Locate and identify services on site

This standard describes how to locate and identify services when working on a fencing site. 

Services could be above or below ground and could include gas, electricity, water, drainage and communications. 

You will be able to use a variety of methods to locate and identify services. 

If you are using equipment or machinery you need to be trained, and hold current certification where required, in line with relevant legislation. 

This standard is suitable for fence installers. It can be applied to support any fence installation operation.

1. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements and company policies and procedures
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. carry out your work in accordance with instructions and specifications
4. select and prepare the required tools and equipment
5. locate and confirm the identity of services using relevant methods
6. establish clear warning signs and barriers to protect and indicate the presence of services
7. use, maintain and store tools and equipment safely and in a clean and serviceable condition
8. carry out your work in a manner that causes minimal impact to the surrounding area, other users of the site and anyone else who may be affected

1. the relevant environmental and health and safety requirements associated with locating services on site
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the task to be carried out
3. the relevant requirements and procedures for gaining access to the site where to obtain the instructions and specifications required to carry out the work
4. the types of tools and equipment used for locating and identifying services and how to prepare, use and maintain these safely and correctly
5. the common services likely to be present on the site
6. the methods that can be used to obtain information on the location of services on the site
7. the types of signs and protective barriers used in the fencing industry
8. the actions and reporting procedures to follow when uncharted services are located on site
9. the actions and reporting procedures to follow if services are damaged
10. the controls to be put in place to protect services and prevent injury to the workforce and anyone else who may come into contact with them
11. the storage requirements for tools and equipment including signs and protective barriers
12. how to minimise the impact of your work on the surrounding area, particularly when using trial holes

Instructions and specifications could include:

• plans/drawings
• schedules
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturer's guidelines
• customer requirements
• quality standards e.g. BSI, CE
• verbal instructions

Methods to locate and identify services include:

• plans
• visual checks
• trial holes
• verbal information
• cable avoidance tools

Services could include:

• gas
• electricity
• water
• drainage
• communications