Striking a buried service during excavation can cause electrocution, gas explosions, flooding, and service outages affecting nearby properties. Despite careful planning, service strikes still occur on UK sites. Knowing exactly what to do in the critical first seconds after a strike can prevent escalation from a manageable incident into a fatal one. Every operative working near buried services must know the emergency response procedures before they pick up a tool.
Key Hazards
Electrocution from contact with damaged live electricity cables
Gas explosion or fire following a strike on a gas main
Flooding and trench collapse from a burst water main strike
Chemical contamination from a ruptured fuel or sewer pipeline
Control Measures
Brief all operatives on the service strike emergency procedure before excavation work begins.
Keep emergency contact numbers for all utility companies clearly displayed at the work location.
Ensure the location of the nearest emergency isolation valve or switch is known for each service.
Evacuate the immediate area if a gas main is struck and establish an exclusion zone upwind.
Do not touch or attempt to repair a damaged live electrical cable under any circumstances.
Shut down all plant and remove ignition sources immediately following a gas or fuel strike.
Call 999 and the relevant utility emergency number as soon as a strike is confirmed.
Prevent anyone from re-entering the exclusion zone until the utility company declares it safe.
Record the details of the strike for investigation and notify the site management immediately.
Emergency / Rescue
For a gas strike: evacuate upwind, remove ignition sources, and call the National Gas Emergency number 0800 111 999. For an electrical strike: stay clear, warn others, and call the distribution network operator. Call 999 for any injuries.
Remember
Never touch a damaged cable or pipe — move away and warn others immediately.
A gas strike requires immediate evacuation upwind and removal of all ignition sources.
Know the emergency numbers for gas, electricity, and water before you start digging.
An electrical cable can remain live and lethal even when it appears to be damaged.
Flooding from a water main strike can cause rapid trench collapse and endanger nearby workers.
Report every service strike, even a minor scrape, so damage can be assessed and repaired.
Applicable Legislation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · CDM Regulations 2015 · HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services) · Electricity at Work Regulations 1989