Avoiding danger from underground services

Date of publication:
2014
ISBN:
978 0 7176 6584 6
Series code:
HSG47 (Third edition)

This guidance is aimed at all those involved in commissioning, planning, managing and carrying out work on or near underground services. It will also be of use to the owners and operators of such services.

It outlines the potential dangers of working near underground services and gives advice on how to reduce any direct risks to people's health and safety, as well as the indirect risks arising through damage to services.

It explains the three basic elements of a safe system of work during excavation:

  • Planning the work
  • Locating and identifying buried services
  • Safe excavation

This third edition brings the guidance up to date, but the basic requirements remain the same.

Link URLs in this page

  1. Download a free copy - HSG47https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg47.pdf
  2. Buy this product - HSG47https://books.hse.gov.uk/bookstore.asp?FO=1356943&Action=Book&ProductID=9780717665846
  3. A guide to the Gas Safety (Management) Regulationshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l80.htm
  4. Managing health and safety in constructionhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l153.htm
  5. Excavation: What you need to know as a busy builderhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis64.pdf
  6. Avoiding concealed services and overhead power lines: What you need to know as a busy builder https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis65.pdf
  7. Constructionhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/index.htm
  8. Gas supplyhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/supply/index.htm
  9. Working near lamp columns during excavationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/lampcolumns.htm
  10. HSE Books +44 (0)333 202 5070https://books.hse.gov.uk/
  11. Translated leafletshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/languages/index.htm
  12. Legislationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/index.htm
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  14. Science and Researchhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/research/index.htm
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Updated: 2021-03-04