PAS 256 - Draft For Public Consultation - 020816

WARNING.
THIS IS A DRAFT AND MUST NOT BE REGARDED OR USED AS A BRITISH

STANDARD. THIS DRAFT IS NOT CURRENT BEYOND 31 August 2016.
Draft PAS 256
PAS 256, Buried assets – Collection,

recording and sharing of location
information data – Code of Practice
Draft for public consultation
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please note that this is a draft and not a typeset document and the references are yet to be finalized.
Persons commenting on this draft are advised not to comment on matters of typography, layout or
references.
THIS IS A WORKING DRAFT AND MUST NOT BE REGARDED OR USED AS A PAS
No copying is allowed, in any form, without written permission from BSI except as
permitted under the Copyright, Design and Patent Act 1988 or for circulation within a
participating organization and/or its membership network for briefing purposes.
Electronic circulation is limited to dissemination by email within such an organization and
its members
Any formatting in this draft is to aid readability and does not reflect the final format of this PAS
1 © The British Standards Institution 2016

WARNING. THIS IS A DRAFT AND MUST NOT BE REGARDED OR USED AS A BRITISH
Publishing and copyright information

The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document was last issued.
© The British Standards Institution 2016. Published by BSI Standards Limited 2016.
ISBN 978 0 580 93179 6
ICS XXXX
No copying without BSI permission except as permitted by copyright law.
Publication history
First published XXXX
Amendments issued since publication

Date Text affected

Contents
Foreword 4
0 Introduction 5
1 Scope 8
2 Normative references 9
3 Terms,definitions and abbreviations 10
4 Data 12
5 Observance of industry recognized file formats 15
6 Information to be captured on-site to be made available for sharing later 16
7 Locational accuracy 16
8 Absolute asset location and capture using descriptions from fixed points (relative) 17
9 Inclusion of decommissioned or abandoned assets when sharing data 18
10 Target number of days to make data available for sharing from installation 18
11 Capture of data emanating from works carried out under an s50 licence 19
12 Inclusion of local authority buried assets to be made available for sharing 19
13 Other organizations 19
14 Movement from paper or microfiche records to a digital format 19
15 Unidentified Buried Objects (UBOs) and how to deal with the findings 20
16 Guidance and recommendations on symbology and colour coding 21
Annex A Absolute data capture and relative data capture 23
(informative) 23
List of figures
Figure A.1 – Absolute data capture 24
Figure A.2 – Relative data capture 25
List of tables
Table 1 – Minimum data recommended to enable sharing via data exchange 13
Table 2 – Optional data for data exchange of records 14

Foreword
Publishing information
This PAS was sponsored by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Its development was
facilitated by BSI Standards Limited and it was published under licence from The British
Standards Institution. It came into effect on [DD MMM YYY].
Acknowledgement is given to the Technical Author, Les Guest, and to the following
organizations that were involved in the development of this PAS as members of the steering
group:
 A Luck Associates
 Atkins
 Civil Engineering Contractors Association
 Enfield Council
 Heathrow Airport Ltd
 ICE
 Les Guest Associates
 LinesearchbeforeUdig Ltd
 National Joint Utilities Group
 Ordnance Survey
 Pitney Bowes Software
 Premier Energy Services Ltd
 Subscan Technology Ltd
 Thames Water
 TPS Consult
 Transport for London
 University of Birmingham
Acknowledgement is also given to the members of a wider review panel who were consulted
in the development of this PAS.
The British Standards Institution retains ownership and copyright of this PAS. BSI Standards
Limited as the publisher of the PAS reserves the right to withdraw or amend this PAS on
receipt of authoritative advice that it is appropriate to do so. This PAS will be reviewed at
intervals not exceeding two years, and any amendments arising from the review will be
published as an amended PAS and publicized in Update Standards.
The PAS process enables a code of practice to be rapidly developed in order to fulfil an
immediate need in industry. A PAS can be considered for further development as a British
Standard, or constitute part of the UK input into the development of a European or
International Standard.
This PAS is not to be regarded as a British Standard. It will be withdrawn upon publication of
its content in, or as, a British Standard.
Hazard warning

WARNING. This PAS calls for the use of procedures that can be injurious to health if
adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and does not
absolve the user from legal obligations relating to health and safety at any stage.
Use of this document
It has been assumed in the preparation of this PAS that the execution of its provisions will be
entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people, for whose use it has been
produced.
Presentational conventions
The provisions of this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Its methods are
expressed as a set of instructions, a description, or in sentences in which the principal
auxiliary verb is “should”.
Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in smaller italic type,
and does not constitute a normative element.
Where words have alternative spellings, the preferred spelling of the Shorter Oxford English
Dictionary is used (e.g. “organization” rather than “organisation”).
Contractual and legal considerations
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users
are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a PAS cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.
Particular attention is drawn to the following specific regulations:
Highways Act 1980 [1]
New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 [2]
Traffic Management Act 2004 [3]
0 Introduction
0.1 Background
There is a vast network of buried infrastructure owned by utility companies, local authorities
and other relevant organizations. Key utility infrastructure was developed during the
Victorian era and much has since been replaced, and will continue to be replaced over the
coming years. The recent advent of high-speed communications has also meant a significant
increase in the installation of underground cables.
For many years, there was a single water board, a single gas board, a single electricity
board and a single communications company. The purpose of holding records of their
infrastructure was mainly to indicate a presence of their assets in the street so that they
could extend their network of customers.
Due to the limited density of the pipes and cables in the highway and the local knowledge of
their existence by each organizations’ workforce, there was little need for accurate utility
records. Furthermore, as assets have historically been referenced using measurements
relative to fixed points, many of which have changed over time, the location of many of these
assets is now unknown.
With the onset of competition in utilities, there are now over 300 organizations able to lay
utility assets in the streets of the UK and each is competing for limited space in the highway.
Accurate mapping and recording of what is now regarded as part of the critical national
infrastructure, is vital to maintain service, minimize costs and comply with health and safety
legislation. In 2005, the UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) report, The Real Costs of

Street Works to the Utility Industry and Society [4], estimated that the combined network of
water, sewer, gas and electricity services in the UK extends to over 1.5 million km and the
data line network is estimated at over 4 million km. The report also concluded that third party
damage to utility assets costs was in the order of £150 million per annum. There have not
been any further reports published on this topic, but industry believes that current costs
would significantly exceed this figure.
It is estimated that there are in excess of 3 million works undertaken in the highway each
year to repair, maintain and upgrade the network of buried assets in the UK. 1.9 million
works were estimated to have been carried out by utility companies in England and Wales in
2013 [5]. In addition, a similar number of works and openings are estimated to have been
carried out by highway authorities and others each year.
In 2004, Halcrow produced a report [6] for the Department of Transport which estimated the
total financial impact of street works (works carried out by utilities) to be in the region of £4.3
billion per annum 1). Any small improvement in the street works process could result in
significant savings for the public, and those carrying out works.
Later studies, including The causes, impacts and costs of strikes on buried utility assets
report [7] argue that this figure is understated and does not include indirect costs or the cost
to society. A recent study on behalf of Transport for London [8] indicates that in London, the
reported costs to repair utility strike could be increased by a factor of 29 if indirect costs are
included. A sample study of the causes of third party damage carried out by the Utility
Strikes Avoidance Group in 2016, found that where teams had studied utility plans/drawings
before excavating, 48% of the utility assets were shown on plans. Of these, 84% were found
to be inaccurately recorded. While utility companies do add a disclaimer to the accuracy of
their records, those using the information generally consider that these reports will be
accurate. There have been many calls for improvement by those who need to use these
records to dig safely. The AMTEC Report for the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2003 [9]
concluded that it is necessary to incorporate into legislation a definition of a minimum
acceptable quality and format to bring all records, irrespective of the asset owner, up to a
standard so that they can be exchanged electronically. The quality of utility records has
gradually improved since the 2003 report, although the deferral of the planned revision of the
Code of Practice for Recording of Underground Apparatus in Streets by the Department for
Transport has delayed potential additional reform in this area.
The additional, hidden social costs associated with any works undertaken in the street
include:
 safety (e.g. traffic accidents and injuries to site operatives);
 costs to highway users;
 costs to business;
 costs to the local community;
 environmental costs, energy and carbon efficiency;
 increased plant costs (including reduced utilisation and efficiency);
 additional administration;
 customer compensation;
1
The Halcrow report used information from a sample of 25 highway authorities, covering county councils, unitary
authorities, metropolitan boroughs and inner and outer London boroughs. It extrapolated findings to 150
authorities in England and used 2002 monetary values provided by government.

 increased material consumption;

 reputational damage.
The ARC Advisory Group Report [10] reported that leading asset company organizations
agree that greater benefits will arise where asset information is complete, accurate, timely,
consistent, secure, accessible and easily shared with those who need it.
Implementing any new framework that defines a better, more consistent methodology will
incur some additional investment by each organization. However, whilst it is expected that
there will be an initial alignment cost, further on-going costs are expected to be minimal and
are likely to be recouped through later efficiency savings and the benefits of working with
more accurate information.
Current methods of sharing asset records include hard copies, PDF, CDs and online
searches. However, there are often long delays in sharing records and an increasing
demand to be able to request and receive these immediately. One method of doing this is to
move towards an electronic data exchange. Data moves quickly and easily and can be
converted to the recipient’s mapping system in a read only form. Further work is required to
specify how this will be done, but this PAS starts to set out some of the minimum
recommended data for exchange so that specifications and systems can build on these
recommendations.
This PAS aims to make organizations aware of good practice around the collection and
storing of data related to buried assets. It also sets out the recommendations to implement
new, or improve existing processes and systems in a more managed way. Active
involvement of key industry players and their agreement through consensus is likely to
provide the lowest overall cost to all. Organizations wishing to abstain from the consensus
may miss out on the benefits of early involvement, and the cost to align in the future could
significantly increase.
A key benefit of improved asset records is improved safety whilst working in the vicinity of
utility assets. However, this does not remove the responsibility of any operative to work
safely and to HSG47, Avoiding danger from underground services [NR1].
0.2 Aims of this PAS
This PAS builds on existing legislation of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 [2] and
Traffic Management Act 2004 [3], and the requirements set out in PAS 128. It aims to
provide the framework for those owning buried assets to:
• drive towards improved accuracy when collecting and recording information;
• share more accurate records collaboratively, with those working in the vicinity of their
buried assets;
• improve the linkage between assets that are part of the critical national infrastructure
with initiatives such as Smart Cities, BIM, etc.
This PAS aims to enable:
• increased knowledge of the underground network for those excavating, thereby reducing
the risk of injury or damage;
• an improvement on the reliability of street works asset related data;
• a reduction in inefficient street works and associated delays to the public;
• a reduction in the environmental impact and environmental costs of works;
• an improvement in planning, together with more certainty of digging, in order to reduce
excavation costs and reinstatement costs, and encourage more use of trenchless or
minimum dig technology;

• improved ease of access towards a complete set of records by moving towards

electronic data exchange, taking into consideration commercial and security concerns;
• provision of a standard format for asset data to recognized industry standards to allow
smoother interchange into future and emerging technologies and innovations, for
example, Smart Cities and resilience.
• a reduction in the cost, effort and time it will take for utilities and highway authorities
when sharing asset records;
• support towards the creation of a coordinated dataset using real world location;
• a reduction in the time to update records and therefore enable more current data to be
shared in a timely manner;
• improved knowledge of all asset owners of the spatial relationship of their asset with
respect to those of other asset owners, to improve future planning and improve
coordination further;
• improved information when records are shared, including the protection afforded to
buried assets, where known;
• the recording of all protection types applicable to all plant, including concrete
encasement, ducting, warning tape, etc. (where applicable);
• an improvement in forward planning which can optimize capital works programmes for
utilities, local authorities together with major programmes of works and developments;
• further development of proactive working relationships between utilities and major
programmes of works;
• an improved level of understanding of the impact of activities on buried assets and the
associated planning and design around them;
• the development of a feedback mechanism from those undertaking works, around the
positional accuracy of their asset in relation to their asset plans;
• increased use of technology to capture data more accurately.
1 Scope
This PAS gives recommendations for improving the collection and storing of data related to
buried assets (and associated above ground assets) together with the sharing, in a security-
minded manner, of asset information relating to utility, local authority and other provider’s
infrastructure. This PAS only applies to:
 newly-installed assets;
 replaced assets;
 those that have been surveyed in line with the PAS 128 methodology (survey type
A); or
 those recently exposed whilst other work is being undertaken.
This PAS applies to buried assets located in public highways, across land and large private
installations such as hospitals and airports and includes other utility-related structures such
as utility supports.
NOTE Private site owners are also encouraged to follow the recommendations set out in this PAS.
This PAS covers:

• governance of the data dictionary and data model;

• interoperability through technical compliance with INSPIRE and compatibility with

Geography Markup Language (GML);
• guidance on capturing and sharing measurable deviations from straight line installations;
• inclusion of geospatial data, using relative accuracy as a minimum and moving towards
absolute accuracy, (including depth) together with supporting evidence such as
photographs or tagging;
• inclusion of decommissioned or abandoned assets when sharing data;
• a target number of days to make data available for sharing from installation;
• the capture of data emanating from works carried out under a s50 licence;
• the inclusion of local authority and other organizations’ buried assets;
• movement from paper or microfiche records to a digital format; and
• guidance and recommendations on symbology and colour coding.
This PAS does not cover how data are stored, where it is stored and how integrity of storage
is assured.
Whilst this PAS sets out recommendations for infrastructure providers, this PAS does not set
out recommendations for asset owners’ policies, processes, procedures and systems for
maintaining and providing data to ensure legal compliance. This PAS is cognisant of the
need to maintain commerciality and security.
NOTE 1 Further information on adopting a security-minded approach to open data is given in PAS 1192-5 and
the guidance notes on the CPNI website.
When referring to buried assets, this PAS does not refer to utility service pipes and cables
supplying individual premises, only the main networks.
NOTE 2 Where this information is held, it is useful to share this information with operators. It would be good
practice for organizations who do not currently capture service connections to begin doing so. Where an
organization has knowledge of other buried structures (cellars, bridge decks, fleets, tunnels, London Wall etc.) it
is important that these are also highlighted.
This PAS is for use by organizations owning buried assets and organizations who require
the asset records for planning and designing purposes or carrying out work in the vicinity of
those buried assets.
This PAS applies to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document
and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
Standards publications
PAS 128, Specification for underground utility detection, verification and location
Other publications
[NR1] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. Avoiding danger from underground services.
HSG47. Sudbury: HSE Books, 2014.
[NR2] NJUG. NJUG Guidelines on the Positioning and Colour Coding of Underground
Utilities' Apparatus. Volume 1, Issue 8. London: NJUG, October 2013. Available from:
http://www.njug.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/V1-Positioning-Colour-Coding-Issue-8.pdf
[viewed August 2016]

3 Terms,definitions and abbreviations

3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this PAS, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1.1 abandoned asset
pipe, cable or asset that has been decommissioned by an organization and will not be re-
used or re-energized in the future
NOTE The structure of these assets (either intact or otherwise) may remain in the ground.
3.1.2 absolute accuracy

degree to which the position of an object on a map conforms to its true or accepted location
on the earth, according to an accepted coordinate system
NOTE Examples of accepted coordinate systems include geographical coordinate systems such as ETRS-89,
and Cartesian coordinate systems such as British National Grid
3.1.3 absolute coordinates

easting, northing and height that define the absolute geospatial location in a specified
reference (coordinate) system
3.1.4 buried asset
pipe, cable or any other asset located beneath ground level
NOTE In other publications, this may also be referred to as buried apparatus, underground apparatus, buried or
underground infrastructure, buried or underground services or buried or underground utilities.
3.1.5 decommissioned asset

pipe, cable or asset which is no longer in use, but may be re-used or re-energized in the
future
3.1.6 highway authority
statutory organization empowered by government in accordance with the Highways Act 1980
and amended by various other acts (including the GLA Act) to carry out the function of
owning and operating the highway network in England and Wales
NOTE In Scotland, the highway authority may be referred to as a road authority.
3.1.7 local authority

administrative body in local government
NOTE A highway authority is part of a local authority. For the purposes of this PAS, reference to local
authorities and highway authorities also includes other statutory bodies and transport authorities such as TfL.
3.1.8 relative accuracy

measure of positional consistency between data points
NOTE 1 Relative accuracy compares the scaled distance of objects on a map with the same measured
distance on the ground.
NOTE 2 Relative accuracy descriptions on plans may also be helpful to locate buried assets in the absence of
technology to locate by GNSS / GPS.
3.1.9 requestor
utility, authority, contractor or any other body requesting details of asset records in order to
plan, design or excavate safely

3.1.10 s50 licence

licence granted under section 50 licence of the NRSWA allowing those, other than a
highway authority or statutory undertaker, to repair and/or place apparatus/services across
the road
NOTE In some instances, a s50 licence also permits the repair and/or placement of apparatus/services along
the highway.
3.1.11 s74 close notice

notice submitted by a statutory undertaker to the highway authority on completion of all
works in a street to indicate that works have stopped
NOTE This is notice is a requirement under the NRSWA and therefore an indication of when works in the
highway have been completed.
3.1.12 service
pipe or cable feeding properties
NOTE 1 Service pipes or cables generally run at about 90 degrees from the main network.
NOTE 2 In most circumstances, services may have much narrower dimensions and enter private land rather
than continuing along the highway.
3.1.13 security minded

the understanding and routine application of appropriate and proportionate security
measures in any business situation so as to deter and/or disrupt hostile, malicious,
fraudulent and criminal behaviours or activities
[SOURCE: PAS 1192-5:2015, 3.1.26]
NOTE Further information on adopting a security-minded approach to open data can be found on the CPNI
website.
3.1.14 spatial data

information about the location and shape of geographic features and the spatial relationships
between them
NOTE Spatial data is usually stored as coordinates or topology, along with the attribution of the assets.
3.1.15 statutory undertaker

company or agency with a legal right to carry out certain development and highways works
NOTE Generally speaking these are utilities and telecoms companies or nationalized companies such as
Network Rail.
3.1.16 street works

works of any of the following kinds (other than works for road purposes) executed in a street
in pursuance of a statutory right or a street works licence:
 placing apparatus; or
 inspecting, maintaining, adjusting, repairing, altering or renewing apparatus,
changing the position of apparatus or removing it;
or works required for or incidental to any such works (including, in particular, breaking up or
opening the street, or any sewer, drain or tunnel under it, or tunnelling or boring under the
street)
[SOURCE: New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, section 48]
3.1.17 unidentified buried object
buried asset at a given location, which is not marked on any plans supplied by undertakers,
local highway authorities or any other asset owner

3.1.18 unique street reference number (USRN)

an identifier for the street as defined in BS 7666
[SOURCE: BS 7666-1:2006, 6.2 a)]
3.1.19 works for road purposes
works of any of the following descriptions executed in relation to a highway:
a) works for the maintenance of the highway,
b) any works under powers conferred by Part V of the Highways Act 1980
(improvement),
c) the erection, maintenance, alteration or removal of traffic signs on or near the
highway, or
d) the construction of a crossing for vehicles across a footway or grass verge or the
strengthening or adaptation of a footway for use as a crossing for vehicles,
or works of any corresponding description executed in relation to a street which is not a
highway.
[SOURCE: New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, section 86]
3.1.20 wrongly marked object
object marked in the plans supplied by the statutory undertakers that do not match the
description in the information provided
NOTE Wrongly marked objects could be, for example, pipes or cables for which the depth, location or materials
differ from the information provided in the supplied plans.
3.2 Abbreviations
AOD above ordnance datum

ESU elementary street unit
GIS geographical information system
GML geography markup language
GNSS global navigation satellite system
GPR ground penetrating radar
GPS global positioning system
RTK real time kinematic
UBO unidentified buried object
USRN unique street reference number
XML extensible markup language
4 Data
COMMENTARY ON 4
Advances in spatial technology have grown exponentially in recent times with many industries now describing
areas in which spatial technology has delivered significant efficiency gains and driven business to new levels. It is
important that spatial data is stored effectively and to understand the consequences if spatial data is stored
incorrectly.
The most basic component of any geographic information system (GIS) is the spatial data that specifies the
location of the features in the real world. This spatial data cannot exist without the coordinate systems which are

used to specify the location information. In order to maximize the value of the data, measurements (of position)
need to be as accurate as possible, and certain metadata (such as date of collection, coordinate reference
system) needs to be retained with the measure. It is important that processing and storage does not degrade the
accuracy and that coordinate precision does not imply greater accuracy than was obtained.
4.1 Data dictionary

COMMENTARY ON 4.1
Database users and application developers from organizations that hold buried asset records or that receive
information from such organizations could benefit from an authoritative data dictionary document that catalogues
and defines the minimum information that could be shared swiftly through electronic exchange.
The data dictionary would typically include the names and descriptions of various tables (records or entities) and
their contents (fields) plus additional details, like the type and length of each data element. Another important
piece of information that a data dictionary can provide is the relationship between tables.
An asset owner captures detailed information about its assets for their own purposes, but some minimum data
are necessary for data exchange.
Currently, most records are exchanged by providing plans with assets drawn on these plans. As the demand for
the sharing of asset record information electronically increases, and the technology becomes more common, it is
expected that the provision will move towards data exchange rather than sharing of plan images. A complete
data dictionary and data model can only be designed once the protocol has been fully defined and accepted.
The tables below set out a minimum set of data that would be required for such an exchange.
4.1.1 For the purposes of electronic data exchange of record information between
organizations, the minimum data set out in Table 1 should be made available for sharing by
asset owners or their agents.
NOTE 1 Table 2 gives an indication of optional data to be provided, although this list is not exhaustive.
NOTE 2 Attention is drawn to the importance of adopting a security-minded approach to data sharing.
NOTE 3 Data can only be shared where it has been previously captured and held by an asset owner.
Organizations are encouraged to begin to capture the data listed in Tables 1 and 2 for newly laid or replaced
assets.
NOTE 4 To ensure consistency, a specification for the exchange of data related to asset records needs to be
established.
Table 1 – Minimum data recommended to enable sharing via data exchange

Field name Description
Networked asset
Function The reason the asset has been installed, for example, this
would be gas, water, electricity, communications, rail, etc. It is
the industry sector to whom the asset belongs
Asset owner The individual organization who owns the asset, for example,
Thames Water
Location or route of asset The location of the asset within the highway or across fields.
This may include additional descriptive text, for example,
carriageway/verge, footway, and/or located in sewer, tunnel,
duct, etc. This can be supported by coordinates or relative
positions.
Type of asset The type of asset, for example, pipe, cable, fibre, valve,
manhole, etc.
Top of asset (z) The Z coordinate. This should be the ordnance datum and is
A)
the priority over the “depth” field
Depth The recorded depth of the asset. Where the (z) coordinate is
not captured, the actual depth to the top of the asset should be
provided as a minimum
Position (x & y) The position of the asset at specific points, using National Grid
coordinates, unless specified otherwise by the client. (position
to OSGB36). It is preferred that this is the National Grid
coordinates

Table 1 – Minimum data recommended to enable sharing via data exchange

Field name Description
External diameter The external diameter of the asset, for example, the diameter of
a pipe or the size of manhole, etc. The field description should
indicate whether the measurement is metric or imperial
Material The primary source material of the asset, for example PE,
metal, asbestos, brick, etc. This gives first indication of the
buried asset once an excavation has commenced
Pressure or voltage Gas and electricity assets should include pressure or use, such
as medium pressure. (MP) This assists in making operatives to
take additional care even though working in the vicinity of all
assets carries out a significant safety risk
Status The status of the asset, for example, whether the asset is live,
decommissioned, abandoned, etc. All buried plant should be
treated as live until proven otherwise by the asset owner or safe
testing
Protection/Surround Any protection around the asset or any surrounding features,
for example, warning tape, encased in concrete, none, etc.
Protection is necessary to prevent unnecessary damage
Manhole
Thames Water
Location The location of the manhole, for example carriage, verge, path
field, etc.
Local ID The reference used by the asset owner to identify the asset.
Number of covers The number of covers the manhole has, for example, 3 lids
Internal dimension The internal dimension of the chamber
Tunnel/void/basement
Category The category of the asset, for example, rail tunnel, service
tunnel, fleet, bridge deck, basement, multi-utility tunnel, etc.
Thames Water
Depth The depth of the asset, for example, top of bridge deck, tunnel,
etc.
Internal dimensions The internal dimensions of object
A)
PAS 128 defines depth to the top of asset
Table 2 – Optional data for data exchange of records

Field name Field description
Networked asset
Unique asset identifier The unique asset identifier identifies the specific asset and data
associated with that asset within the asset owner’s systems. This
will assist, for example, where an individual needs to speak directly
to the asset owner and can quote the reference to ensure both
parties are speaking about the same asset
Invert level The depth to the bottom of the asset. Note that invert level refers to
the bottom of the asset, not the bottom of the surround (e.g.
concrete) which may protect it
PAS 128 survey information Whether a PAS 128 survey has been carried out, and to what level.
This may be restricted to only part of an asset and this would need
to be referenced. It may assist in design stage to identify if a

Table 2 – Optional data for data exchange of records

Field name Field description
previous survey had been completed on the asset
Date survey completed The date the PAS 128 survey was completed
Manhole
Cover type The type of manhole cover, for example, whether it is square,
round, split lid, etc.
Construction What the chamber made of, brick concrete, etc. Include a
description of the wall thickness and material
Clear opening The dimensions of smallest opening to get into chamber to allow
access, for example, 600 × 600, etc. Note that this is not the size of
the cover
Cover level The height of the cover level, above ordnance datum (AOD)
Bottom of man hole The depth to the bottom of the manhole (AOD)
Internal depth The depth of the chamber from the surface to the bottom (if AOD not
available) Where AOD is available, this should be used instead of
the measurement of internal depth
Condition The condition of the manhole, for example, good/poor
Access method How the manhole is accessed, for example, ladder, step irons
In service Whether the manhole is in service (yes/no)
Tunnel/void/basement
In service Yes/no
4.1.2 The records should make clear if the asset is in use, abandoned, decommissioned or
has been transferred to another user when sharing records by any method (data exchange,
hard copy, on-line or any other media).
4.2 Data exchange
Data should be held by the asset owner in an editable format on OSGB36 grid or NI grid, to
allow it to be shared with requestors in a format appropriate to their requirements.
NOTE 1 Whilst many hard copy records are still exchanged, there is an increasing desire to be able to
exchange data electronically.
NOTE 2 Attention is drawn to the importance of adopting a security-minded approach to data sharing. Further
details are given in PAS 1192-5 and in guidance notes available via the CPNI website.
5 Observance of industry recognized file formats

5.1 When electronically exchanging records data, asset owners should ensure that the data
complies with an industry-recognised editable digital format to avoid use of paper and non-
updateable files.
NOTE This may be, for example, the INSPIRE data specification for utility and governmental services. For
more information see http://inspire.ec.europa.eu and The INSPIRE Regulations 2009 [X].

5.2 When exchanging data electronically between organizations, assets owners should
provide the data using Geography Markup Language (GML).
NOTE GML is the XML (extensible markup language) grammar defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium to
express geographical features. GML serves as a modeling language for geographic systems as well as an open
interchange format for geographic transactions on the Internet.
5.3 Where electronic exchange is not available, hard copies, pdf documents or on-line
enquires should be used.
NOTE Safety is of the utmost importance and therefore it is important to provide the information in a form that a
recipient can understand.
6 Information to be captured on-site to be made available for sharing later

6.1 Recording
6.1.1 The asset owner or their contractor should capture and record their own asset data on-
site.
NOTE The asset owner or their contractor is not responsible for capturing and recording information pertaining
to another organization’s assets. The asset owner is also only responsible for recording their own organization’s
assets in their GIS system.
6.1.2 The asset owner and their contractor should have clearly-defined processes in place
for the capture and recording of asset data at a location.
6.1.3 Where a locational discrepancy between the asset and the records is found, the
individual discovering the discrepancy should follow the process set out in Clause 15.
NOTE If asset owners cannot attend site while the excavation is open to verify the discrepancy, it would be
good practice to photograph and record the discrepancy to the same standard as the asset owner’s own
apparatus. It would be helpful if photographs have a locational element.
6.1.4 When notifying an asset owner of a discrepancy in their records, the individual
discovering the discrepancy should include an indication of the reliability of the information
provided, as follows:
a) self-observed survey;
b) self-observed measured;
c) third-party surveyed and validated;
d) third-party measured and validated;
e) as-built/as-laid survey;
f) as-built schematic.
NOTE The order shown in this list provides the asset owner with an indication of confidence in the information
provided, with a) being the most certain and f) being the least certain.
7 Locational accuracy
7.1 Where possible, location data should be captured using technology that enables
absolute accuracy as described in Clause 8.
NOTE Absolute accuracy is the preferred method of data capture.
7.2 Where locational data is captured to absolute accuracy, relative measurements should
also be taken.
7.3 In the absence of technology to capture locational data to absolute accuracy, traditional
methods of recording by relative descriptions should be used.

7.4 When installing new assets, or replacing or working on existing assets, asset owners
should record the location of their asset at a minimum of two fixed points.
7.5 When installing new assets, or replacing or working on their existing assets, asset
owners should record the location of their asset as accurately as possible, but as a
minimum, to 100 mm accuracy at intervals of 5 metres or less (i.e. using absolute
methodology).
NOTE The NRSWA sets a measurement of accuracy of 300 mm; however, reducing this to 100 mm can help
others wishing to excavate in the area, and enable them to use minimum dig technology, where appropriate.
7.5.1 Where an asset is newly laid, replaced or exposed, the asset owner, where possible,
should record the actual depth using AOD in conjunction with OSGB36. Where only relative
measurement is available, the actual depth should be recorded in mm.
NOTE Depth is from the top of the asset to the surface.
7.5.2 For historical records, where depth has not been recorded, any notes about the depth
of the asset should be shared.
NOTE For example, whether the asset is “deep” or “shallow” or at a standard depth for that asset.
7.5.3 When recording buried objects, the asset owner should record the relationship to the
section of highway, railway or other client location code on which it occurs.
NOTE 1 For example, the relevant road section utilizing the unique street reference number (USRN) if known,
the pavement sub-section on the left or the right of the road, or the identifier of the land parcel for off-highway
works. As a minimum the grid coordinates of the start and end of the works would normally be captured.
NOTE 2 The AMTEC report, Final report to Department for Transport, Street and Highway Works Research
Study [X], recommends that this association is made at a topological link or elementary street units (ESU) level
where the asset is located in the highway.
7.6 Measureable deviations from a fixed line

7.6.1 Where the direction of the asset deviates from a straight line to an extent of greater
than 300 mm, this should be recorded by the asset owner.
7.6.2 Where there is a change in the depth of the asset of greater than 300 mm, this should
be recorded by the asset owner.
7.7 HSG47
When carrying out work on or near buried assets, asset owners and operators should
comply with HSG47, Avoiding danger from underground services [X].
NOTE 1 Particular attention is drawn to HSG47, sections 39-42 [X].
NOTE 2 Good planning, and using as much information as possible that has been provided by asset owners
(including records) can reduce the risk of injury or damage by operatives. An indication of the location of assets
shown on plans does not remove the responsibility of the operator to dig safely. Attention is drawn to HSG47,
section 27 [X].
8 Absolute asset location and capture using descriptions from fixed points (relative)
NOTE 1 Where professional expertise is available, data capture using absolute accuracy and absolute
coordinates is the preferred method.
NOTE 2 Further details of absolute and relative technologies are given in Annex A.
8.1 When records of buried assets at a location are captured, the recorder should indicate
whether the data was captured using absolute methodology or descriptions relative to fixed
points. Where accurate relative measurements are not appropriate to indicate the location to
a third party, (e.g. in rural locations) absolute coordinates should be used.

8.2 Where the data is captured using an absolute methodology, this should be recorded in
the metadata held in the asset owner’s asset database.
8.3 Where the record does not indicate capture using absolute technology, it should be
assumed the method of capture was by using relative measurements to fixed points.
8.4 When using absolute (Global Navigation Satellite System [GNSS] or Global Positioning
System [GPS] surveying) techniques, additional measurements should also be taken at
salient fixed points (using relative description) shown on base mapping so that the asset can
be located in the future by both absolute or relative techniques.
NOTE 1 Absolute position is considered to be a priority when compared to relative descriptions.
NOTE 2 Devices for capturing coordinates may provide different levels of guaranteed accuracy due to the
constraints of the receiver or sight of appropriate satellites. For example, many smart devices or satellite
navigation systems may only guarantee accuracy to 5 m–10 m, whilst professional equipment may offer low
millimetre accuracy (for further details, see A.7)
8.5 Any associated photographs or asset tagging references should be recorded against the
asset and be made available for sharing. Where included, photographs should provide
information relating to the date, position and direction taken.
8.6 When capturing locational information using absolute methodology, the locational
information should be recorded at a precision of better than 110 mm.
NOTE Users of this PAS are encouraged to record at a precision of 10 mm, where practical.
8.7 Organizations should move to capture locational data on new, replaced or exposed
assets by using absolute methodology within 5 years of the publication of this PAS.
NOTE As the recommendations of this PAS only apply to newly installed assets, or those that have been
recently exposed, it may be some time before asset owners are able to record all buried assets to the
recommendations set out in Clauses 6-8 (e.g. in terms of accuracy or recording the use of both absolute and
relative coordinates and other features of the asset). However, developing technology is likely to make it easier to
record the location of an asset more accurately without unnecessary excavations. As this becomes more feasible
and economic, asset owners need to consider whether to use the new technology as the usual method, given the
benefits of the improved planning for works, and the reduced risk of damage to assets.
9 Inclusion of decommissioned or abandoned assets when sharing data

Assets that have been decommissioned or abandoned should remain on records and be
shared when requested. The records should clearly state the status of the asset.
NOTE However, it is important to note that some cables that have been decommissioned may be re-
energized/re-used again at a later date, so it is important that the most recent records are shared and used when
planning or carrying out work.
10 Target number of days to make data available for sharing from installation
10.1 Newly-captured asset data should be available for external inspection and sharing as
soon as practicable, preferably within 30 working days of the s74 closure of works where
those works take place in a highway.
NOTE Users of this PAS are encouraged to reduce this to 10 working days as soon as practical.
10.2 For local authority assets in new streets (i.e. those in a new development) the
information on highway-related assets (e.g. gullies, road drainage) should be recorded by
the local authority once the street is adopted, and be made available within 30 working days.
This record should also show any private assets that will remain in the highway.
10.3 Where new utility assets are laid by a third party, the data about these new utility
assets should be recorded by that third party and made available within 30 working days of
hand over or adoption by the utility company.

11 Capture of data emanating from works carried out under an s50 licence
11.1 When an organization carries out work under a s50 licence, highway authorities should
request the data set out in Table 1, as a minimum.
NOTE 1 A s50 licence authorises private individuals and contractors who are not statutory undertakers, to lay
new apparatus or maintain existing apparatus in the highway. This is granted by the local authority. Each Street
Authority decides the appropriate information required for assets laid where permission to do so was granted
under section 50 licences. These requirements are usually included within the section 50 licence and the
installer is required to provide the information to the highway authority.
NOTE 2 This data may be recorded in the authorities’ own records until adoption by a statutory undertaker, so
that it can be shared with others in a security-minded way.
11.2 The record of the asset should be made available to the local authority within 30
working days of reinstatement or the submission of a s74 notice.
11.3 When the asset is adopted by a new utility owner, the S50 licensee should give notice
of the change to the local authority and the s50 licensee should transfer the records to the
new asset owner within 30 working days of the notification.
12 Inclusion of local authority buried assets to be made available for sharing

12.1 Highway authorities should record details of the following buried assets, as a minimum.
• drainage and gullies;
• traffic signal infrastructure;
• power and communication cables;
• subways; and
• tramlines.
12.2 Highway authorities should capture information on newly-installed or replaced buried
assets in accordance with Table 1, as a minimum.
NOTE Highway authorities may capture additional information for their own purposes.
13 Other organizations
13.1 Where organizations other than statutory undertakers, highway authorities and s50
licensees have buried assets, they should capture and be capable of sharing the information
set out in Table 1 as a minimum, in a security-minded way.
NOTE There are a large number of other organizations, including transport operators, oil and gas pipeline
providers, fire services, utility infrastructure providers, or other types of asset owners (for example industrial water
pipes, CCTV cables) that have buried assets.
13.2 Information should be updated on the asset owner’s records within 30 days of
installation or replacement.
13.3 Each organization should have clearly-defined processes in place for the capture and
sharing of information.
14 Movement from paper or microfiche records to a digital format

When geospatial and physical buried asset data held on paper, micro-film or microfiche are
converted to a digital format, the data should be recorded in such a way that can be
exchanged in line with the recommendations set out in this PAS
NOTE 1 Such changes allow asset data from a variety of sources to be overlaid by those intending to use
these records.

NOTE 2 The transition to more accurate and detailed digital data and information increases the importance of
implementing a security-minded approach to its handling.
15 Unidentified Buried Objects (UBOs) and how to deal with the findings
15.1 Unidentified Buried Objects (UBOs)
COMMENTARY ON 15.1
An unidentified buried object is defined as an asset which is exposed by excavation, but is not marked on
records.
Where an UBO is discovered, the discoverer should inform the asset owner, where known.
NOTE 1 Encountering infrastructure that does not appear on plans supplied by undertakers poses potential
risks to the workforce undertaking the work. It can also cause delays whilst the owner confirms the correct status,
resulting in associated additional costs and possibly further disruption.
NOTE 2 NRSWA, s80[X], as amended by TMA s47[X], has not been enacted at the time of publication of this
PAS. However, the legislation outlines the government’s intention of how those encountering unknown
obstructions could deal with them.
15.2 Wrongly marked objects

COMMENTARY ON 15.2
A wrongly marked object is where the asset is observed but its locational position does not match the records
provided.
Where a wrongly marked object is discovered, the discoverer should inform the asset owner,
where known.
NOTE Encountering infrastructure that is wrongly marked, on plans supplied by undertakers poses potential
threats to the workforce undertaking the work. It can also cause delays whilst the owner confirms the correct
status, resulting in associated additional costs and possibly further traffic disruption.
15.3 Process when a UBO is identified

15.3.1 Where an asset is found that is identified as not being marked on an organization’s
records, or where the location is substantially incorrect, the person executing the works
should take non-intrusive steps to determine the nature and owner of the asset and inform
them.
NOTE 1 The owner of most assets can be determined from the size, shape and colour of the pipe or cable. It
may also be possible to determine likely owners from the alignment of the asset or the presence of nearby covers
or surface apparatus.
NOTE 2 An asset is considered to be substantially incorrect where, for example, the location differs between
footway and carriageway, or where the actual location is greater than 2 metres from that shown on the record.
Where this has been discovered by a survey practitioner to PAS 128 level A, this tolerance is reduced to 1
metre(see 15.4.1).
15.3.2 When identifying a UBO, the discoverer should record the following:
• the diameter of the pipe or cable and the dimensions of any other asset;
• any markings or colour, where clear;
• whether the asset is believed to be in use; and
• the route of the asset, if known.
NOTE It may also be helpful to provide details of other surface features (covers, valves, vents) that may assist
in identifying the utility through its possible route.
15.3.3 Where a UBO is found, a photograph of the pipe or cable should be taken, where
possible, to help identify the asset.

15.3.4 Where asset tagging techniques have been safely used, this information should also
be shared with the asset owner, where known.
NOTE With the exception of the additional time required to note the details of the unidentified or wrongly
marked object, it is important that works are not unnecessarily delayed. However, this may be necessary where
there are exceptional or safety reasons, and the excavation needs to remain open while the owner is identified or
the asset investigated. An early indication to asset owners may allow them to evaluate whether to investigate
sites whilst excavations are still open. If it is safe to do so, every effort needs to be made to ensure that works do
not extend beyond their planned boundaries described by notices or permits to trace the extent of the asset or to
carry out further investigations. It is also important that any risk and method statements are amended.
15.3.5 If asset ownership cannot be ascertained, the UBO should be recorded on the
discoverer’s own records as a UBO. If the asset is later identified by any party, the UBO
should be removed from the originator’s records and inserted into the owner’s record.
15.3.6 Additions or amendments to asset records should be made by the asset owner (when
confirmed) as soon as reasonably practicable.
NOTE Similarly, the process may also apply as good practice to other objects unexpectedly encountered whilst
undertaking works, for example; archaeology or unexpected geological formations. If the operator does not know
the responsible body to report it to, then it is suggested they contact the local authority for assistance in the first
instance.
15.4 Sharing of information following a PAS 128 survey

15.4.1 Where a PAS 128 survey has been carried out to survey type A, and determines that:
• an asset is missing from an asset owners plans;
• the location of an asset is substantially incorrect; or
• the asset location is outside a tolerance of 1 metre;
the surveying organization should contact the asset owner to inform them of the
discrepancy.
NOTE While surveyors are encouraged to make every effort to contact the asset owner, they are under no
obligation to report or store any data on buried objects found.
15.4.2 The information provided to the asset owner following a PAS 128 survey should
include locational data which should be supplemented with x, y, z coordinates.
NOTE PAS 128 provides provisions to those engaged in the detection, verification and location of active,
abandoned, redundant or unknown utilities, discovered when carrying out surveying practices. The highest
quality level (survey type A) gives a high confidence factor of the precise location of utilities, including those not
identified by the asset owner themselves.
15.4.3 The provision of information relating to missing or incorrectly-located assets following

a PAS 128 survey is for information purposes only and the asset owner should determine
the most appropriate steps, which may include further investigation, before amendments to
their systems are made.
NOTE Updating and improving the quality of records will lead to time and cost savings in the future for
surveying practitioners, who utilize asset records to carry out their process
16 Guidance and recommendations on symbology and colour coding

When sharing records, the data to be shared or exported should conform to the NJUG
Guidance on the Positioning and Colour-Coding of Underground Utilities Apparatus [NR2].
NOTE 1 Each asset owner has its own internal requirements for recording and displaying characteristics of their
assets to help with asset management and safety. However, all of the detailed information may not be needed by
those external organizations carrying out excavations. Also, similar symbology may be used by different
organizations for different types of asset (for example, blue is used to mark clean water pipes and medium-
pressure gas mains). This may result in confusion by those using the data.

NOTE 2 Further information on NJUG guidelines on colour codes for on-site mark-up and drawling line codes
can be found on the NJUG website: www.njug.org.uk/publications.

Annex A Absolute data capture and relative data capture

(informative)
A.1 General
When capturing information about new or recently replaced assets, it is advisable that data
is captured using the most accurate methodology available to the operative. The preferred
method is to capture to absolute accuracy (see 7.1). This is especially important in rural
areas where fixed points are not readily available to measure and take relative positions.
Even when capturing using equipment that provides absolute accuracy, additional relative
measurements need to be taken from fixed points.
At the time of publication of this PAS, it is recognized that it is not always economical to
provide expensive equipment to all utility teams to capture to this level of quality and
therefore data capture using relative measurements is currently the normal practice.
However, this PAS encourages a move towards using equipment as it becomes more cost
effective and it is envisaged that this will drive down the cost of technology even further.
A.1.1 Global positioning system (GPS)
GPS is now accepted as common technology to help locate the user’s current position.
Everyday examples of the use of locational technology include satellite navigation systems
in cars or GPS integrated in smart devices. However, these only tend to guarantee accuracy
to 5 m-10 m.
For mapping of buried assets, sub-10 mm accuracy is desired, although this is only available
using expensive and sophisticated equipment. In addition, accuracy is not guaranteed where
used in urban canyons, unless enhancing technology such as Real Time Kinematic (RTK) is
applied.
Individuals cannot therefore capture the position of buried assets using a traditional hand-
held smart phone to the accuracy required in this PAS. However, technology is consistently
evolving and the desired accuracy may become available via these platforms soon.
To capture to the necessary accuracy, smart devices need to be supplemented with
transformers providing additional antennae that captures more satellite signals.
When trying to relate position to a map background, additional problems are sometimes
experienced because GPS and Ordnance Survey maps use different models for the earth
and coordinate systems.
WGS84 is a more modern coordinate system used by GPS, however, maps in the UK are
based on the National Grid which uses OSGB36. As OSGB36 is the preference for this PAS,
it is important to ensure that when coordinate data are captured, the receiver on the device
is set to OSGB36 so that the data can be mapped to the National Grid.
A.1.2 The National Grid
The National Grid is a traditional coordinate system used in the UK. Coordinates captured
during data collection can be converted to Eastings and Northings which allows the plotting
of the location on most mapping systems. The more digital places a device and transformer
can capture, the more accurate the location.
A.1.3 Coordinate systems in the UK
Further information on coordinate systems in the UK can be found in A guide to coordinate
systems in Great Britain, Section 1.2 [X].
A.2 Absolute data capture
Newly captured absolute data needs to be linked to existing relative captured data points.
The simplest way to link relative to absolute points is at the national grid coordinate level.

The absolute coordinates are linked to the existing map detail, i.e. by taking additional
relative measurements; a combined approach is necessary.
Figure A.1 illustrates the use of GNSS (GPS) to capture and record asset data and shows
that GPS measurements are taken at regular intervals along a linear asset, at any point
feature. This is by using a GPS receiver capable of achieving absolute position on the
ground. GPS data is then stored as attribute data (metadata) alongside any relative position,
or used as the absolute position on the record.
GPS measurements are used where surrounding features are limited or non-existent (e.g.
rural/moorland areas).
Figure A.1 – Absolute data capture
A.3 Relative asset data capture

Figure A.2 illustrates a typical field method for establishing the relative position of a buried
asset in a built up area against an Ordnance Survey map (traditionally captured on a scaled
paper drawing), based on a typical utility organization.
As shown in Figure A.2:
• the position of the centreline of linear feature and any in line plant, e.g. valve, is
measured to the nearest 0.1 m using a tape measure or similar; and
• any offset measurements are taken from existing permanent map features (building
corner/wall/kerb). A kerb line would normally only be used if no other fixed datum is
available
A fully-dimensioned drawing then needs to be re-digitized using CAD within an overall
tolerance of 300 mm.
Figure A.2 illustrates that where an asset can be related to surrounding permanent features
on a map, a series of relative measurements can be taken to provide a record of the buried
location of the asset, and to meet the current recommended tolerance of ±300 mm.
Incorrect observation and double-handling of data are the most common sources of error
found with relative asset data capture.

Figure A.2 – Relative data capture
NOTE Relative measurement shows the new pipe/cable to be 2.1 m from the property boundary line
outside number 21 High Street (a to b) and 2.3 m from the property line outside number 27 (c to d)
Further measurements may be taken outside no. 23, and no 25.


Bibliography
Standards publications
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest
edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
Other publications
[1] GREAT BRITAIN. Highways Act 1980. London: The Stationery Office.
[2] GREAT BRITAIN. Traffic Management Act 2004. London: The Stationery Office.
[3] GREAT BRITAIN. New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. London: The Stationery
Office.
[4] UK Water Industry Research. BURTWELL, M.H., EVANS, M., and MCMAHON, W.
Minimising Street Works Disruption: The Real Costs of Street Works to the Utility Industry
and Society. UKWIR Report ref No 05/WM/12/8, 2005
[5] ASPHALT INDUSTRY ALLIANCE. Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM)
Survey 2014. London: HMPR Limited, 2014
[6] HALCROW. Assessing the extent of street works and monitoring the effectiveness of
section 74 in reducing disruption – Third annual report April 2003 to March 2004 – Volume 1,
Main Report. Department for Transport: London, July 2004
[7] METJE, N., AHMAD, B., and CROSSLAND, S.M. Causes, Impacts and Costs of Strikes
on Buried Utility Assets. In: Municipal Engineer, 168(3):1-10, May 2015
[8] MAKANA, L., METJE, N., JEFFERSON, I., and RODGERS, C.D.F. What Do Utility
Strikes Really Cost? Report prepared for Transport for London. School of Engineering,
University of Birmingham: Birmingham, 2016
[9] BRITTON, C., LINSLEY, J., ROWLEY, J., TOLAND, P., WEBB, R., BROWNE, A. Final
report to Department for Transport, Street and Highway Works Research Study. Report
(reference SW/REP/002-R09) 2003. AMTEC Consulting Group: Farnham, Surrey, 2003.
[X] DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT. Code of practice for recording of underground
apparatus in streets., London: The Stationery Office, 2002
[X] DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT. Assessing the extent of street works and monitoring
the effectiveness of s74 in reducing disruption. Third annual report. July 2004
[X] USAG. EDWARDS, M., CROSSLAND, S., RHOADES, A., BROOME, R. Utility Strike
Damages Report 2013. USAG: London, 2013
[X] GOODWIN, P., Utilities street works and the cost of traffic congestion available. Available
from: http://www.njug.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/93.pdf (viewed XXX)
[X] SNITKIN, S., MICK, B., NOVAK, R. Asset Information Management (AIM) – Developing
an AIM strategy. ARC Advisory Group: Dedham, Massachusetts, July 2010
[X] DIGITAL National Framework. Unique Object Identifiers, Technical Guide. DNF0011.
2007.
[X] NJUG. NJUG Guidelines On The Positioning Of Underground Utilities Apparatus For
New Development Sites. Volume 2: Issue 4. London: NJUG, December 2007
[X] NJUG. NJUG Guidelines on the Management of Third Party Cable Ducting. Volume 3,
Issue 1. London: NJUG, August 2007
[X] NJUG. NJUG Guidelines For The Planning, Installation And Maintenance Of Utility
Apparatus In Proximity To Trees. Volume 4, Issue 2. London: NJUG, November 2007

[X] NJUG. NJUG Guidelines For The Planning, Installation And Maintenance Of Utility
Apparatus In Proximity To Trees – Operatives Handbook. Volume 4: Issue 2. London:
NJUG, November 2007
[X] NJUG. NJUG Guidelines on Environmental Good Practice. Volume 5, Issue 1. London:
NJUG, July 2009
[X] NJUG. NJUG Guidelines on Co-ordination, Co-operation & Communication. Volume 6:
Issue 1. London: NJUG, August 2013
[X] ORDNANCE SURVEY. A guide to coordinate systems in Great Britain. Crown Copyright.
September 2015.

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WARNING.

THIS IS A DRAFT AND MUST NOT BE REGARDED OR USED AS A BRITISH

Draft PAS 256

PAS 256, Buried assets – Collection,

Draft for public consultation

THIS IS A WORKING DRAFT AND MUST NOT BE REGARDED OR USED AS A PAS

1 © The British Standards Institution 2016

Publishing and copyright information

No copying without BSI permission except as permitted by copyright law.

Amendments issued since publication

2 © The British Standards Institution 2016

3 © The British Standards Institution 2016

4 © The British Standards Institution 2016

5 © The British Standards Institution 2016

6 © The British Standards Institution 2016

 increased material consumption;

7 © The British Standards Institution 2016

• improved ease of access towards a complete set of records by moving towards

This PAS covers:

8 © The British Standards Institution 2016

• interoperability through technical compliance with INSPIRE and compatibility with

9 © The British Standards Institution 2016

3 Terms,definitions and abbreviations

3.1.2 absolute accuracy

3.1.3 absolute coordinates

3.1.5 decommissioned asset

3.1.7 local authority

3.1.8 relative accuracy

10 © The British Standards Institution 2016

3.1.10 s50 licence

3.1.11 s74 close notice

3.1.13 security minded

3.1.14 spatial data

3.1.15 statutory undertaker

3.1.16 street works

11 © The British Standards Institution 2016

3.1.18 unique street reference number (USRN)

AOD above ordnance datum

12 © The British Standards Institution 2016

4.1 Data dictionary

Table 1 – Minimum data recommended to enable sharing via data exchange

13 © The British Standards Institution 2016

Table 1 – Minimum data recommended to enable sharing via data exchange

Table 2 – Optional data for data exchange of records

14 © The British Standards Institution 2016

Table 2 – Optional data for data exchange of records

Condition The condition of the manhole, for example, good/poor

In service Whether the manhole is in service (yes/no)

5 Observance of industry recognized file formats

15 © The British Standards Institution 2016

6 Information to be captured on-site to be made available for sharing later

16 © The British Standards Institution 2016

7.6 Measureable deviations from a fixed line

17 © The British Standards Institution 2016

9 Inclusion of decommissioned or abandoned assets when sharing data

18 © The British Standards Institution 2016

12 Inclusion of local authority buried assets to be made available for sharing

14 Movement from paper or microfiche records to a digital format

19 © The British Standards Institution 2016

15.2 Wrongly marked objects

15.3 Process when a UBO is identified

20 © The British Standards Institution 2016

15.4 Sharing of information following a PAS 128 survey