What must be included in a rams for this work?

Scope of excavation works including depths, methods, and proximity to known services. Results of utility surveys (GPR, CAT & Genny scans, trial holes). Identification of all underground services (gas, electric, water, telecoms, sewers). Safe digging methods — hand dig zones, exclusion distances, mechanical restrictions. Emergency procedures for cable strike, gas escape, or water main burst. PPE requirements: insulated tools, safety boots, high-vis, hard hat, eye protection. Permit-to-work arrangements with utility companies. Competency requirements for plant operators and banksmen. Monitoring arrangements and supervision levels. Communication plan with utility companies and emergency services

RAMS for Excavation Near Utilities — UK

UK construction-safety guidance by the Riskora Editorial Team

Excavating near underground services is one of the highest-risk activities on any UK construction site. Every year, workers are killed or seriously injured by striking gas mains, live electrical cables, or water services during excavation. If you are about to start digging near utilities, you need a site-specific RAMS before anyone breaks ground — and you need it now.

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Example RAMS

Scope of excavation works including depths, methods, and proximity to known services
Results of utility surveys (GPR, CAT & Genny scans, trial holes)
Identification of all underground services (gas, electric, water, telecoms, sewers)
Safe digging methods — hand dig zones, exclusion distances, mechanical restrictions

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When This Document Is Required

A RAMS for excavation near utilities is required under CDM 2015 and HSE guidance (HSG47 — Avoiding Danger from Underground Services) before any mechanical or manual excavation begins within the vicinity of known or suspected underground services. The principal contractor must ensure the RAMS is in place, reviewed by a competent person, and briefed to all operatives. This is non-negotiable — the HSE treats excavation near utilities as a critical risk activity. Local authority streetworks permits and NRSWA requirements may also apply. Utility companies will expect to see your RAMS before granting consent for works near their apparatus.

What Must Be Included

Scope of excavation works including depths, methods, and proximity to known services
Results of utility surveys (GPR, CAT & Genny scans, trial holes)
Identification of all underground services (gas, electric, water, telecoms, sewers)
Safe digging methods — hand dig zones, exclusion distances, mechanical restrictions
Emergency procedures for cable strike, gas escape, or water main burst
PPE requirements: insulated tools, safety boots, high-vis, hard hat, eye protection
Permit-to-work arrangements with utility companies
Competency requirements for plant operators and banksmen
Monitoring arrangements and supervision levels
Communication plan with utility companies and emergency services

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying solely on record drawings without carrying out physical utility surveys (CAT & Genny)
Using mechanical excavation within hand-dig zones near services
Failing to brief operatives on the exact location and depth of known services
Not having an emergency procedure for cable strike or gas escape
Assuming 'no services shown on plans' means no services present
Not obtaining utility company consent before excavating near their apparatus

Example Scenario

A groundworks contractor in Manchester has been appointed to excavate trenches for new drainage alongside an existing road. The utility survey reveals a high-voltage cable at 600mm depth, a gas main at 450mm, and BT ducting crossing the trench line. The principal contractor requires a RAMS before work can start on Monday. Using Riskora, the site supervisor selects the excavation preset, adds utility-specific hazards from the library, specifies hand-dig zones and safe digging practices, and generates a fully structured RAMS in four minutes. It is reviewed by the contracts manager, signed off, and submitted to the principal contractor — all before the weekend.

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Final RAMS must be reviewed and approved by a competent person before use.

Riskora is an assistive document preparation tool. All documents generated must be reviewed, verified, and approved by a competent person before use on site. Riskora does not replace professional safety judgment, and no output should be treated as a legal compliance guarantee.