Introduction

Many readers might feel that the health and safety laws slow work down and are often lead to more problems and expense, but the regulations are always laid down with the builder’s safety in mind and you might be surprised to learn that some of the rules regarding ground works and underground services really do make a lot of sense. PB asked Mike Napper of Seba KMT UK to explain the rules and give us some top tips to stay safe and effective.

Aren’t digging foundations and excavating power supplies and other utility services common sense? After all, you can guess where the pipes and cables are pretty accurately most of the time can’t you?

You might think it is straightforward, but all too frequently the underground services running to and from existing homes and offices are not where they should be logically. For a start you should be working from planned drawings if you can obtain them, but the services are not always as drawn and the plans are not always as built – so you should check where they are before you begin.

Is there are law that requires contractors to check the whereabouts of underground services?
Yes, there are about three different acts that all state that you should make certain employees are working safely and have the equipment and protection to do so. For underground services that means using some form of cable and location detection equipment as well as the normal hi-vis jackets, hard hats and boots.

What if we can see where a pipe leaves a house and the connection in the street has been identified?
You still should not be taking unnecessary risks. Without checking first you have no idea whether there is a power cable or sewer running across where you plan to do some excavation work. The risks are enormous. If you cut a power cable it can kill someone. In fact there are 30 to 40 incidents each year where workmen are seriously injured because they have accidentally sliced through electricity cables.

Does it matter where we are working?
No – you should check before doing any excavation, but there are more specific rules for when you are working in the street or adjacent to the street. The Road and Street Works act requires the site to be surveyed using location equipment before work starts. This applies to the roads, streets and some pavements, but you should not take it for granted.

As a builder you have a duty of care to anyone affected by the work you are doing – staff, customers and passers-by. So, the key thing is to avoid hitting any services that you are not aiming for.

Can we get hold of any maps or plans from the council?
You might be able to, but it is not a guarantee of safety. It is thought there are enough pipes and cables below ground in Britain to stretch to the Moon and back 10 times. Some were laid more than 200 years ago and accurate information on their precise positions is often non-existent or sketchy at best. Even modern records will be spread across numerous databases, making it very difficult sometimes for a contractor to know what a pneumatic drill or excavator might hit when it goes into the ground.

The majority of our work is on smaller premises and it is unlikely we will need to use detection equipment at all – are the risks the same for every job?

Definitely – you cannot take anything for granted. We recently helped out a fencing contractor who has nothing to do with pipe works, cables or any services, let alone foundations. However, one of his gang had been seriously injured following an incident with a power cable and he has invested in some detection equipment to prevent any more accidents.

It really does not matter what kind of work you are doing. Whether it is digging out a base for a patio or driveway, putting in decking posts, fencing, building an extension or a piece of new build – you should always survey the ground you are planning on working on.

Which kit should we use?
There are various different kinds of product on the market, but the simplest and easiest to use is a pipe and cable locator. We are producing a new one that is easy to hold and tough enough for life on site and in the back of a builders van. It is called the Easyloc.

So, how do we do it then?
It is not difficult, that’s the first thing. Once you have the right kit it is simple to check the ground and can actually speed up the work you are doing. For example, if you are laying new services and need to make a connection to another pipe or cable, the detection equipment will help you to more accurately locate the service and save you time because you will be able to dig a smaller, more precise hole and not a slit trench across the site. Basically, you use the kit by holding it in the hand walking along the line you want to excavate.

It has an ergonomic design to make it easier to hold and is fast and easy to operate and safe too – it is designed to avoid potentially dangerous power cables and other services as efficiently as possible. The user can work in both audio and visual mode at all times as the receiver shows the level of signal received with a ‘max’ marker – just like a mobile phone display. The Easyloc location system is fast and easy to learn – in trials users started operating it immediately – but you can have training as well if you need it.

Is it difficult to maintain?
No, not all. It is produced in a solid shape and material it will stand up to the most testing site use and has a longer battery life and with a class-leading high power transmitter has a better spread of signal and a longer range. The only maintenance necessary is a simple annual calibration test and repairs are carried out by a quick replacement of modules.

Is it heavy?
The receiver and the transmitter are around 2.5kg each, so no. It comes as a set with connection and earth leads, earth spike, carrying bag and operating manual.

Who uses it?
Anyone from gas, water and power companies, large contractors, small builders, fencing, gardening and landscaping companies. Everyone needs to be safe so it makes sense to have the right kit.