Location And Identification Of Underground Services: What You Need To Know

If you are engaged in any sort of work which involves excavation of the ground, there is always the risk of striking some form of underground service. This could be electricity cables, gas pipes, water pipes, telecoms, sewage pipes, fibreoptics, and more, and what’s more is that they can be found almost anywhere, not just in the obvious places.

Underground Services Can Literally Be Anywhere

One of the biggest issues facing construction contractors and utility companies is the fact that there are some 2.5 million kilometres of services running underground in the UK, and that is only one estimate. Others put the figure at 4 million kilometres, but even if that is incorrect and the 2.5 million is right, that is still a lot of services running underground.

Why You Always Need To Undertake A Site Survey Before An Excavation

When carrying out any sort of excavation work, accidentally hitting underground services can have a massive impact on the workers involved. It is estimated that there are some 60,000 cable strikes every year, but the exact number will never be known because some of them go unreported for a variety for reasons. Not the least of them is that the contractor involved may try to avoid paying compensation or fines for carelessness. Striking underground cables can also reflect on the competence of the contractor and thus reduce the prospect of future work.

Everything That You Need To Know To Apply For A CSCS Utility Surveyor Card

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme began life in 1995 and by obtaining a CSCS card it demonstrates that you have the qualifications and training that are required for your particular job. It should be noted that a CSCS card is not a legal requirement to work on a site, but nonetheless it may be a contractual requirement in that the site operator may not permit you on to the site unless you do have one.

Sygma Solutions: Specialists in the Training Of Underground Services Location

Research carried out by Energy Networks Association and reported in November 2020 revealed some shocking news regarding contractors failing to check for underground electricity cables before commencing digging on site.

The Very Real Dangers Of Striking Underground Services When Excavating

Possibly the very biggest danger of carrying out any works which require digging – which is very many of them – is the risk of striking underground services. They are everywhere, and it is reckoned that there are about 2.5 million kilometres of them in the UK, although the exact number is impossible to know.

Looking For “CAT Training Courses Near Me”? We Are Near You!

In any building contract that involves construction work, that work will always begin with the foundations, and that means digging holes in the ground. There are many other reasons to carry out excavation work, largely to install, repair, or renew underground services, and there are quite a number of them.

Striking Underground Services When Excavating Can Have Severe Implications

If you are about to undertake any sort of contract involving excavation work there are several steps that you need to follow in order to ensure, as far as humanly possible, that you do not strike any underground services. These can be anywhere and everywhere, and there are thought to be between 1.5 million and 2 million kilometres of them around the country. You might be out in the sticks working in a country lane but there could still be a couple of cottages further down, and they will have water, electricity, sewage pipes, and telecoms connections at the least.

What Role Does Data Play in Cable Avoidance?

Data might not be the first thing you think of when thinking of health and safety, but it’s such a vital part of making sure that projects are planned property.

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Important Rules to Follow for Cable Avoidance

Performing surveys of underground cables and services is about more than just identifying where existing infrastructure is so that it can be avoided during excavation. It is also a way that authorities and contractors can maintain and improve key services throughout the UK.

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