1. Leica Detection UK Detecting and Avoiding Buring Services for

2. Human Error still causes the majority of utility damages
74.6% caused during excavation
Limited knowledge
Unconscious and conscious actions
Weak behavioural practices
Improved detection performance over 55% when using a signal transmitter
ACTIVITY
% STRIKE
Uprooting by Trees
0.6%
Soil Subsidence
1.5%
Earthrod Pole Strikes
2.5%
Boring & Drilling
2.6%
Piling Works
5.2%
Manual Excavation
15.1%
Mechanical Excavation
59.5%
Others
13%
Source Singapore Power Group

3. Cable Strike London
After

4. Lets look a little closer….
What is this? It’s a Tarmac cutting spade from a pneumatic jack as used in the video and the remains of an electric cable
What damage can striking this cable cause to the human body?

5. Injuries

6. Does it need to be a high voltage cable….?
Low voltage cables can take over 2 seconds to trip the circuit breaker and many networks are fitted with automatic resets
Highly hazardous !
415v Street Light Cable

7. How can we reduce the risk?
Follow best practice set out in the HSG 47 guidance
Carry out a risk assessment to ensure the right technology is used
Consult Utility plans
Use Data Logging Cable Avoidance Equipment

8. Safe Digging Practices (HSG47)
Clearly mark with chalk, markers or paint the route of the service and mark clearly outside of the area you intend to dig
Never use mechanical excavation techniques in close proximity (typically 500mm) to buried services – Hand dig to avoid smaller services
Always dig trial holes to identify the actual position of a utility
Never dig directly over the top of a buried service, always to the side or at an angle

9. Detection & Location Devices
For best practice Combined use of detection tools such as cable and pipe locators, GPR and Drain Cameras enable position, survey and avoidance of Both buried metallic and non metallic services Staff must be correctly trained to use all equipment before work commences Use the detection equipment before and during excavation works

10. CAT & Genny
Locator (CAT) picks up electrical signals (if present) from underground metallic services
It converts these signals into a audio and visual response
Transmitter (Genny) boosts the signal including services that is not emitting its own signal
Use of the CAT & Genny together is a quick and cost effective way to locate the majority of underground services with maximum reliability
Most modern locators come with GPS and Data Logging as standard to provide activity monitoring and compliance reporting

11. Detection Limitations
Non-metallic cables and pipes
Non-energised cables ie Streetlighting in daylight

12. Additional Detection & Location Devices
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is also another useful technology for locating metallic and non-metallic pipes such as Water, Gas and Fibre Optic cables
Highly effective when used with a CAT and Genny
Metal Detectors help find buried manhole covers and valve boxes

13. Additional Detection & Location Devices
Drain Camera systems help locate and survey under ground sewer systems.
Many have built-in “Sondes” so the camera can be traced with a Cable Locator to pinpoint the area of interest
EziRod and Sondes help locate non metallic sewers and drains when used with a CAT and Genny