Avoidance of Underground Cables Policy¶
| Document Reference | POL_HSQE_06 |
|---|---|
| Revision | 3 |
| Issue Date | 1st July 2025 |
| Next Review | 1st July 2026 |
| Status | Uncontrolled when printed |
Purpose¶
This policy ensures the safety of our workforce and prevents damage to underground services during excavation works. Given the critical nature of water infrastructure and the frequency of excavation in our operations, avoiding strikes on underground cables is essential to protecting lives and maintaining our reputation for safe working practices.
Scope¶
This policy applies to all employees, directors, contractors, and visitors involved in any excavation or ground-breaking activities at A M Water Services Ltd sites, including water main installations, self-lay schemes, and grab operations.
Legal Requirements¶
This policy ensures compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and HSG47 guidance on avoiding danger from underground services.
Policy Statement¶
We recognize that underground service strikes remain one of the highest risks in our industry, particularly when installing water mains alongside existing utilities. Therefore, we operate a comprehensive system to identify and protect all underground services before any excavation begins. Aaron Mason personally reviews all tender documentation to ensure Principal Designers have provided service drawings as required under CDM regulations. When drawings are unavailable, we proactively contact all utility providers directly, taking this responsibility seriously whether working for commercial clients or domestic customers who may not understand these requirements.
Before starting any project, our management team conducts thorough site visits to identify visible signs of underground services, checking not just the immediate work area but also adjoining pavements and roads where services typically run. We consult with premises owners and review any existing health and safety files for historical service information. However, we never rely solely on service drawings, as these can be outdated or inaccurate. Instead, we use CAT and Genny scanning equipment operated only by trained personnel who have completed the appropriate certification course. These scans help us create detailed site plans showing all identified services in different colors, which we display prominently in site offices and use during every induction to ensure all workers understand the hazards present.
Our permit-to-dig system ensures no worker can break ground without explicit authorization from the site foreman or supervisor. This critical control point allows us to verify that proper scanning has occurred, services are marked both on plans and physically on the ground, and workers understand the specific precautions needed for that location. We conduct toolbox talks before any excavation work, explaining what warning signs to watch for such as marker tape, protective tiles, cable covers, or changes in soil conditions that might indicate services. We also produce detailed risk assessments and method statements for all excavation work, which supervisors explain thoroughly to workers who must sign to confirm their understanding.
When working near identified services, we maintain strict safety margins and never use mechanical excavators within half a meter of any underground cable or pipe. Instead, we require careful hand digging using spades and shovels rather than picks or bars that could penetrate protective coverings. This approach takes more time but significantly reduces the risk of service strikes that could cause serious injury, major disruption, and significant financial penalties.
Implementation and Monitoring¶
Site supervisors monitor compliance through daily checks and ensure all permits are properly issued and documented. We maintain records of all service searches, CAT scans, permits issued, and toolbox talks delivered. Any near-misses involving underground services are investigated immediately to identify improvements to our procedures.
Responsibilities¶
Directors hold overall responsibility for ensuring adequate resources and training are available for safe excavation work. Site supervisors must enforce the permit system, conduct proper briefings, and stop work immediately if unexpected services are discovered. All employees and contractors must follow the permit system, attend briefings, watch for warning signs, and never take shortcuts that could compromise safety around underground services.
Review¶
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Directors to ensure it remains effective and continues to prevent underground service strikes across all company operations.
Signed:
Aaron Mason Director A M Water Services Ltd 1st July 2025
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