Ground Disturbance Permits

A ground disturbance permit authorises excavation, drilling, piling, or any activity that breaks the ground surface.
The permit confirms that buried service checks, ground condition assessments, and risk controls are in place.
All ground disturbance activities require a permit before work begins, regardless of depth or duration.
The permit cross-references service plans, CAT scans, trial hole results, and any exclusion zones.
A competent person must issue the permit after verifying that all pre-dig checks have been completed.
The permit specifies the exact location, depth, method of excavation, and the responsible person.
Permits are typically valid for a defined area and period; work outside these limits requires a new permit.
The permit must be displayed at the work location so all workers can see it is authorised.
HSG47 guidance on avoiding danger from underground services underpins the ground disturbance permit system.
Ground disturbance permits are a contractual requirement on most major construction and infrastructure projects.

Service strike prevention	Ground disturbance without proper checks causes gas explosions, electrocutions, and water main bursts every year.
Systematic check	The permit ensures that every pre-dig check is completed before the ground is broken, preventing dangerous omissions.
Accountability	The permit system creates clear accountability for who authorised the dig and what checks were completed.

Do

Don't

Obtain a signed ground disturbance permit before any digging or drilling starts.
Complete all pre-dig checks including service plans and CAT scans before issue.
Display the permit at the work location for all operatives to see.
Specify the exact area, depth, and excavation method on the permit.
Hand back the permit at the end of the work period or when the task changes.
Re-issue the permit if the work area, depth, or method changes from the original.
Brief the excavation team on the buried services identified on the permit.
Mark buried service positions on the ground before the permit is issued.
Retain completed permits as part of the project safety documentation.
Stop work and re-assess if unexpected services or ground conditions are found.

DON'T break ground without a valid, signed ground disturbance permit in place.
DON'T issue a permit without confirming all pre-dig checks are completed.
DON'T extend the work area beyond the limits specified on the permit.
DON'T excavate deeper than the depth authorised on the ground disturbance permit.
DON'T skip the CAT and Genny scan because service plans show nothing nearby.
DON'T allow the permit to carry over to a different area or task.
DON'T start digging based on a verbal instruction without the signed permit.
DON'T ignore unexpected services or conditions; stop and re-assess the permit.
DON'T remove the permit from display while the ground disturbance is active.
DON'T delegate permit issuing to someone not authorised as a competent person.

See also: Permit to Work Awareness | Safe Digging Practices (HSG47)

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