Excavation Permits

An excavation permit authorises ground disturbance work and confirms that essential precautions are in place before digging.
The permit ensures service plans have been obtained, CAT scans completed, and the excavation method statement approved.
Permits must be issued by a competent, authorised person who has verified all the conditions have been met on site.
The permit specifies the exact location, depth, and extent of the permitted excavation — work outside this scope is not allowed.
Service avoidance measures including CAT and Genny results and hand-dig zones must be documented on the permit.
The permit must reference the excavation method statement covering support, access, edge protection, and inspection regime.
Adjacent hazards including nearby structures, live roads, overhead lines, and other excavations must be identified on the permit.
The permit is valid for a defined period only — typically a single shift or phase of work — and must be renewed.
Any change in ground conditions, unexpected finds, or service discovery requires the permit to be suspended and reviewed.
Completed permits must be filed and retained as project records for audit and future reference.

Prevent service strikes	The permit confirms services have been located and marked before digging begins — this single check prevents fatal cable and gas strikes.
Controlled excavation	The permit limits where and how deep you can dig — uncontrolled excavation damages services, structures, and collapses adjacent ground.
Audit trail	Completed permits create a record proving due diligence — essential if a service strike or collapse occurs and an investigation follows.

Do

Don't

Obtain a signed excavation permit before any ground disturbance work begins.
Verify that service plans have been reviewed and a CAT scan completed for the area.
Confirm the excavation method statement is approved and covers support requirements.
Dig only within the location, depth, and extent specified on the permit.
Document the CAT and Genny scan results and hand-dig zones on the permit.
Identify adjacent hazards including structures, roads, and overhead services on the form.
Suspend the permit if ground conditions change or unexpected services are discovered.
Renew the permit when the valid period expires or the work phase changes.
Display the permit at the excavation location where all workers can see it.
File completed permits as project records for future audit and reference.

DON'T start any excavation without a signed, valid excavation permit in place.
DON'T dig until service plans are reviewed and CAT scans are confirmed complete.
DON'T excavate without an approved method statement covering support and access.
DON'T dig outside the permitted location, depth, or extent stated on the permit.
DON'T leave scan results undocumented — record them on the permit form.
DON'T ignore nearby structures, roads, or overhead lines — identify them on the permit.
DON'T continue digging if conditions change — suspend the permit and reassess.
DON'T work under an expired permit — renew it before continuing excavation.
DON'T hide the permit in the site office — it must be displayed at the excavation.
DON'T discard completed permits — they are legal records that must be retained.

See also: Excavation Safety Awareness | CAT & Genny Safe Use

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