NR-L1-AMG-1030 - Working Safely in The Vicinity of Buried Services

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Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Date: 1 December 2008
Compliance date: 1 March 2009
Issue record
Issue Date Comments
1 1 December 2008 New issue
Compliance
This Network Rail standard is mandatory and shall be complied with by all persons
from 1st March 2009.
When this standard is implemented, it is permissible for all projects that have
formally completed GRIP Stage 4 to continue to comply with the issue of any
relevant Network Rail Standards current when GRIP Stage 4 was reached and not to
comply with requirements contained herein, unless the designated Standard Owner
has stipulated otherwise in the accompanying Briefing Note.
Reference documentation
GI/RT7033 Lineside Operational Safety Signs
NR/GN/ELP/45002 The installation of electric point heating
NR/L1/AMG/1010 Policy on working safely in the vicinity of buried services
NR/L2/MTC/006 Maintenance and contents of the National Hazard
Directory
NR/L2/SIG/19812 Cross track cable management
NR/L2/AMG/1020 Buried services data provision
NR/L2/AMG/1040 Buried services data feedback
NR/L3/INI/CP044 Work package planning process
NR/L3/MTC/0001/GA019 Task risk control sheet for ground penetration and
excavations
NR/PS/ELP/00022 400 V 3 phase a.c. shore supply equipment for use in
non-electrified areas
NR/SP/CIV/044 Design and construction of undertrack crossings
NR/SP/ELP/27224 Specification for installation of cable routes forming part
of the traction distribution system
NR/SP/ELP/27242 Specification of low voltage electrical installations on
railway premises (including plugs, sockets, trailing leads
and appliances)
HS(G) 47 Avoiding danger from underground services, Health and
Safety Executive
www.njug.org.uk National Joint Utilities Group (NJUG) guidleines
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
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Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Disclaimer
In issuing this document for its stated purpose, Network Rail makes no warranties,
express or implied, that compliance with all or any documents it issues is sufficient
on its own to ensure safe systems of work or operation. Users are reminded of their
own duties under health and safety legislation.
Supply
Copies of documents are available electronically, within Network Rail’s organisation.
Hard copies of this document may be available to Network Rail people on request to
the relevant controlled publication distributor and to other organisations from IHS
(Technical Indexes Ltd) tel: 01344 404409.
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Contents
1 Purpose 7
2 Scope 7
3 Roles and responsibilities 8
4 Definitions 9
5 General 11
6 Preparation and planning 12
6.1 Introduction 12
6.2 Safe system of work 13
7 Site survey 13
7.1 General 13
7.2 Visual inspection 14
7.3 Cable avoidance tool 14
7.4 Radar mapping tool (GPR) 14
7.5 Temporary marking of service routes 15
8 Permit to dig 15
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8.1 Controlling ground disturbance 15

8.2 “Permit to Dig” form – Parts A and B 15
8.3 Use of the form 17
9 Ground disturbance work 17
9.1 Briefing of people 17
9.2 “Permit to Dig” form - Part C 17
9.3 Safe digging practice 18
9.4 Digging trial holes 18
9.5 Half a metre rule 19
9.6 Marker/warning tape 19
9.7 Protection tiles 19
9.8 Exposed services 19
9.9 Use of metal pins and spikes 19
9.10 Heat transfer 20
9.11 Over bridges 20
9.12 Ballast Box 20
9.13 Cross track cable management 22
9.14 Undertrack crossings 22
9.15 Buried services on or adjacent to Utility company services 22
9.16 Repeat survey 22
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9.17 Extent of work 23

9.18 Discovery of additional uncharted buried services 23
9.19 Damage or near miss incident reporting 23
10 Completion of work 24
10.1 Restoration of services 24
10.2 Service markers 24
10.3 Underground warning tape 24
10.4 Underground protection tiles 24
10.5 Warning signs 24
10.6 Back filling 25
10.7 Data feedback 26
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11 Emergency work 27
11.1 When to use this process 27
11.2 Approval 27
11.3 Competence 27
11.4 National Hazard Directory search 27
11.5 Person in charge 27
11.6 Briefing of people 28
11.7 Site activity 28
11.8 Extent of work 28
11.9 Completion of work 29
Flowchart 1 – Clause 5: Type of work activity 30
Flowchart 2 – Clause 6: Preparation and planning 31
Flowchart 3 – Clause 7: Site survey 32
Flowchart 4 – Clause 8: Permit to dig 33
Flowchart 5 – Clause 9: Ground disturbance work 34
Flowchart 6 – Clause 10: Completion of work 35
Flowchart 7 – Clause 11: Emergency work 36
Appendix A: Ballast Box 37
Appendix B: Identification of buried services 39
Appendix C: Protection of services 40
Appendix D: Use of metal driven pin or spikes 41
Appendix E: FORM - Location of buried services summary sheet 43
Appendix F: FORM – Permit to Dig 44
Appendix G: FORM – Emergency Ground Disturbance 46
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Appendix H: FORM – Preparatory Services Survey 48

Appendix I: FORM – Excavation Check Sheet 49
Appendix J: FORM – Permit to Spike 50
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1 Purpose
To mitigate the risk of damage to and danger from buried services, a standard and
consistent method of planning a safe system of work and then working safely with
these assets when on site is necessary.
Buried services are widespread on Network Rail owned infrastructure. These assets
can pose a risk of danger to personnel and also suffer damage if handled incorrectly.
This standard is one of a suite of documents that support the policy shown in
NR/L1/AMG/1010, Policy on working safely in the vicinity of buried services. Other
standards in the suite are NR/L2/AMG/1020 and NR/L2/AMG/1040.
2 Scope
This standard applies to all persons who plan or carry out ground disturbance work
on Network Rail infrastructure.
It applies to all works and activities to be carried out on or around those buried
services located on Network Rail owned infrastructure where the ground provides
containment or forms a significant part of the support given to that particular buried
service.
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3 Roles and responsibilities

Authorising Person A generic term, not reflecting a post title, for the person
who completes and approves Part B of the Permit to Dig
form and takes responsibility for this action. The
Authorising Person is part of the organisation responsible
for doing the work on site.
The duties of the Authorising Person are independent of

the Responsible Person wherever possible.
Buried Service The organisation within Network Rail that responds to

National Specialist internal requests from Network Rail for information on
Team (NST) buried services.
Network Rail A generic term, not necessarily reflecting a post title, for
Programme / Project the person who is responsible for the safe delivery of the
Manager works.
Responsible Person A generic term, not reflecting a post title, for the person
who completes and approves Part A of the Permit to Dig
form and takes responsibility for this action.
Whenever practicable the duties of the Responsible
Person are independent of the Authorising Person.
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Senior Manager A generic term, not necessarily reflecting a post title, for
the person who is superior within the organisation to the
person responsible for all the work on site.
NOTE Examples of a Senior Manager:
• Programme Engineering Manager who has a number of
Project Managers as direct reports;
• Infrastructure Maintenance Delivery Manager who has an
Infrastructure Maintenance Engineer as a direct report.
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4 Definitions
For the puposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
Ballast Box Refer to Appendix A: Ballast Box
buried service service, either:

a) intentionally laid below the ground and not directly
visible by site inspection, even though indirect signs of its
presence, e.g. access chambers, markers, might be
visible;
b) laid on the surface but which with time might have
become partially covered over with ballast/other material
or vegetation
NOTE 1 The as-built drawing or plan might not show the service in
the covered state.
NOTE 2 A service does not include the presence of adjacent
tunnels.
Cable Avoidance Tool portable Network Rail accepted device that can be used
(CAT scanner) on work sites to help to locate the position of buried
services. It comprises a transmitter, also known as a
signal generator (or “genny”) and a hand held receiver
NOTE A range of products are available which have differing
capabilities. Various techniques are used, including:
• detection of naturally emitted signals from metallic services
• detection of artificially generated signals input into services.
emergency work ground disturbance work, or reactive works to prevent an

incident, carried out at short notice to restore fitness for
purpose of the railway infrastructure in response to
failure, accident or incident
ground disturbance penetration or disturbance of the ground by manual or

mechanical means but excluding track tamping and
stoneblowing.
NOTE Ground disturbance includes, but is not limited to:
• forming routes for vehicle and plant access and egress;
• excavation by the use of hand tools, mechanical diggers or
surface skimming;
• the insertion into the ground of any device such as
emergency/temporary speed restriction boards, temporary
lighting, spikes, bars, thrust bores, piles, moles, augers,
sheet pins, earth rods, and fence posts.
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National Hazard list of health, safety and environmental conditions that

Directory could lead to an unintended event or series of events that
results in harm at a specific site on or near Network Rail
infrastructure
near miss event at a work site that almost caused a buried service
strike incident. The event had the potential to cause harm
and/or damage but did not. No damage was caused to
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any buried services and their ability to function was not

affected
over bridge bridge that spans over a railway line
radar mapping tool portable Network Rail accepted device that can be used
(also known as on work sites to help to locate the position of buried
Ground Penetrating services. It comprises a signal generator, transmitting and
Radar, or receiving antennae, recording facilities, and graphical
Ground Probing output
Radar, or GPR)
safe system of work Detailed description of work to include control measures

identified within a work activity risk assessment or
specialist risk assessement
NOTE The control measures will be identified within a work activity
risk assessment, task risk control sheet or specialist risk assessment.
service live, dormant or disused cable or pipeline owned by

Network Rail or another party
NOTE A cable does not include mechanical signalling cable used in
connection with the control of semaphore signals.
service marker information directly attached to or marked on the outer

surface of a cable or pipe to assist identification
Service Owner organisation or statutory undertaking that is responsible

for the operation and management of the services.
Service Owners include utility companies, Network Rail
and other commercial, industrial and military
organisations
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undertrack crossing buried service route passing under the track(s) below the
level of the underside of the sleepers or track slab, which
is neither a bridge nor a culvert
NOTE The term excludes a service laid through a bridge span or in
the roadway beneath a bridge span.
warning sign data plate to advise that at least one buried service is in
close proximity to the sign location and that care is
needed if ground disturbance activity is to take place. The
buried service may be a cable or a pipe
NOTE It has previously also been referred to as a “marker plate”,

“cable marker” or “cable route marker”.
5 General
Buried services are widespread and shall always be assumed to be present and in
use unless proven otherwise.
When work is being designed or planned, this shall be done in such a way as to
minimise the risk of danger from or damage to surface and buried services. Account
shall be taken of not just ground disturbance but of all activities that could affect
buried services, including, but not limited to, the passage of vehicles and plant,
vibration and the generation of heat.
NOTE The generation of heat from track welding activity is managed by specific risk controls outside
the scope of this standard.
When considering the risks associated with surface and buried services the extent of
the workscope considered shall include not only the actual area where work is taking
place but also the access route to the site of work.
The process for working safely in the vicinity of buried services described in
clauses 6 to 10 shall always be followed except when emergency work is being
carried out, in which case the alternative process specified in clause 11 shall be
followed.
When undertaking maintenance type tasks in the Ballast Box or in the space in
between adjacent sleepers, a simpler process may be used, refer to the full
requirements in clause 9.12. To summarise, if buried services are believed not to be
present in the Ballast Box, and until buried services are discovered, the following
requirements may be omitted,:
• buried services search request, clause 6.1;
• the normal site survey process described in clause 7;
• permit to dig, clauses 8, 9.2 and 10.7.3;
• repeat survey, clause 9.16.
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6 Preparation and planning

6.1 Introduction
When designing or planning work, the location of all recorded buried services at the
site shall be understood. However, this on its own is not sufficient to provide a safe
method of work and it shall be supplemented by site surveys and appropriate on-site
practice.
An iterative approach shall therefore be followed to identify buried services present

on the site:
• search existing records for information on buried services, clause 6.1.1;
• develop a safe system of work, clause 6.2;
• carry out non-intrusive survey, clause 7;
• obtain “Permit to dig” for trial holes, clause 8;
• dig trial holes and add information collected to existing information, clause 9.4;
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• obtain “Permit to dig” for work, clause 8;
• monitor work for further evidence of buried services, clause 9.3.
NOTE A buried services search by itself will not provide a safe method of working.
6.1.1 Search existing records

The location of all known buried services in the vicinity of the site of work shall be
established following the process specified in NR/L2/AMG/1020, Buried services
data provision.
The results of the buried services search shall be received and understood before
ground disturbance work, or activity likely to lead to heat transfer, takes place.
Evidence of the buried services search shall be retained.
The drawings/plans, provided as part of the results of the buried services search,
shall not be relied on to show the position of services accurately. The position of
services shown on such plans shall be regarded as approximate only.
These limitations shall be taken into account when planning a safe system of work.
NOTE A buried services search does not include the presence of bridges, culverts or tunnels.
6.1.2 Buried service(s) summary sheet

The results obtained from the buried services search shall be summarised on a
“Location of buried services sheet” form, a copy of which is provided in Appendix E:
FORM - Location of buried services summary sheet, or on an equivalent form that
captures the information shown on it.
NOTE The summary sheet will help the development of a safe system of work.
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6.2 Safe system of work

A safe system of work shall be developed and authorised before work on site
commences to control:
• the risk of danger to personnel from buried services;
• the risk of damage to buried services.
There is a risk that not all buried services will be detected by record searches and
site surveys so the safe system of work shall allow for the presence of additional
services.
NOTE Business functions within Network Rail each have their own process to achieve a safe system
of work, e.g.:
• Infrastructure Investment: NR/L3/INI/CP044, Work package planning process;
• Infrastructure Maintenance:,Task risk control sheets, particularly NR/L3/MTC/0001/GA019.
The safe system of work shall describe how buried services and any trial hole
locations are to be temporarily marked on the ground. It shall also describe how the
buried services at the site are to be protected. Some possible options for protecting
buried services are described in Appendix C: Protection of services.
As specified in 9.5, hand held power tools and mechanical excavators shall not be
used within 0.5 metres of a buried service unless there is no practicable alternative.
Where this is not practicable the need for physical precautions to prevent the tool or
excavator striking the service shall be considered as part of the development of the
safe system of work.
7 Site survey
7.1 General
A site survey shall always be carried out, even when the response from the buried
services search does not indicate the presence of buried services.
The site survey shall comprise:
• a visual inspection;
• a cable avoidance tool (CAT scanner) survey;
• optionally, an additional radar mapping survey.
NOTE A radar mapping survey can be particularly useful at overbridges.

When surveying buried services, it shall be assumed that they do not necessarily
follow straight lines and they are not always at a constant depth below ground level.
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7.2 Visual inspection

A visual inspection of the site and the surrounding area shall be carried out after the
results of the search of existing records has been received.
NOTE 1 The purpose of the inspection is to identify any evidence on the site of buried services not
identified by the search of existing records and to check for evidence that will confirm the location of
the services that were identified.
The visual inspection shall always check for the existence of signalling and telecoms
cables as the records of these often exist only in schematic form and schematic
drawings are not provided as part of a records search. Information shall also be
sought from local contacts to help establish cable locations.
The results of the visual inspection, even if a nil result, shall be used to update the
information already recorded on a “Preparatory Site Services” form, a copy of which
is provided in Appendix H: FORM – Preparatory Services Survey, or on an
equivalent form that captures the information shown on it.
NOTE 2 A list of local contacts relevant to the buried services works scope is supplied as part of the
search results by the Buried Services NST. Refer to NR/L2/AMG/1020, Buried services data
provision.
NOTE 3 The cess is always regarded as having the potential for containing buried services and
warning signage is not normally provided.
NOTE 4 Indications of a buried service can include, among others, the presence of lamp posts, pit
covers, service markers, warning signs or cable connections to rails or lineside equipment.
7.3 Cable avoidance tool

A search shall be made of the work site by trained and competent staff using a
Network Rail accepted Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT scanner) and accepted
transmitter/signal generator (“genny”).
The CAT scanner shall not be damaged or defective and the service or calibration
date shown on the tool shall not have expired.
Arrangements shall be made so that the devices will always have sufficient power to
enable them to work correctly for the duration of time that they are required to be in
use at the site of work.
In combination with the use of available plans, the physical location of buried
services shall be determined.
The results of the CAT scan shall be interpreted and recorded by a competent
person on a “Preparatory Site Services” form, a copy of which is provided in
Appendix H: FORM – Preparatory Services Survey. The form shall be a continuation
of the same form that was used during the site visual inspection. Refer to 7.2.
7.4 Radar mapping tool (GPR)

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A radar mapping tool may be used to identify the location of buried services. The
equipment and the method used shall be approved by Network Rail.
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The GPR survey, if undertaken, shall be made of the work site by trained and
competent staff.
The GPR device shall not be damaged or defective and the service or calibration
date shown on the device shall not have expired. The equipment shall be operated
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Arrangements shall be made so that the device will always have sufficient power to
enable it to work correctly for the duration of time that it is required to be in use at the
site of work.
The results of the GPR survey shall be interpreted and recorded by a competent
person on the same form that was used during CAT scanning for the same site of
work, as specified in 7.3. If a paper print out of the GPR survey has been produced,
this shall be attached to the form.
7.5 Temporary marking of service routes

When the route of any service is confirmed, it shall be noted and marked across the
work site. The marking shall indicate the location of the buried service route and
shall be easily distinguishable from markings that indicate a safe place to dig or
spike.
The method of marking used shall not endanger the buried service or add additional
hazards, and shall enable the position and depth of the buried services to be readily
established at all times.
The specification and method of temporary ground marking shall be identified in the
safe system of work.
8 Permit to dig
8.1 Controlling ground disturbance
A permit to carry out ground disturbance work shall be required for each site of work,
except for specific types of work undertaken within the Ballast Box, as specified in
9.12.
8.2 “Permit to Dig” form – Parts A and B

8.2.1 Relevant information
Prior to the commencement of any ground disturbance works, a “Permit to Dig” form,
Appendix F: FORM – Permit to Dig or an equivalent form that captures the
information shown on it, shall be completed and used as authority to proceed.
The “Permit to Dig” form shall not be used for emergency ground disturbance work.
For this type of activity, refer to clause 11.
NOTE A “Permit to Dig” is a control measure to prevent unauthorised digging. It is also an effective
method for the person in charge of supervising the excavation work on site to be in possession of the
relevant information.
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8.2.2 Part A approval

The Responsible Person shall:
• complete and sign Part A of the “Permit to Dig” form;
• check that all known buried services in the vicinity of the work site are detailed
on the accompanying “Location of Underground Services Summary Sheet”;
refer to Appendix E: FORM - Location of buried services summary sheet;
• supply a site sketch of the buried services layout;
• attach the “Location of Underground Service Summary Sheet” and site sketch
to the “Permit to Dig”.
If there are no known buried services at the planned site of work, this shall be stated
on the “Permit to Dig”.
The form and attachments shall then be passed to the Authorising Person.
8.2.3 Part B approval

The Authorising Person shall review and approve the content of Part A of the “Permit
to Dig” form and its attachments, add any conditions, specify the period of validity
and then sign Part B.
To make effective use of the approval process the Authorising Person shall have
access to the reference information collated in relation to the site, including:
• the buried service search results;
• the extract from the National Hazard Directory;
• site surveys that have been used by the Responsible Person in producing
Part A of the “Permit to Dig” form.
The Authorising Person shall then return the “Permit to Dig” and its attachments to
the Responsible Person.
NOTE Part B of the “Permit to Dig” form gives an opportunity for the Authorising Person to review the
adequacy of the proposed arrangements and add any additional precautions that the Authorising
Person considers necessary to maximise the controls exercised at the site.
8.2.4 File copy

A copy of the “Permit to Dig” form along with the attachments shall be retained by
the Authorising Person in the appropriate file for the site of work concerned until the
original is returned.
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8.3 Use of the form

The Responsible Person shall give the original approved “Permit to Dig” form to the
nominated person in charge of the excavation work on site before the first shift
commences.
The form shall be available at the site of work for reference.
9 Ground disturbance work

9.1 Briefing of people
All people working on the site shall be briefed on the safe system of work:
• at the commencement of site work;
• at each shift change until work is completed.
As a minimum, the briefing shall include the:

• location and type of any buried services;
• hazards associated with the services, including any that have not been
isolated and remain live;
• method used to mark services;
• safe digging practices that shall be used;
• action to take if a buried service is damaged;
• risk that other buried services might exist that have not been identified and the
action to take if one is discovered.
The briefing document shall be signed by the members of the work group to confirm
they have understood the briefing. The briefing records shall be retained with the
safety system of work document.
9.2 “Permit to Dig” form - Part C

9.2.1 Part C approval
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Ground disturbance work shall not commence until Part C of the “Permit to Dig”’ has
been approved by the nominated person in charge of the work on site. Refer to
Appendix F: FORM – Permit to Dig.
Prior to commencing excavation, the nominated person in charge of the work on site
shall have in their possession a copy of the appropriate ‘Permit to Dig’ form including
any attachments. Both Part A and Part B of the form shall have been approved
beforehand, as specified in 8.2.
NOTE Within Infrastructure Maintenance the nominated person in charge may be the Team Leader
The Responsible Person shall either arrange that the names of the competent
person(s) in charge of the works are noted on the form prior to approval or, with the
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permission of the Authorising Person, shall be included in the site organisation

arrangements and the names entered as they come on shift.
Providing the nominated person in charge of the work on site does understand and
accept the requirements shown on the “Permit to Dig” form, the nominated person in
charge shall approve Part C.
NOTE A “Permit to Dig” is an effective method for the person in charge of supervising the excavation
work on site to be in possession of the relevant information.
9.3 Safe digging practice

Ground disturbance work shall be carried out carefully using the appropriate
recognised safe digging practice. The guidance on safe digging practice contained in
HSE booklet HS(G) 47 shall be adopted so far as reasonably practicable.
HS(G) 47 permits the use of spades and shovels and, when used, these tools shall
not be thrown or spiked into the ground.
There is a risk that not all buried services will be detected following a site survey; see
clause 7. A suitable safe system of work shall be adopted acknowledging that
additional services may be discovered.
If an additional buried service is suspected as being present within the site of work
and this service is not included within the safe system of work, digging work in the
vicinity shall stop immediately. The safe system of work shall state what action to
take.
9.4 Digging trial holes

Where practicable, each buried service route shall be established by creating one or
more trial holes using safe digging practice to sufficiently expose the buried service.
A trial hole will help to identify the type, location, depth and condition of a buried
service.
Prior to work commencing and before any trial hole is started, suitable markers shall
be placed on the ground to indicate the location of each trial hole. The marking shall
clearly identify the location and size of each trial hole. The marking shall be made
readily distinguishable from markings indicating the location of buried services and
locations indicating a safe place to insert a pin or spike.
The specification and method of trial hole marking shall be identified in the safe
system of work.
The number of trial holes shall be appropriate to the size of the proposed site of work
and the routing of each buried service across the site.
An examination of each exposed buried service shall be made at every trial hole.
The knowledge gained shall then be used to assess the suitablity of the proposed
safe system of work, as specified in 6.2. If necessary the safe system of work shall
be revised before any further work on site is permitted.
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9.5 Half a metre rule

Hand held power tools and mechanical excavators shall not be used closer than
0.5 metres to a buried service unless a specific instruction has been approved within
the safe system of work.
This requirement does not apply to a Network Rail accepted tool which removes soil
using a high velocity jet of air, known as an air digging tool. When used, the safe
system of work shall identify the precautions needed to prevent injury from ejected
material.
NOTE An air digging tool that removes soil using a high velocity jet of air can be used to expose
buried services without damage to the service. It will not penetrate asphalt, concrete or frozen ground.
9.6 Marker/warning tape

Plastic marker tape might have been laid in the ground some distance above the
pipe or cable to warn of the presence of a buried service. Insulated wire or marker
tape containing a metal strip may be used to help identify the presence of non-
metallic buried services.
The marker tape might identify the type or use of buried service. For more guidance,
refer to Appendix B: Identification of buried services.
9.7 Protection tiles

A row of tiles might have been laid in the ground some distance above the pipe or
cable to warn of the presence of a buried service. A marker tape might also be
incorporated in the tile to identify the type of buried service.
NOTE The tile may be made from plastic, concrete or clay.
9.8 Exposed services

Once a service has been exposed:
• contact with it shall be avoided unless it has been proven to be dead or
isolated or determined it is safe to work with by a competent person;
• care shall be taken to prevent the services from being damaged or roughly
treated;
• it might need to be supported. Particular care shall be taken if the exposed
service has a jointed connection.
NOTE Any visible colour coding may be able to help identify an exposed buried service. Refer to
Appendix B: Identification of buried services.
9.9 Use of metal pins and spikes

Metal pins or spikes driven into the ground have an inherent high risk of striking a
buried service and so:
• they shall only be used as a last resort;
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• their use shall be controlled by the process specified in Appendix D: Use of

metal driven pin or spikes.
9.10 Heat transfer

Care shall be taken where hot objects are placed on the ground, even if ground
disturbance work has not occurred.
NOTE Heat transfer from a hot object might create a risk of damage to a buried service. In some
circumstances, this could result in a fire or explosion.
9.11 Over bridges

9.11.1 Ground disturbance
There is significant risk that blind excavation work on an over bridge structure will
generate a strike incident and, where practicable, such works shall not be carried out
without first considering boundary exploratory digging, as specified in 9.11.2.
CAT scanning shall be undertaken before any ground disturbance takes place.
Where practicable, ground disturbance work shall be undertaken in daylight hours to
minimise the risk of a service incident caused by substandard lighting levels.
Where the location of buried services is uncertain, work on the bridge shall not
commence until the services have been switched off/isolated and made safe by the
service provider.
NOTE The colour coding for buried service, pipes and marker/warning tapes is summarised by NJUG
guidance, refer to Appendix B: Identification of buried services.
.
9.11.2 Boundary exploratory digging
It might be beneficial to expose and identify a buried service at the point in the
ground at which it enters the over bridge structure.
NOTE Access to the buried service outside the immediate boundary of the over bridge might be
easier and the ground here might be less compacted.
9.12 Ballast Box

9.12.1 Applicability
The Ballast Box is only relevant to maintenance type tasks, such as tamping,
stoneblowing or manual track work. This subclause deals with buried services in the
ballast box. Further requirements are specified in Appendix A: Ballast Box.
If ground disturbance work is planned to occur within only the ballast box zone and
buried services are not suspected as being present, then the simpler process
described in this section may be followed. The need to request a buried services
search request may then not be necessary.
NOTE This requirement was previously specified in NR/PRC/MTC/SE0113, Buried services –
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avoidance of damage to and danger from.
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9.12.2 Rules for a buried services search

If buried services are not suspected as being present within the Ballast Box at the
site of the work, it is not necessary to request a buried services search and instead
the following simpler process is acceptable:
a) at the work planning stage the National Hazard Directory shall be searched for
the site of work, particularly for buried services. The information shall be
retained as part of the safe system of work;
b) a visual site inspection for evidence of buried services, as specified in 9.12.3.
The results shall be recorded as part of the safe system of work.
Careful safe digging practice is essential and shall form part of the safe system of
work.
If buried services are found to be present at any location within the site of work, or
there is any doubt about personal safety in relation to buried services, then the
simpler process shall not be followed and the full requirements of this overall
standard shall apply for the location.
9.12.3 Visual site inspection

9.12.3.1 Evidence of buried services
The visual site inspection shall look for evidence of buried services that can cross
under and/or run alongside the track at any point of the site of work.
NOTE Evidence can exist close to the track, in the track, or might be as far away as the infrastructure
boundary fence.
It shall not be assumed that a buried service crosses under the Ballast Box at 90
degrees to the running rails.
NOTE Indications of a buried service are the presence of lamp posts, pit covers, service markers,
warning signs or cable connections to equipment such as rails or lineside fixtures, etc, (this list is not
exhaustive).
9.12.3.2 CAT scan

If, following the visual inspection, buried services are suspected as being present
within the Ballast Box, a CAT scan shall be undertaken.
NOTE A cable avoidance tool might be capable of locating buried services within the Ballast Box
zone despite a risk that the equipment will be influenced by the presence of the running rails.
Where the results of the CAT scan confirm the existence of buried services, the
normal process of working on site and taking care of buried services is necessary. In
this case, the full requirements of this standard shall apply for the location affected
by buried services.
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9.12.4 Other considerations

To avoid the risk of electric shock, particular care shall be taken on work sites where
the Ballast Box is within two metres of any switch and crossing (point) heater. Also,
particular care is required at work sites in overhead line and third/fourth rail
electrified areas where there are exposed conductor rails and earthing systems.
9.13 Cross track cable management

In addition to the requirements of this standard, the requirements specified in
NR/L2/SIG/19812, Cross track cable management, shall be applied.
NOTE NR/L2/SIG/19812 sets out asset policy for cross track cables.
9.14 Undertrack crossings

In addition to the requirements of this standard, the requirements specified in
NR/SP/CIV/044, Design and construction of undertrack crossings, shall be applied.
NOTE NR/SP/CIV/044 includes undertrack crossing construction specifications, including minimum

depth of buried services and also warning sign requirements.
9.15 Buried services on or adjacent to Utility company services

Work shall be done in accordance with the requirements of this standard as well as
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the requirements of the Utility company.
In case of a conflict between requirements of Network Rail and a Utility company, the
matter shall be resolved by the Network Rail Programme/Project Manager.
9.16 Repeat survey

As ground disturbance activity progresses, frequent use of a cable avoidance tool
(CAT scanner) shall be made throughout the course of the work on site, as specified
in 7.3.
This may be supplemented by use of a radar mapping tool, as specified in 7.4.
Having dug a hole and found a service, it shall not be assumed that there is not
another buried service close by.
NOTE 1 There could be more than one other buried service located in the ground and lying close to
one(s) that can be seen.
NOTE 2 As work progresses, it might be clear that more than one pipe or cable could be present,
perhaps running close together, although they might have shown up as a single signal during the
initial stages.
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9.17 Extent of work

The work on site shall not extend outside the defined area surveyed for buried
services.
If there is a need to extend the work site, this shall not start until additional planning
activity has been completed for the extended area. As a minimum, this shall include:
• a further buried services search request. The process described in
NR/L2/AMG/1020, Buried services data provision, shall be followed;
• a fresh site survey being undertaken;
• a revised safe system of work created and documented, including the forms;
• all personnel on site briefed before any work commences.
9.18 Discovery of additional uncharted buried services

If additional uncharted buried services are discovered during ground disturbance
work, and no suitable contingency plans are in place, all work or activities in the
vicinity of the buried services shall stop.
A revised method of working shall be documented in the safe system of work, as
specified in 6.2.
In addition, the requirements of the following (sub)clauses shall be repeated:
• Clause 7, Site survey;
• 7.5, Temporary marking of service routes;
• 9.4, Digging trial holes.
All personnel on site shall be re-briefed before work re-commences, as specified in

9.1.
Details of the discovered services shall be documented and the process specified in
NR/L2/AMG/1040, Buried services data feedback, shall be followed.
9.19 Damage or near miss incident reporting

Damage to a service or a near miss incident shall be reported immediately. All
persons on site shall take the appropriate action as detailed in the safe system of
work.
The person in charge of the site of works shall also report this type of event as
follows:
a) Infrastructure Investment sites to report the event to the Investment Support
Centre; or
b) Infrastructure Maintenance sites to report the event to Infrastructure
Maintenance Control; or
c) other sites not included above to the most appropriate Network Rail control
centre.
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In addition, the person in charge of the site of works shall report this type of event to
the Buried Services NST.
10 Completion of work
10.1 Restoration of services
All services disturbed during the work shall be restored to their former position and
condition, unless otherwise agreed with the Service Owner, by use of techniques
appropriate for that type of service. These activities shall be as described in the safe
system of work.
10.2 Service markers

All existing markers required for the identification of the service shall be reinstated on
completion of the work.
Additional protection shall be provided as agreed with the Service Owner and as
specified in the safe system of work.
10.3 Underground warning tape

Where practicable, underground warning tape containing a metallic core shall be
installed at least 150 mm above each service. The colour of the marker tape shall
meet the requirements shown in Appendix E: FORM - Location of buried services
summary sheet.
10.4 Underground protection tiles

All existing protection tiles shall be reinstated on completion of work. The Network
Rail Programme/Project Manager shall specify any requirement for protection tiles to
be installed above a new buried service.
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10.5 Warning signs

10.5.1 Risk based requirement
The Network Rail Programme/Project Manager shall, as part of the design process,
decide how to permanently mark on the site the position of the buried services,
taking into account the risks posed by the services and the requirements of their
owners and of the following Network Rail standards:
• NR/SP/ELP/27224, Specification for installation of cable routes forming part of
the traction distribution system;
• NR/SP/ELP/27242, Specification of low voltage electrical installations on
railway premises (including plugs, sockets, trailing leads and appliances);
• NR/GN/ELP/45002, The installation of electric point heating;
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• NR/PS/ELP/00022, 400 V 3 phase a.c. shore supply equipment for use in

non-electrified areas;
• NR/SP/CIV/044, Design and construction of undertrack crossings.
The means of marking the services shall be recorded on the as-built drawings.
NOTE Buried services that can present a high risk include, but are not limited to, electrical cables,
pipes containing gas, inflammable liquids or dangerous substances.
10.5.2 Permitted signs

10.5.2.1 General
Where the Network Rail Programme/Project Manager decides to permanently mark
the position of the buried services with signs, the signs used shall follow the concept
sign requirements as shown in GI/RT7033, issue one, June 2003.
10.5.2.2 Electric cable

A buried service warning sign for an electric cable shall consist of
a warning sign which conforms in layout to that shown in
GI/RT7033, Appendix B, Sign BD01.
The warning triangle shall contain a lightning flash symbol
The text marking shall state, “Danger, Buried Cables”.
10.5.2.3 Non-electrical buried service

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A buried service warning sign for a non-electrical buried service

shall consist of a warning sign which conforms in layout to that
shown in GI/RT7033, Appendix B, Sign BA02.
The warning triangle shall contain an exclamation mark
The text marking shall state, “Caution, Buried Services”.
NOTE A mandatory requirement for warning signs was previously specified in NR/SP/BUS/011,
Prevention of damage to and danger from buried services.
10.6 Back filling

The back fill and method of back filling to be used shall be agreed with Network Rail
and any other Service Owner concerned. The method shall be specified in the safe
system of work.
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10.7 Data feedback

10.7.1 Feedback of buried services drawings/plans
The process described in NR/L2/AMG/1040, Buried services data feedback, shall be
followed.
NOTE The feedback of buried services drawings/plans from a site of work is an essential safety
requirement to protect workers who may undertake further ground work at the same location and also
to protect the assets for the future. There is a fundamental need for Network Rail to have accurate
and up to date information on buried services.
10.7.2 National Hazard Directory notification

Where an additional buried service has been found, or where a new buried service
has been installed, or where an existing buried service has been moved, the details
shall be added to the National Hazard Directory.
The process described in NR/L2/MTC/006, Maintenance and contents of the

National Hazard Directory, shall be followed.
10.7.3 “Permit to Dig” form

The nominated person in charge of the excavation on the final shift shall on
completion of the works return the “Permit to Dig” form to the Responsible Person for
retention in the appropriate file for the site of works.
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11 Emergency work
11.1 When to use this process
Emergency work on Network Rail infrastructure that is carried out at very short notice
may follow the following process.
The emergency work process shall only be used in exceptional circumstances.
NOTE It is preferable that work activity on Network Rail infrastructure is planned and the full process
as specified in clauses 6 to 10 is followed.
11.2 Approval
The work shall not start until the team leader/person in charge of the work gang
attending the site has completed the “Emergency Ground Disturbance” form, a copy
of which is provided in Appendix G: FORM – Emergency Ground Disturbance, or an
equivalent form that captures the information shown on it.
11.3 Competence
At least one person in the work gang attending the site of the emergency work shall
have the following competences:
• sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to correctly apply the
requirements of the normal fully planned working on site procedure outlined in
this standard;
• sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to correctly use approved
cable and pipe locating equipment;
• sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to correctly risk assess the
emergency work, agree and approve the safe system of work that will be
used.
11.4 National Hazard Directory search

Before any emergency ground disturbance work takes place the National Hazard
Directory shall be searched.
This information shall be obtained before work on site commences. Evidence of the
National Hazard Directory search shall be retained with the “Emergency Ground
Disturbance” form.
NOTE The search may reveal the location of buried services, other local hazards to be aware of and
generic hazards for the site.
11.5 Person in charge

Before any ground disturbance occurs, the team leader/person in charge of the site
of the emergency work shall arrange for a site survey to establish the location of all
buried services and other hazards.
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A visual inspection of the work site and of the surrounding area to identify possible
indicators that buried services might be present shall always be carried out. This
inspection cannot guarantee to identify all buried services and so the absence of
such indicators shall not be taken as evidence that buried services are not present.
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Approved cable and pipe locating equipment shall be used, as specified in 7.3.
From the results of the site survey, the team leader/person in charge of the site of
emergency work shall assess the risks and the information used to produce a safe
system of work.
The risk assessment and safe system of work shall be recorded on the “Emergency
Ground Disturbance” form, a copy of which is provided in Appendix G: FORM –
Emergency Ground Disturbance, or on an equivalent form that captures the
information shown on it. The form shall be completed and approved before ground
disturbance work commences.
11.6 Briefing of people

Before any ground disturbance takes place, the team leader/person in charge of the
site of work shall brief all persons involved about the safe system of work to be used.
11.7 Site activity

The work on site shall comply with the requirements of the following subclauses of
this standard:
• 9.3 , Safe digging practice;
• 9.5 , Half a metre rule;
• 9.6 , Marker/warning tape;
• 9.7 , Protection tiles;
• 9.8 , Exposed services;
• 9.15, Buried services on or adjacent to Utility company services.
Metal driven pins and spikes shall not be used during emergency work. Refer to 9.9.
11.8 Extent of work

The work on site shall not extend outside the defined area that has been surveyed
for buried services.
If there is a need to extend the work site, this shall not start until additional planning
has been completed for the extended area. As a minimum, this shall include:
• the completion of a fresh site survey being undertaken;
• the creation of a revised safe system of work;
• the briefing of all personnel on site before any work commences.
The requirements of 9.18 and 9.19 shall also be complied with.
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11.9 Completion of work

The process described in 10.1 to 10.6, inclusive, shall be followed by the business
function that initiated the emergency work.
Due to the nature of emergency work, the requirement to install a buried service
warning sign (as specified in 10.5) at the site of work may be delayed. The warning
sign(s) shall be installed within three months of the emergency work being
completed.
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Flowchart 1 – Clause 5: Type of work activity
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Flowchart 2 – Clause 6: Preparation and planning

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Flowchart 3 – Clause 7: Site survey
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Flowchart 4 – Clause 8: Permit to dig
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Flowchart 5 – Clause 9: Ground disturbance work
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Flowchart 6 – Clause 10: Completion of work
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Flowchart 7 – Clause 11: Emergency work

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Appendix A: Ballast Box

In theory, the Ballast Box will be free of buried services.
As shown in Figure A.1, the Ballast Box is shown as the dash lined area underneath the
sleeper and runs continuously underneath and in line with the track.
The zone is unmarked and cannot be seen in real terms. Refer to 9.12.
Figure A.1: Ballast Box
The Ballast Box is defined as the area lying 500 mm outwards from each end of the sleeper,
and to a depth of 225 mm beneath the base of the sleeper. Within the Ballast Box zone the
creation of a trial hole may be extended in depth to 500mm although extra care is necessary.
The Ballast Box is intended to be free of buried services to allow for track maintenance
activities to take place without hindrance. There might be exceptions to this situation and so
care is necessary.
The Ballast Box assumes the base of the sleeper is flat but a steel sleeper, being
manufactured from a rolled and folded material, has a different profile and so the 225 mm
ballast box depth measurement shall be taken from the flat middle section of a steel sleeper
edge rather than the spade ends.
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The Ballast Box might not be present, or may be reduced in size at some locations, such as at
over bridges and under bridges.
As shown in Figure A.2, the Ballast Box does not include the space (bay, bed or crib) between
adjacent sleepers which is above the bottom edge of the sleeper. Surface cables or other
obstructions may exist in this space and these may present a hazard. A suitable method of
working shall be documented in the safe system of work.
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Figure A.2: Excluded areas
A buried services search request shall not be necessary for working within the Ballast Box or
the space between adjacent sleepers providing care is taken to find, identify and protect
services that may exist in these places.
Note that signal and telecom surface cables may be present; these may even be buried at a
shallow depth or partially contained in a hollow sleeper or orange pipe for some of their run
length.
NOTE The buried services search does not include signal and telecom cable location information.
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Appendix B: Identification of buried services

B.1 Service colour
Once a pipe or cable has been exposed, a primary method of identifying the many types of
buried service can be by colour coding of the service itself.
The National Joint Utilities Group (NJUG) have issued a document which may be a useful
reference: NJUG Guidelines on the Positioning and Colour Coding of Underground Utilities'
Apparatus.
NOTE The guidelines are available from the publications page of www.njug.org.uk. Utilities and other companies
try to follow this colour coding method. Network Rail does not control or influence the information provided by
NJUG.
Those responsible for worksite activity shall satisfy themselves that the NJUG information, if
used, is relevant to their scope of work and that information used remains valid.
Other sources of reference shall be used if necessary.
B.2 Marker/warning tape

The NJUG marker tape colour coding scheme may also be helpful as a method of identifying
the use of the underlying buried service. Marker tape can sometimes be found incorporated in
protection tiles. See 9.6 and 9.7 of this standard.
B.3 Caution with colour identification

Care shall be taken with colour identification:
• old specification buried services might not conform to the current scheme;
• other buried services might not conform to the current scheme;
• colours might look different under poor or artificial lighting;
• ducts might include more than one type of service;
• ducts might become discoloured with time.
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Appendix C: Protection of services

C.1 General
The means to protect buried services at a work site shall be identified and shall be detailed in
the safe system of work, as specified in 6.2.
Options for providing protection to and from a railway buried service include, but are not limited
to:
a) isolation of the service. Certain buried services passing through or near to the work site
might be required to be isolated even if the work on site is not intended to directly affect
them;
b) temporary or permanent diversion of the buried service. This option shall be planned in
advance to prevent delays on the work site and shall be done in accordance with any
requirements of the Service Owner;
c) additional covers or bridging across the buried service route to prevent damage by
weight transfer, typically by the movement of vehicles and plant;
d) heat shielding and/or a prohibition of heat creating sources in the vicinity of buried
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services. Heat sources, if left uncontrolled, can lead to significant underground heat
transfer down or across to services buried in the ground, possibly leading to fire,
explosion or further incident;
e) possibly moving the site of work to a new location to completely avoid all buried
services, thus negating the need to provide protection.
C.2 High voltage traction power supply cables in Sussex, Wessex and Kent
To request an isolation (and earthing) or to switch out power to high voltage traction supply
cables in this Network Rail defined geographic area, a local procedure exists and shall be
followed.
At the planning stage and before any work on site commences in the vicinity of these HV
traction power supply cables, advice shall be sought from either the:
• Principal Maintenance Support Engineer, Sussex, Wessex and Kent; or
• Senior Validation and Verification Engineer, E&P, Infrastructure Investment.
NOTE The words “isolation” and “switch off” have precise meaning when used in this section.
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Appendix D: Use of metal driven pin or spikes

D.1 Written permission
Also refer to 9.9 for conditions of use.
Before a metal driven pin or spike is installed, the person in charge of the work shall obtain
permission from a Senior Manager within Network Rail.
The Senior Manager shall give written permission for this activity for each and every location.
This permission shall be granted only when all alternative methods, other than spiking, are
proven to be unworkable and the requirements of the following sections have been met:
• 6.1.1,Search existing records;
• 6.2 , Safe system of work;
• Clause 7, Site survey.
D.2 “Permit to Spike” form

D.2.1 Record
The Senior Manager shall maintain a record of each and every event where permission to use
metal driven pins or spikes has been granted on a “Permit to Spike” form, Appendix J: FORM –
Permit to Spike, or on an equivalent form that captures the information shown on it. The record
shall show the reason for giving permission.
D.2.2 Part A approval

The Senior Manager shall complete and sign Part A of the “Permit to Spike”.
The form and attachments shall then be passed to the Network Rail Programme/Project
Manager.
D.2.3 Part B approval

The Network Rail Programme/Project Manager shall review and approve the content of Part A
of the “Permit to Spike” form and its attachments, add any conditions and then sign Part B.
The Network Rail Programme/Project Manager shall have access to the reference information
used by the Senior Manager in producing Part A of the form for the site, including:
a) the buried service search results;
b) the extract from the National Hazard Directory;
c) the site survey results.
The Network Rail Programme/Project Manager shall then return the “Permit to Spike” form
and its attachments to the Senior Manager.
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D.3 Preparation
On receipt of the fully approved “Permit to Spike” and prior to work commencing, the Senior
Manager shall arrange for:
a) an “Excavation Check Sheet” to be completed by the person in charge of the work on
site. Refer to Appendix I: FORM – Excavation Check Sheet;
b) specific spiking activity to be included within the safe system of work;
c) person(s) in charge of the work on site to understand the requirements shown within the
“Permit to Spike” form before any spiking activity commences.
D.4 Identify spike locations

Prior to work commencing and before any metal driven pins or spikes are used, suitable
markers shall be placed on the ground to indicate the insertion location(s).
The marker(s) shall clearly identify the location required for each pin or spike. The marking
shall be made readily distinguishable from markings indicating the location of buried services
and locations indicating a safe place to dig a trial hole.
The specification and method of spike location marking shall be identified in the safe system of
work.
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No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
Provided by IHS under license with Network Rail
Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Appendix E: FORM - Location of buried services summary sheet
No. Service Location Owner Contact Tel. No. Date of Precautions to be Precautions Date
Visit taken (with carried out
sketch if (signature)
necessary)
Not for Resale, 02/28/2014 04:20:18 MST
Licensee=Colas Rail Limited/1121223091, User=Pike, Nicholas
NOTE 1 The ‘Location of buried services summary sheet’ was previously specified by Infrastructure Maintenance. Refer to 6.1.2 in this standard.
NOTE 2 It is permissible to use an equivalent form to record this information provided that the equivalent form captures all the information defined on this form
Page 43 of 50
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Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Appendix F: FORM – Permit to Dig

THIS PERMIT IS VALID FOR THE PERIOD SPECIFIED ONLY
Method Statement No: Permit No.
Part A
Location of excavation:
Purpose of excavation:
--``,,,``,`,````,```,```,,```,`,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Proposed depth:
Method of excavation and Trench Support:
Date and time of start of excavation :
Date Permit expires:
Other documents references eg. plans/sketches :

Contaminated Land
Is the work to be carried out in areas known to contain contaminated soil? Yes No
If yes have the operatives received instruction for working in these areas? Yes No
Existing Structures and Temporary Works
Have suitable precautions been taken to prevent undermining or damage Yes No

to foundations or temporary supports?
Specify:
Overhead Services (OHS)
Have suitable precautions been taken to prevent contact if OHS are in the Yes No
vicinity of, or near the approach to, the operation?
Specify:
Underground Services
Has a buried services search been carried out (NR/L2/AMG/1020)? Yes No
Has Local Knowledge within the Maintenance Team (Area S&T, E&P and Yes No
Telecomms Engineers ) been utilised?
Has locating equipment been used to identify services? Yes No
Have identified services been exposed and clearly marked? Yes No
Has instruction to plant/operatives been given with regard to the safe Yes No
system of work?
Specify:
Name (Print) Signature: Date:
[Form page 1 of 2]
Page 44 of 50
Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Appendix F: FORM (continued) - Permit to Dig
Part B To be completed by Authorising Manager

The above excavation is Approved/Not Approved to be carried out by:
Subject to the following conditions:
VALIDITY PERIOD OF PERMIT:
From: Date: Time: To: Date: Time:
Name (Print) Signature: Date:
Part C Person in Charge of Excavation: Permit accepted and understood

(NOTE: If in doubt stop work and consult your supervisor/manager)
Name (Print): Company
Signature: Date: Time:
1st Relief:Name (Print): Company
Signature: Date: Time:
Note: A “Permit to Dig” is not classed as valid without the appended service
details and site sketch.
[Form page 2 of 2]
NOTE 1 The “Permit to Dig” was previously specified by Infrastructure Maintenance. Refer to clause 8 in this
standard.
NOTE 2 It is permissible to use an equivalent form to record this information provided that the equivalent form
captures all the information defined on this form.
Page 45 of 50
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Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Appendix G: FORM – Emergency Ground Disturbance
Reason for
Emergency
Work:
Site of Work:
Site Survey: Sketch Plan:
Visual Findings:
Cable Avoidance Tool Findings:
Hazards / Risks:
[Form page 1 of 2]
Page 46 of 50
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Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Appendix G: FORM (continued) – Emergency Ground disturbance
Controls (Safe
System of
Work):
Cable & Pipe Location Equipment: Transmitter Serial No.
Receiver Serial No.

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How were services marked?
A survey of the site of work has been carried out, a safe system of work has been prepared and is
shown above.
Person in charge of work on site:

(Print Name):___________________________(Signature):_______________________Date:___________
I understand the safe system of work to be used in doing the work and agree to carry out the work in
accordance with the controls required.
Work Team Members:
Print Name: Signature:
[Form page 2 of 2[
NOTE 1 The “Emergency Ground Disturbance” form was previously specified by Infrastructure Maintenance. Refer
to clause 11 in this standard.
Page 47 of 50
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
Provided by IHS under license with Network Rail
Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Appendix H: FORM – Preparatory Services Survey
Name Date
Certificate No. Cable Avoidance Tool / GPR Serial No.
Next service due date
Are buried services records available? Yes No
ELR Mileage From M Yards To M Yards
Reason for Job
Protection used
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Services / Cables found Action taken to minimise risk

Not for Resale, 02/28/2014 04:20:18 MST
Licensee=Colas Rail Limited/1121223091, User=Pike, Nicholas
Scanned Area A
Cess rail to 3 metres Yes No
Scanned Area B
3 metres to 5 metres Yes No
Scanned Area C
5 metres to fence line Yes No
Have cables been identified and marked?
Comments
NOTE 1 The “Preparatory Services Survey” was previously specified by Infrastructure Maintenance. Refer to clause 7 in this standard.
NOTE 2 It is permissible to use an equivalent form to record this information provided that the equivalent form captures all the information defined on this form.
Page 48 of 50
Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Appendix I: FORM – Excavation Check Sheet

NB : THIS PROCEDURE DOES NOT APPLY TO TAMPING OPERATIONS
Site Name : Contract Ref :

Site Location :
ELR Mileage from : to : UP or Down Line
Specific Work to be undertaken :
Exact Location relative to the track :
Date excavation to commence : Time :
SERVICES RECORDS tick

All service records have been received from Network Rail and checked against cables on site.
Local NR Section Manager (S&T) consulted and asked for all locally held cable knowledge and information
List of information provided by local NR Section Manager appended to this form.
Telecommunications Maintainer (Third Party cables) consulted and all cables identified
All anomalies have been recorded on the site drawing and a copy issued to NR
All anomalies have been brought to the attention of the Network Rail representative and satisfactorily
resolved or mitigated.
CABLE LOG
A thorough Electronic Detector Scan has been carried out over the complete works area.
Note: CAT scanning must continue to be used as work progresses. Active scanning should be applied
wherever possible.
Recorded type and serial number of cable detection equipment used
Recorded when scan was carried out, name of operative and limits of check area
A daily cable inspection register has been opened for the work and inspected by the NR Representative.
All cable protection measures (in accordance with the accepted method statement) are in place.
TRIAL HOLES
All buried services have been located by hand digging trial holes and sufficiently exposed
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to ensure no possibility of conflict with the proposed method of excavation.
Slit trenches have been hand excavated where reasonable practicable to identify any additional
cables not recorded on drawings.
All cables within the trial holes have been identified on the cable log and checked against
the services records.
The position of all buried cables is clearly defined on the surface.

BRIEFING
All necessary competencies have been checked
All personnel involved in the excavation works have been fully briefed on the method of
working and locations of all services adjacent the works and have signed the briefing sheet to
confirm acceptance and understanding.
Check Sheet completed by : (Responsible Person)

Name : Employer : Position :
Signature : Date : Time :
Check Sheet accepted by : (Senior Manager)

Name : Position :
Signature : Date : Time :
NOTE 1 The ‘Excavation Check Sheet’ was previously specified by Infrastructure Investment as part of the
Permit to Spike process, refer to section 9.9 in this standard.

Provided by IHS under license with Network Rail Licensee=Colas Rail Limited/1121223091, User=Pike, Nicholas Page 49 of 50
Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030
Issue: 1
Appendix J: FORM – Permit to Spike

Part A
Site Name: ……………………………………………………….. Contract Ref: ……………….........

Site Location: ………………………………………………….……………………………………………
ELR: …………………. Mileage from: ……………….. to: …………………….
The use of metal pins and spikes is required in order to: (state required use and why alternatives are
not possible)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I confirm that: (Tick)
− the use of metal pins and spikes is unavoidable

− the National Hazard Directory has been checked
− an approved CAT scan has been undertaken
− a visual site survey has been done to identify potential services
− service providers have been contacted for details of potential buried services
Senior Manager
Name: …………………………………………… Employer: …………………………………………
Signed: …………………………………............ Date: …………………………..
Part B
Network Rail Permission:
I give permission for metal pins and spikes to be driven at the location shown above, subject
to an Excavation Check Sheet being completed before work commences. This is based on the
fact that: (give reason why this application is granted)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Network Rail Programme / Project Manager
Name: …………………………………………… Project: …………………………………………….
Signed: …………………………………............ Date: …………………………..
A copy of this completed form is to be held on site, contained with the safe system of work.
NOTE 1 The “Permit to Spike” form was previously specified by Infrastructure Investment. Refer to 9.9 of this
standard.
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Provided by IHS under license with Network Rail Licensee=Colas Rail Limited/1121223091, User=Pike, Nicholas Page 50 of 50
Standards Briefing Note
Ref: NR/L2/AMG/1030 Issue: 1 Publication Date: 1/12/2008 Compliance Date: 1/03/2009
Title: Working safely in the vicinity of buried services
Standard Owner: Head of Asset Management
Non-Compliance rep (NRNC): Senior Risk and Standards Engineer
Purpose: Buried services are widespread on Network Rail owned The following teams require
infrastructure. These assets can pose a risk of danger to personnel and also awareness briefing:
suffer damage if disturbed inadvertently. The standard identifies the process
for a consistent method of planning a safe system of work and how to work Executive Management Group
safely with these assets when on site. Commercial Property
Strategic Sourcing
Strategic Change
CTRL
Scope: This standard applies to all works and activities to be carried out on or Engineering
around those buried services located on Network Rail owned infrastructure Asset Management
where the ground provides containment or forms a significant part of the
Civil Engineering
support given to that particular buried service.
E&P Engineering
Enhancements Engineering
In addition, this standard and its requirements shall apply to all projects,
Ergonomics
including those that have formally completed GRIP stage 4 (single option
development). Future Railway Programme
Ops Principles & Standards
Rail Vehicle Engineering
Railway Systems
What’s New/Changed:
Telecoms Engineering
This standard is part of a new suite of documents that support policy set out in
NR/L1/AMG/1010, Policy on working safely in the vicinity of buried services. Track Engineering
Signal Engineering
It consolidates and clarifies existing work requirements used by the business.
Finance
Funding
Govt & Corp Affairs
Human Resources
Affected documents: Information Management
Reference Impact Infrastructure Investment
Crossrail
NR/SP/BUS/011 To be withdrawn
Track
NR/L3/INI/CP0024 To be withdrawn Programme Management
NR/L3/INI/CP0026 To be withdrawn Contracts & Procurement
NR/L3/MTC/SE0113 To be withdrawn HSEA
NR/L3/MTC/0001/GA019 To be amended Sig. Power & Comms
Implementation requirements: WCRM
The following posts have specific responsibilities within this standard and shall Construction
receive technical briefing as part of the Implementation Programme: FTN/GSM-R
Thameslink
Engineering
Enhancements
• Asset Management
Management Team plus specific briefings to Buried Services NST; Health and
Infrastructure Maintenance
Safety Specialist (Engineering); Product Acceptance Specialist.
Central Team
• Civil Engineering Route Teams
Management Team; Assurance Engineers meeting; and then cascaded Delivery Units
throughout the CE organisation. Specific briefings required by: a). Highways
National Programme Team
Interface Team; b). Territory Civil Engineering team.
Operational Property
• Control & Comms Overhead Condition
Management Team and then cascaded as directed by the MT. Renewals
• Mechanical & Electrical
Management Team and then cascaded as directed by the MT. Legal Services
National Delivery Service
Maintenance Network Development
Route Infrastructure Maintenance Directors; Workforce Safety & Environment Operations & Customer Services
Advisors (Route); Infrastructure Maintenance Delivery Managers; Area Planning & Regulation
Workforce Safety & Environment Advisors; Infrastructure Maintenance Safety and Compliance
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Delivery Managers; Maintenance workforce at Delivery Units, including Westwood

Section
Copyright Network Rail Managers.
Standards Briefing Note
Infrastructure Investment
• PSLG; HSEA; Strategic Sourcing (formerly C&P)
• Major Projects Top Teams and Project Staff

Thameslink; WCRM; FTN/GSM-R; Crossrail
• National Programmes Top Teams and Project Staff

Track; Construction; Enhancements; Signalling Power & Comms (SPC)
NDS
Top Team; Project Team
Other Groups
Infrastructure Safety Liaison Group (ISLG); Rail Industry Assurance Group
(RIAG); 1st tier Contractors - Contract of Assurance Case (CAC) holders;
Suppliers (including sub-contractors).
Information Management
Network Records Group (NRG).
Safety & Compliance

Management Team.
Westwood
Facilities & Contracts Team.
Strategic Sourcing
Supplier Development Qualification & Assurance Section; Maintenance
Commercial Section.
Commercial Property
• Directors direct reports.
• Safety Advisor (Corporate Real Estates).
• Technical / project staff:

Corporate Real Estate; Station Development London; Sales &
Development (East & Scotland); Sales & Development (South & West);
Property; Retail.
Operations & Customer Services

• Operations Services
Head of Security & Emergency Planning; Risk Planning Manager; Station
Safety Advisor.
General
Plus other people as identified following advice from the above list of target
groups.
Note: The Implementation Programme is available on CCMS.

http://ccms.hiav.networkrail.co.uk/webtop/drl/objectId/0b014d1880c50494
For further information contact:

Name: Paul Jackson
Contact number: 085 53324
Email: paul.jackson3@networkrail.co.uk --``,,,``,`,````,```,```,,```,`,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---


NR-L1-AMG-1030 - Working Safely in The Vicinity of Buried Services

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8.1 Controlling ground disturbance 15

9.17 Extent of work 23

Appendix H: FORM – Preparatory Services Survey 48

3 Roles and responsibilities

The duties of the Authorising Person are independent of

Buried Service The organisation within Network Rail that responds to

buried service service, either:

emergency work ground disturbance work, or reactive works to prevent an

ground disturbance penetration or disturbance of the ground by manual or

National Hazard list of health, safety and environmental conditions that

any buried services and their ability to function was not

over bridge bridge that spans over a railway line

safe system of work Detailed description of work to include control measures

service live, dormant or disused cable or pipeline owned by

service marker information directly attached to or marked on the outer

Service Owner organisation or statutory undertaking that is responsible

NOTE It has previously also been referred to as a “marker plate”,

6 Preparation and planning

An iterative approach shall therefore be followed to identify buried services present

6.1.1 Search existing records

6.1.2 Buried service(s) summary sheet

6.2 Safe system of work

NOTE A radar mapping survey can be particularly useful at overbridges.

Copyright Network Rail

7.2 Visual inspection

7.3 Cable avoidance tool

7.4 Radar mapping tool (GPR)

7.5 Temporary marking of service routes

8.2 “Permit to Dig” form – Parts A and B

8.2.2 Part A approval

8.2.3 Part B approval

8.2.4 File copy

8.3 Use of the form

9 Ground disturbance work

As a minimum, the briefing shall include the:

9.2 “Permit to Dig” form - Part C

permission of the Authorising Person, shall be included in the site organisation

9.3 Safe digging practice

9.4 Digging trial holes

Copyright Network Rail

9.5 Half a metre rule

9.6 Marker/warning tape

9.7 Protection tiles

9.8 Exposed services

9.9 Use of metal pins and spikes

• their use shall be controlled by the process specified in Appendix D: Use of

9.10 Heat transfer

9.11 Over bridges

9.12 Ballast Box

avoidance of damage to and danger from.

9.12.2 Rules for a buried services search

9.12.3 Visual site inspection

9.12.3.2 CAT scan

9.12.4 Other considerations

9.13 Cross track cable management