Before undertaking any form of digging or excavation, it is vital to conduct a thorough survey of the site for underground services. This essential process helps to identify and locate various utility lines, pipelines, and cables that may be hidden beneath the surface. They can be anywhere and everywhere.
By utilizing advanced
techniques and equipment, operatives can minimise the risk of accidents,
damage, and costly disruptions. It is necessary to follow EUSR HSG47
guidelines in ensuring safe excavation practices.
Underground services encompass
a wide range of critical infrastructures, such as gas pipelines, water mains,
electricity cables, telecoms, and sewer networks. Almost all of these services
are concealed underground, making them invisible to the naked eye. Ignoring
their presence and embarking on excavation work without proper surveying can
have severe consequences, including service disruptions, injuries, and on
occasion can be fatal.
The main reason for surveying
underground services is to prevent accidental damage. Digging without accurate
knowledge of the location of utility lines can result in striking and rupturing
these services, leading to gas leaks, water main bursts, electrical outages,
and other hazardous situations. Such incidents can have devastating
consequences for the surrounding area, its inhabitants, and the workers involved.
EUSR HSG47, short for Energy & Utility Skills Register Health and Safety Guidance 47, is a set of guidelines that emphasises the importance of surveying underground services. These guidelines provide industry best practices and establish a framework for ensuring safe excavation procedures. By adhering to them, companies and workers can reduce the risk of accidents, comply with regulatory requirements, and protect the integrity of essential infrastructure.
A Range Of Technologies
Surveying for underground
services involves various methods and technologies, including
ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic locators, and utility mapping
software. Ground-penetrating radar is particularly effective in detecting
underground objects by sending electromagnetic waves into the ground and
measuring the reflections. Electromagnetic locators, on the other hand, utilise
magnetic fields to identify services such as metallic pipes and cables. These
tools, combined with fully trained operatives, enable accurate mapping of
underground services and help reduce potential risks.
The benefits of surveying for
underground services extend beyond accident prevention. By conducting
comprehensive surveys, project managers and contractors can plan excavation
activities more efficiently, optimising resource allocation and avoiding
unnecessary delays. Understanding the layout and depth of underground services
allows for better co-ordination, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and
clashes during construction.
Surveying for underground
services is an indispensable precaution before undertaking any digging or
excavation project. It is a crucial step to prevent accidental damage, protect
essential infrastructure, and ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding
community.
