BUR/Specific Services/TBT-BUR-008

Working Near Telecoms and Fibre

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Working Near Telecoms and Fibre

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-BUR-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Telecoms and fibre optic cables are buried beneath roads, footpaths, and verges across the UK.
  • Fibre cables carry laser light that can cause permanent eye damage if a damaged fibre is viewed directly.
  • Telecoms ducts are often shallow — typically 350mm to 450mm below the surface in footways.
  • Damage to fibre optic cables can disrupt critical services including emergency communications and hospitals.
  • Telecoms cables may be bundled with power cables — treat all cables as potentially live.
  • HSG47 requires detection using a CAT and Genny and hand digging within 500mm of indicated positions.
  • Telecoms providers including Openreach, Virgin Media, and CityFibre each have their own duct networks.
  • Chamber covers and draw pits along the route help identify the presence of telecoms infrastructure.
  • Repair costs for damaged fibre cables run into tens of thousands of pounds per incident.
  • The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 requires notification before excavating near telecoms assets.

Why?

Eye safetyDamaged fibre optic cables emit laser light that causes irreversible eye damage.
Service disruptionFibre damage can disable emergency services, hospitals, and financial systems.
Financial liabilityRepair costs and compensation for fibre damage are substantial for the contractor.
Legal requirementNRSWA and HSG47 mandate detection and safe digging near all buried services.
Do Don't
  • Obtain telecoms service plans from all providers before excavating in the area.
  • Scan with a CAT and Genny before breaking ground in any location.
  • Hand dig within 500mm of indicated telecoms cable and duct positions.
  • Treat all exposed cables as active — do not touch, cut, or pull them.
  • Protect exposed telecoms cables with sand surround and marker tape before backfilling.
  • Report any damage to telecoms cables immediately to the asset owner.
  • Wear safety glasses if a fibre optic cable is exposed or suspected damaged.
  • Identify telecoms chambers and draw pits on the route before starting work.
  • Brief all excavation operatives on telecoms hazard positions and safe digging methods.
  • Notify the telecoms provider before starting work near their infrastructure.
  • DON'T look into the end of a damaged fibre optic cable — laser light causes blindness.
  • DON'T excavate with a machine within 500mm of a known telecoms duct position.
  • DON'T assume shallow cables are unimportant — fibre carries critical national infrastructure.
  • DON'T pull, bend, or stand on exposed telecoms cables or ducts.
  • DON'T backfill over damaged telecoms cables without reporting to the asset owner.
  • DON'T use a breaker or pneumatic tool directly above a telecoms duct route.
  • DON'T ignore chamber covers — they indicate buried telecoms infrastructure below.
  • DON'T rely solely on plans — cables may have been installed since the plans were drawn.
  • DON'T cut into unknown cables assuming they are disused or abandoned.
  • DON'T start work near telecoms assets without notifying the provider first.

See also: CAT and Genny Safe Use | Safe Digging Practices (HSG47)
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