Risk Assessment: Underground Services Risk Assessment¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | RA03 |
| Issue Number | 2 |
| Issue Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Next Review | 1 June 2027 |
| Prepared By | Sean Ashton |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
| Activity/Process | Hazard | Who/What Affected | Existing Controls | Pre-Control Risk (S/L/R) | New Controls Required | Post-Control Risk (S/L/R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using plans to identify services | Poor quality or inaccurate plans | Site personnel could be injured due to striking unidentified services | • Plans provided that include the area to be excavated • Utility provider contacted where plans are of poor quality • Site personnel confirm they have plans for all service types (gas, electric, water, etc.) |
4/3/12 (High) | • Implement mandatory plan review meeting before excavation • Develop digital plan overlay system for site use Various departments, immediate to 3 months |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Locating services | Undetected services | Site personnel at risk of electric shock, burns, gas inhalation if services missed during scanning | • Additional GPR or EML surveys for congested areas • Color plans obtained from utility owners • Service avoidance training for all personnel • Data logging CAT and Genny provided (calibrated) • Personnel trained and competent • Visual inspection for service indicators • Services marked beyond excavation footprint • Utility scans continue as excavation progresses |
5/3/15 (High) | • Mandatory refresher training on CAT & Genny • Ensure all teams have latest dual-frequency CAT4+ equipment • Develop service location checklist before excavation Training/Equipment departments, immediate |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Excavating near identified services | Contact with live services during excavation | Site personnel at risk of electric shock, burns, explosions, flooding | • Excavation within 0.5m of services by hand with insulated tools • Excavation by hand if service cannot be located • Excavate alongside, not on top of services • Marker tape as indication only • Work ceases if unidentified service located • Services in concrete not broken without isolation • Contact utility owner if high risk • Flame retardant/arc resistant clothing provided |
5/3/15 (High) | • Implement permit to break ground system • Deploy physical barriers around exposed services • Provide comprehensive insulated tool kits • Improve service-specific PPE availability Safety/Procurement, immediate |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Working around exposed services | Unintentional damage to exposed services | Site personnel, visitors at risk from damaged services. Interruption to public utilities | • All exposed services protected and supported to prevent damage | 4/3/12 (High) | • Develop specific method statements for each service type • Color-coded protection systems for different utilities • Additional supervisor checks on protection Safety/Supervisors, immediate to 1 month |
4/1/4 (Low) |
| Moling near underground services | Contact with services during moling operations | Site personnel at risk from striking unidentified services during moling | • Moling not done within 0.25m of indicated service location • Greater clearance for larger diameter services |
5/3/15 (High) | • Improve tracking capabilities for mole devices • Mandatory pre-moling service location plan • Increase clearance to minimum 0.5m for all services Technical/Operations, immediate |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Working near high-voltage electric cables | Contact with high-voltage cables | Site personnel at risk of severe electric shock or electrocution | • Specific identification of HV cables on plans • Liaison with electricity network operator • Special permits for HV work • Enhanced barriers and supervision |
5/2/10 (High) | • Specialist HV awareness training for supervisors • Procure voltage detection equipment • Network operator present for HV works Training/Procurement, within 1 month |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Working near gas mains | Contact with gas mains leading to gas release | Site personnel and public at risk from explosion or asphyxiation | • Specific identification of gas mains on plans • Gas detection equipment available • Emergency procedures for gas escape • Special methods for medium/high-pressure gas |
5/2/10 (High) | • Add gas monitors to standard equipment • Enhance emergency evacuation procedures • Improve explosion-proof equipment availability Safety/Procurement, immediate |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Emergency response to service strike | Inadequate response to service damage | Site personnel and public at risk from delayed or inadequate response | • Emergency procedures for service strikes • Utility company contact details available • First aid equipment and trained personnel |
5/2/10 (High) | • Develop service-specific emergency response cards • Regular emergency drills for service strikes • Update emergency contacts monthly Safety/Supervisors, immediate to monthly |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
Key:¶
- S = Severity (1-5 scale)
- L = Likelihood (1-5 scale)
- R = Risk Rating (S × L)
- Risk Levels:
- Low (1-3)
- Moderate (4-8)
- High (9-15)
- Very High (16-25)
Related Documents¶
- GS6 Guidance: Avoiding Danger from Overhead Power Lines