Posted By Jerry Lucey
I am currently risk assessing a situation where excavations are to take place in fairly close proximity to 110KV inground electrical services, where it is proposed that the service is to remain live.

I would appreciate details of any experiences others on these forums might have had in working in a similar situation and details of measures they might have implemented.

Posted By David O Neill
Spent the last 12 months excavating 400Kv lines on a major project in Ireland

Step 1: Make sure the method statement for the job is adequate, that all standard risks (with any excavation) have been assessed, and controls identified.

Step 2: make sure that accurate drawings are available. They should be posted up at the dig site, on a board. In addition a copy of drwaings should be available in each excavator cab.

Step 3: make sure the area has been CAT scanned by a TRAINED operator. This is very high risk digging, and the training should reflect this.

Step 4: the ground will need to be spray marked with the correct colour paints, based on the result of the scanning, and viewing of the drawings.

Step 5: Prepare the area, barriers, tape etc.

Step 6: Toolbox talk to all concerned prior to the dig. Highlight risks. Check CSCS cards of CITB cards of all operators.

Step 7: Banksman. Must be present during the dig. Must have good line of sight with machine operator, and the hole.

Step: 8 When services have been encountered, they should be hand dug out (see above post - guidelines).

Step 9: IMPORTANT. When lines have been successfully excavated, pay great attention to protecting them from damage. Often damage occurs post excavation, due to falling bits of rock, soil, debris etc.

Step 10: Have an emergency plan in place should things go wrong.

It is a perfectly safe opertion if carried out correctly. If you are not happy, stop the dig.