What must be included in a rams for this work?

Scope of groundwork operations and excavation depths. Utility survey results (desk study, CAT & Genny, GPR, trial holes). Identification of all underground services with mapped locations. Safe digging procedures — hand dig zones, mechanical restrictions. Plant and equipment requirements with banksman arrangements. Emergency procedures for cable strike, gas escape, water burst. PPE requirements including insulated tools near electrical services. Permit arrangements with utility companies. Ground conditions assessment and temporary works requirements. Monitoring, supervision, and review arrangements

RAMS for Groundwork Near Utilities — UK

UK construction-safety guidance by the Riskora Editorial Team

Groundwork near underground utilities is responsible for thousands of service strikes every year in the UK. Gas leaks, electrocution from cable strikes, and water main bursts can happen in seconds — often with fatal consequences. If your team is about to carry out foundation work, trenching, or earthworks near known or suspected services, your RAMS must address utility avoidance as a primary risk.

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Example RAMS

Scope of groundwork operations and excavation depths
Utility survey results (desk study, CAT & Genny, GPR, trial holes)
Identification of all underground services with mapped locations
Safe digging procedures — hand dig zones, mechanical restrictions

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When This Document Is Required

Under CDM 2015, HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services), and the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, groundwork near utilities requires a specific RAMS before any breaking of ground. The document must demonstrate that utility surveys have been conducted, safe digging practices will be followed, and emergency procedures are in place for service strikes. Utility companies expect to see this documentation before consenting to works near their apparatus.

What Must Be Included

Scope of groundwork operations and excavation depths
Utility survey results (desk study, CAT & Genny, GPR, trial holes)
Identification of all underground services with mapped locations
Safe digging procedures — hand dig zones, mechanical restrictions
Plant and equipment requirements with banksman arrangements
Emergency procedures for cable strike, gas escape, water burst
PPE requirements including insulated tools near electrical services
Permit arrangements with utility companies
Ground conditions assessment and temporary works requirements
Monitoring, supervision, and review arrangements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying on utility plans alone without conducting physical surveys
Using mechanical plant within hand-dig zones near services
Not having emergency contact numbers for utility companies on site
Failing to mark out service locations before work begins
Assuming services run in straight lines between known points
Not briefing plant operators on service locations and restrictions

Example Scenario

A groundworks contractor in Birmingham is preparing to dig foundations for a new-build housing development. The site investigation reveals a high-pressure gas main, an 11kV cable, and a water trunk main crossing the plot. Using Riskora, the site supervisor generates a RAMS covering utility surveys, hand-dig zones, emergency gas escape procedures, and cable strike response — submitted to the principal contractor within minutes.

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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.