Underground Services Toolbox Talk
Injuries and even fatalities can occur due to contact with underground services. Protect against such risks with this free underground services toolbox talk. To learn more about other TBTs and view and download 60+ that cover everything from fire safety to accident reports, explore our toolbox talks kit.
Free toolbox talk on underground services
Introduction
There continue to be numerous injuries, and several fatalities, every year as a result of contact with underground services.
Main points
- Ensure that as much research as possible is carried out to identify underground services before any work commences (existing plans and service authorities).
- Clearly mark potential locations of underground services.
- Employ safe digging techniques wherever underground services are suspected.
Discussion points
- Ensure all employees are aware of actions to be taken in the event of discovering possible services.
- Remember that gas is both flammable and explosive. If any gas leak is suspected, leave the area and call the gas and emergency services (do not smoke in the vicinity!).
- Beware that modern house mains are often smaller diameter plastic pipes – do not confuse them with electric cables!
- Follow gas company specifications for back-filling.
- Beware when working with water mains. Remember that water at high pressure can cause serious, and even fatal, injuries, and that a burst water pipe can fill an excavation very quickly. Contact the water services immediately if water pipes are damaged.
- Ladders should be provided for access/egress to excavations containing water pipes.
- Don’t leave lengths of pipes unsupported, and don’t drop tools/equipment onto exposed pipes.
- Be especially aware if foul sewers are damaged as they carry specific health hazards – evacuate immediately and contact the water company.
- If you have to work in or near foul sewers, then wear PPE to protect against sewage, and wash your hands before eating, drinking, or smoking.
- If you break a stormwater sewer when rain is falling, then evacuate as it could flood without warning.
- Remember buried service colour coding:
o Black or red – electricity
o Blue – water
o Yellow – gas
o Grey or white – telecommunications
o Green – cable television
NO ONE IS ACCIDENT PRONE – THEY’RE JUST POORLY PREPARED!
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