When penetrating the ground by digging, excavating, driving in stakes, etc., there is a high potential for encountering underground services.
These activities can present a significant risk of severe injury and can potentially be fatal, and any damage to infrastructure could significantly impact on academic activities and the student experience.
To help minimise these risks, we have developed a Permit to Dig.
A Permit to Dig must be issued, whether work is carried out by University staff or contractors when work involves penetrating the ground at a depth greater than 50 mm (2”).
The process aims to:
- ensure that all necessary searches to identify buried services have been undertaken before work starts
- aid with the planning of works to reduce the potential of encountering/disturbing any buried services
- control the dig itself, ensuring all necessary control measures are implemented and monitored
- ensure that at the end of the works the area is left in a safe condition
- ensure the CAD team are provided with updated plans at the end of the works.
For more information, please contact the Estates Helpdesk who will refer to Working Procedure WP_0002 Permit to Dig, available on the staff intranet.
