BUR/Safe Digging/TBT-BUR-007

Service Strike Emergency Procedure

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Service Strike Emergency Procedure

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-BUR-007  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • A service strike occurs when a buried utility is damaged by excavation or driving activities.
  • Gas strikes can cause explosions, electric cable strikes can kill instantly, and water strikes flood.
  • Every site must have a documented service strike emergency procedure before digging begins.
  • The immediate response depends on the utility type struck — different services need different actions.
  • For a gas strike: stop work, evacuate upwind, no phones or vehicles, call the gas emergency number.
  • For an electric cable strike: do not touch the cable or machine, keep everyone clear, call the DNO.
  • For a water main strike: attempt to isolate the supply and prevent excavation flooding.
  • All service strikes must be reported as incidents regardless of injury or damage.
  • The HSE must be notified under RIDDOR if the strike creates a dangerous occurrence.
  • Every operative must know the emergency numbers for gas, electricity, water, and telecoms.

Why?

Save livesGas explosions and electrical contacts from service strikes kill construction workers.
Rapid responseCorrect immediate actions prevent a strike escalating into a fatal incident.
Legal requirementRIDDOR requires notification of dangerous occurrences including major strikes.
Prevent escalationWrong actions after a strike — such as phones near gas leaks — worsen incidents.
Do Don't
  • Stop all work immediately if a service strike occurs.
  • Evacuate the immediate area and establish a safe cordon.
  • Call the relevant emergency number for the utility type struck.
  • Keep everyone clear until the utility provider arrives and clears the area.
  • Report every service strike to your supervisor and site manager.
  • Move upwind if gas is suspected — do not create any ignition sources.
  • Record exactly what happened, where, and what equipment was in use.
  • Know the emergency numbers for gas, electric, water, and telecoms.
  • Follow the site-specific procedure displayed at the site office.
  • Provide first aid to injured persons only once the area is safe.
  • DON'T touch a damaged cable or pipe — assume it is live or pressurised.
  • DON'T use mobile phones or radios near a suspected gas leak.
  • DON'T start or move vehicles or plant near a gas escape.
  • DON'T attempt to repair or clamp a damaged gas main yourself.
  • DON'T re-enter the exclusion zone until the utility provider gives clearance.
  • DON'T ignore a minor strike — all damage must be reported and assessed.
  • DON'T continue excavating after a strike even if the damage looks minor.
  • DON'T operate electrical switches near a suspected gas leak.
  • DON'T smoke or create sparks anywhere near a gas escape.
  • DON'T move a machine that has struck an electrical cable — stay in the cab.

See also: Safe Digging Practices (HSG47) | Working Near Gas Mains
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