavator operator must hold the proper license.

Key Reminder:
Any digging can damage underground infrastructure, so take your time, follow the process, and stay safe!

Working Safely

A safe system of work has three key steps:

1. Plan

• Plan your work to avoid hitting underground services.
• Get service plans and drawings, and survey the site before starting.

2. Locate

• Use a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) to find underground services or confirm the area is clear.
• Use a Genny to detect pipes or cables.
• If you’re unsure, use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to pinpoint buried pipes and cables.

3. Dig

• Use hand tools to dig trial holes and confirm the exact location and depth of services. Always use insulated tools near underground electrical cables.
• Avoid using power tools or machinery within 0.5m of pipes or cables.

4. Protect

Once services are exposed, protect them by:

• Clearly marking their location.
• Putting up barriers.
• Informing everyone on-site.

5. Proceed

• Only start digging after planning, locating, and protecting underground services.
• Stay alert while working and keep an eye out for any changes in the ground as you dig.

Key Reminder: Always follow the steps and stay vigilant—digging safely protects everyone on-site!

Need Help? 

If you’ve got a question about safe excavation or any other health and safety matter, the HazardCo Advisory Team is here to help. Give them a call on 020 4571 3920  

Need more information?

The Linesearch before u dig website has a tonne of resources available With over 275,000 registered Users representing utility companies, contractors, councils, landowners and the public. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also have the HSG47 document which offers guidance on how to avoid underground services.