BUR/Detection/TBT-BUR-027
Working Near Telecoms and Fibre Optics
Buried Services & Utilities › Detection › Working Near Telecoms and Fibre Optics
Toolbox Talk
Working Near Telecoms and Fibre Optics
Telecoms cables and fibre optic ducts are found on most construction sites, often running alongside other buried services. While they do not carry lethal voltages, damage to fibre optic cables can disrupt critical communications infrastructure including emergency services, hospitals, and financial networks. Repair costs and liability for service disruption can be substantial. This talk covers the precautions for working safely near telecoms and fibre optic infrastructure.
Key Hazards
Major communication disruption from severing a fibre optic trunk cable
Emergency services affected by damage to critical telecoms infrastructure
Laser radiation exposure from cut or broken fibre optic cables emitting light
Substantial repair costs and liability claims from accidental cable damage
Control Measures
- Obtain up-to-date telecoms and fibre optic records from all network operators before excavation.
- Carry out a CAT scan to detect metallic trace wires that mark the route of fibre optic ducts.
- Hand dig within 500mm of any identified telecoms or fibre optic duct using careful hand techniques.
- Do not use mechanical excavation directly over a known fibre optic or telecoms route.
- Support exposed cables and ducts using approved methods to prevent damage from sagging or impact.
- Brief all operatives and machine drivers on telecoms cable locations before each day's dig.
- Do not look into the end of a broken fibre optic cable as it may be transmitting invisible laser light.
- Report any damage to telecoms or fibre optic cables immediately to the network operator.
- Mark cable routes on the ground using spray paint after detection and before excavation begins.
Remember
- Obtain telecoms and fibre optic records from all network operators before any excavation
- Hand dig within 500mm of identified telecoms or fibre optic ducts using careful techniques
- Do not use mechanical excavation directly over known fibre optic or telecoms cable routes
- Never look into the end of a broken fibre optic cable as it may transmit invisible laser light
- Report any damage to telecoms or fibre optic infrastructure to the network operator immediately
- Support exposed cables using approved methods to prevent damage from sagging or site traffic
Applicable Legislation: New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 · HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services) · CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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