Permit-to-Dig Control
Incidences of 'service strikes' and related 'near-misses' are an ever present and increasing problem in the construction industry. Some of the potential consequences of such incidents are:
- Injury or Fatality
- Downtime leading to programme delays
and financial penalties - Damage to plant and machinery
- Adverse effect on company reputation and
image, e.g. late project delivery, media coverage - Significant repair costs
- Increased insurance premiums
- Low scoring on client evaluations
Vision Survey staff have many years experience in controlling permit-to-dig systems and setting up new permit-to-dig processes for large and small scale projects. Our surveyors can operate and control your construction site works and effectively manage your permit-to-dig system. This is a proven system as incorporated on the Olympics Park, Stratford.
The first step in addressing the risks above is to carry out a utility survey. The risk now lies with the interpretation and use of the survey drawing on site during the construction phase of the project. Our experience in this field has proven that in the majority of instances of service strikes, the personnel involved have misinterpreted survey drawings, were not aware of associated work exclusion zones or did not respond correctly to the presence of service markings. These issues surrounding the root causes of service strikes are effectively addressed by the implementation of an on-site permit-to-dig system.
How It Works
The key to delivering this service is to ensure that adequate control measures are in place. These include:- Survey and as-built information to be represented on a single drawing
- Permit Compiled by Service Locator to identify works and with drawing attached
- Clear spray markings for all services evident
- Service Locator identifies his responsibilities
- Project Engineer identifies his responsibilities
- Works Method Statement approved
- Works Risk Assessment Approved
- Site briefing of all personnel completed
- Utility owner approval of related works
- Permit-to-Dig database updated
- Close-out of permit on or prior to expiry
- Submission of as built and as removed information for drawing update
