Notes

(Please note – all distances quoted are horizontal distances).

1. When excavating within 3m – contact shall be made with the Asset owner/Representative responsible for the operation and maintenance of the asset in order to obtain their specific requirements to develop the Safe System of Work (SSOW), and where necessary, arrange for their attendance on site. 2. Where HV cables above 11kV are present – contact shall be made with the Asset Owner/Representative in order to obtain detailed drawings, and agree the SSOW to be adopted. Mechanical excavators shall not be used within 3m of HV cables above 11kV until consultation with the Asset Owner/ Representative has taken place to obtain their specific requirements to develop a SSOW and recorded on a Permit to Work (PTW).
Distribution electrical works: 33kV and under.
Transmission electrical networks: Equal to or greater than 132kV
3. Mechanical excavation within 600mm horizontally of oil pipelines is likely to require supervision by the utility operator. Note, there may be additional safety precautions and requirements to follow such as providing a SSOW and a PTW.
4. When excavating within 10m of pressure regulating equipment or gas storage facilities, contact shall be made with the Asset Owner/Representative for the operation and maintenance or governing equipment to obtain their specific requirements to develop the SSOW and where necessary arrange for attendance/representation on site and recorded on a PTW.
5. Some water companies require a safe / hand dig distance of 1m – check with Asset Owner prior to works being carried out.
6. Third party and telecoms restrictions – Check with Asset Owner/Representative on specific safe dig requirements.

GENERAL NOTES
A-It is good practice to follow the HSE guidance publication HSG47 – Avoiding danger from underground services. B- Further good practice is available via USAG (Utility Strike Avoidance Group),
Pro-Safety Management (particularly useful for telecoms), NUAR (National Underground Asset Register), LSBUD (Line Search Before You Dig) and HASpod.

DISCLAIMER
This Proximity Wheel has been produced in good faith and cannot be relied on to cover every eventuality when carrying out excavations around utilities. Users of the Proximity Wheel do so at their own risk. CECA cannot accept any liability should there be a near miss or accident as a result of works carried out.
Revised September 2024