Access Over Live Services

Temporary access structures crossing live services include bridges over pipelines, cables, and watercourses.
The access structure must span the services without imposing load on them or restricting their operation.
Design must account for pedestrian, vehicle, and plant loads that will use the crossing.
Clearance beneath the structure must allow for service maintenance access and any pipe movement.
Protecting services from damage by construction traffic is a primary purpose of these crossings.
The crossing is a temporary works item requiring design, checking, and approval through the TWC.
Services beneath must be marked and protected before the crossing structure is installed.
Edge protection on the crossing prevents people and vehicles from falling onto the services below.
The service owner must be consulted and approve the crossing design before construction.
Removal of the crossing structure must be planned to avoid damage to the services it protects.

Service protection	Unprotected live services beneath access routes are damaged by vehicle loading, causing supply failures.
Worker safety	Falling from or through a poorly designed crossing onto live services below causes serious injuries.
Legal liability	Damage to third-party services from inadequate protection results in costly claims and emergency repairs.

Do

Don't

Design the crossing as a temporary works item with TWC approval before installation
Consult the service owner on the crossing design and obtain their approval
Ensure the crossing spans the services without imposing load on the pipes or cables
Provide adequate clearance beneath for service maintenance access and movement
Install edge protection on the crossing to prevent falls onto the services below
Mark the location and type of services beneath the crossing clearly on site
Inspect the crossing regularly and after heavy vehicle use or adverse weather
Display load limits for the crossing where vehicles and plant will use it
Plan the removal of the crossing to avoid damage to the services it protects
Brief all users on the load limit, services below, and any access restrictions

DON'T install a crossing over live services without service owner consultation
DON'T allow the crossing structure to impose load directly on the services below
DON'T exceed the load limit displayed on the crossing with vehicles or stored materials
DON'T remove the crossing without a method statement to protect the underlying services
DON'T omit edge protection where a fall from the crossing could land on live services
DON'T block service maintenance access beneath the crossing during its period of use
DON'T install the crossing without TWC approval as part of the temporary works process
DON'T forget to mark the service locations beneath the crossing for awareness
DON'T allow the crossing to deteriorate — inspect it and maintain its condition
DON'T drive heavy plant across the crossing if it exceeds the stated load capacity

See also: Temporary Access Safety Awareness | Temporary Bridges and Platforms

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