Part H — High-Risk Works

Utility strike prevention

Workbook section 79

Owner

HSE Manager / Document Controller

Review / trigger

Annual review; update immediately if legal, authority, project, client, or scope requirements change.

Primary references

Plans TOC - Part H; H - Utility Strike Prevention; Plan H79 Underground and Overhe

Checkpoints

Open live checklist

#	Area	Checkpoint / Requirement	Evidence / Acceptance Criteria	Responsible	Frequency
1	Pre-Excavation Planning	Utility owner site walk-down conducted jointly with DEWA/Etisalat representative prior to deep excavation near critical assets	Joint site walk-down minutes signed by authority representative	Project Engineer	Prior to deep excavation
2	Pre-Excavation Planning	Historical strike/incident data for the area reviewed with local municipality records before planning excavation route	Historical incident review report	HSE Manager	Prior to excavation
3	Pre-Excavation Planning	Utility crossing points identified and cross-referenced with MEP shop drawings for clash detection	Clash detection report with utility overlay	Design Coordinator	Prior to excavation
4	Pre-Excavation Planning	Standby authority representative requested for excavation within critical high-voltage cable corridors	Authority attendance confirmation record	Project Manager	Prior to excavation near HV cables
5	Pre-Excavation Planning	Excavation sequence plan reviewed to ensure deepest/most critical utility crossings are exposed first under supervision	Approved excavation sequence drawing	Site Engineer	Prior to excavation
6	Pre-Excavation Planning	Weather and ground condition suitability checked before deploying GPR survey equipment	GPR pre-survey condition checklist	Utility Survey Engineer	Prior to each GPR survey
7	Excavation Marking	Utility marking re-verified and refreshed after rainfall or site disturbance that may erase paint markers	Re-marking inspection log with date and photos	Site Supervisor	After rainfall/disturbance
8	Excavation Marking	Marker posts installed at utility crossing points along open trench length for ongoing visibility	Marker post installation photographic record	Site Supervisor	Prior to trench opening
9	Excavation Marking	Utility marking legend cross-checked with authority-issued colour code standard to avoid misinterpretation	Legend verification checklist signed by HSE Officer	HSE Officer	Prior to excavation
10	Excavation Marking	Exposed utility sections physically supported/slung to prevent sagging or damage during adjacent excavation	Support/sling installation inspection record	Site Engineer	During excavation near exposed utility
11	Overhead Line Precautions	Insulated barrier matting or covers installed on exposed low-voltage conductors within reach of site personnel	Insulated cover installation inspection record	Electrical Supervisor	Prior to works near LV conductors
12	Overhead Line Precautions	Height of tallest mobile plant checked against overhead line clearance chart before mobilisation to site zone	Plant height verification log against clearance chart	Plant Supervisor	Prior to plant mobilisation
13	Overhead Line Precautions	Spotter positioned with direct line of sight and radio contact with operator during works beneath overhead lines	Spotter deployment record with radio check log	Site Supervisor	Each shift near overhead lines
14	Overhead Line Precautions	Warning signage indicating overhead line hazard erected at approach points to the work area	Signage placement inspection photo	HSE Officer	Prior to works commencement
15	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Excavation exclusion zone barricaded and signposted to prevent unauthorised plant entry	Barricade and signage inspection record	Site Supervisor	Daily
16	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Excavator operator holds valid competency card specific to utility-sensitive excavation works	Valid operator competency card on file	HSE Manager	Prior to deployment
17	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Daily pre-excavation briefing conducted covering known utility locations and depth for that day's work front	Signed daily briefing record	Site Supervisor	Daily
18	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Excavation work halted and area made safe when visibility or lighting conditions compromise utility identification	Work stoppage log with justification recorded	Site Supervisor	As required
19	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Trench box/shoring installed does not obstruct visual verification of exposed utility lines	Shoring installation inspection checklist	Site Engineer	Prior to shoring installation
20	Emergency Response	Utility strike drill scenario includes simulated authority notification call to verify contact list accuracy	Drill report with call verification log	HSE Manager	Semi-annually
21	Emergency Response	Site emergency vehicle access route to excavation area kept clear and unobstructed at all times	Access route inspection checklist	Site Supervisor	Daily
22	Emergency Response	Designated first responder trained in gas leak/electrical strike specific emergency actions	First responder training certificate	HSE Manager	Prior to excavation works
23	Emergency Response	Post-incident investigation procedure defines timeline for root cause analysis following any utility strike	Investigation procedure document with defined timelines	HSE Manager	Prior to excavation works
24	Documentation & Records	Photographic evidence of exposed utilities retained in project record prior to backfilling	Photographic record archive linked to excavation permit number	Site Engineer	Prior to backfilling
25	Documentation & Records	Utility clash resolution register maintained tracking design changes arising from field-exposed utilities	Clash resolution register with close-out status	Design Coordinator	Ongoing / Monthly review
26	Documentation & Records	Subcontractor excavation activities cross-verified against master utility strike prevention log	Master log with subcontractor entries reconciled	HSE Manager	Weekly
27	Training & Competency	New site personnel receive utility strike awareness induction before working near excavation zones	Induction training record with utility awareness module	HSE Officer	Prior to site access
28	Training & Competency	Banksman/spotter competency for utility-sensitive excavation verified through practical assessment	Practical assessment record	HSE Manager	Prior to assignment
29	Training & Competency	Toolbox talk topics on utility strike prevention rotated to cover different utility types across the project duration	Toolbox talk topic schedule and attendance records	Site Supervisor	Weekly
30	Utility Coordination	Utility diversion works coordinated with authority-approved contractor and inspected prior to backfill acceptance	Authority inspection sign-off for diverted utility	Project Engineer	Upon utility diversion completion
31	Utility Coordination	Temporary utility support (electrical cable ducting, water pipe cradling) inspected weekly for integrity during prolonged exposure	Weekly temporary support inspection checklist	Site Engineer	Weekly
32	Utility Coordination	Third-party utility works within site boundary coordinated through a single point of contact to avoid duplicate excavation	Coordination meeting minutes with single point of contact confirmed	Project Manager	Weekly
33	Utility Coordination	Utility isolation/permit-to-work obtained from authority before any planned utility diversion or tie-in work	Authority-issued isolation permit	Project Engineer	Prior to diversion/tie-in work
34	Risk Assessment	Task-specific risk assessment updated when excavation depth or utility proximity changes from original plan	Revised risk assessment with revision date and approval	HSE Manager	Upon scope change
35	Risk Assessment	High-risk excavation activities (within 1m of high-voltage cable or gas main) subject to additional management approval before start	Senior management approval record for high-risk excavation	Project Manager	Prior to high-risk excavation
36	Risk Assessment	Ground conditions (made ground, previous excavation records) assessed for likelihood of undocumented services	Ground condition assessment report	Geotechnical Engineer	Prior to excavation
37	Risk Assessment	Buried structure/utility risk register reviewed and updated at project HSE committee meeting	HSE committee meeting minutes referencing utility risk register	HSE Manager	Monthly
38	Plant & Equipment	Vacuum excavation unit inspected and certified fit for use prior to deployment near sensitive utilities	Equipment inspection certificate	Plant Supervisor	Prior to deployment
39	Plant & Equipment	CAT & Genny locator equipment calibration verified against manufacturer schedule	Calibration certificate on file	Utility Survey Engineer	As per calibration schedule
40	Plant & Equipment	Excavator fitted with proximity alarm/sensor when operating within defined utility exclusion buffer	Proximity alarm functional test record	Plant Supervisor	Daily
41	Plant & Equipment	Insulated hand tools provided and used for hand excavation near live electrical services	Insulated tool inspection and issue record	Site Supervisor	Prior to hand excavation
42	Backfill & Reinstatement	Backfill material and compaction method verified as non-damaging to reinstated utility prior to placement	Backfill method compliance checklist	Site Engineer	Prior to backfilling
43	Backfill & Reinstatement	Reinstated utility line tested/inspected by authority or competent person before final backfill layer placed	Authority/competent person inspection sign-off	Project Engineer	Prior to final backfill
44	Backfill & Reinstatement	Surface reinstatement (road, footpath) restored to authority specification following utility exposure works	Reinstatement completion certificate	Site Engineer	Upon completion
45	Backfill & Reinstatement	Settlement monitoring conducted over reinstated excavation areas near critical utilities	Settlement monitoring survey log	Land Surveyor	Monthly post-reinstatement
46	Communication	Daily excavation activity coordinated with site logistics to prevent conflicting works over marked utility corridors	Daily logistics coordination log	Site Supervisor	Daily
47	Communication	Utility strike prevention performance discussed at weekly project HSE meeting with corrective actions tracked	Weekly HSE meeting minutes with action tracker	HSE Manager	Weekly
48	Communication	Sign language/visual cue protocol established for banksman-operator communication in high-noise excavation zones	Communication protocol briefing record	Site Supervisor	Prior to excavation works
49	Communication	Authority hotline test call performed periodically to confirm emergency contact responsiveness	Test call log with response time recorded	HSE Manager	Quarterly
50	Audit & Review	Internal audit of utility strike prevention controls conducted across all active excavation fronts	Internal audit report with findings and closure status	HSE Manager	Monthly
51	Audit & Review	Third-party HSE audit includes specific verification of utility strike prevention compliance	Third-party audit report section on utility controls	HSE Manager	Quarterly
52	Audit & Review	Corrective actions from utility strike audits tracked to closure with verified evidence before sign-off	Corrective action tracker with closure evidence	HSE Manager	Monthly
53	Pre-Excavation Planning	Statutory authority utility drawings obtained (DEWA, Etisalat/du, Empower/Tabreed, Salik, sewerage) prior to any excavation	NOC and as-built drawings register with authority stamp on file	Project Engineer	Prior to excavation
54	Pre-Excavation Planning	Excavation permit/dig permit issued and approved by relevant authority (RTA/DM/Trakhees/DEWA) before breaking ground	Signed dig permit with validity dates displayed at site	HSE Manager	Prior to excavation
55	Pre-Excavation Planning	Utility clearance/NOC cross-checked against actual site conditions using GPR (ground penetrating radar) survey	GPR survey report with utility overlay markups	Utility Survey Engineer	Prior to excavation
56	Pre-Excavation Planning	Cable/pipe locator (CAT & Genny) scan conducted and results marked on ground prior to mechanical excavation	Locator scan log with photographs of marked routes	Site Supervisor	Prior to each excavation
57	Pre-Excavation Planning	Excavation method statement includes utility strike emergency response procedure and authority emergency contacts	Approved method statement with attached authority hotline list	HSE Manager	Prior to excavation
58	Pre-Excavation Planning	Toolbox talk conducted on buried services risks before start of excavation works	Signed toolbox talk attendance sheet	Site Supervisor	Daily before excavation
59	Pre-Excavation Planning	Trial pits (hand-dug/vacuum excavation) conducted within 0.5m of marked services before mechanical digging	Trial pit log with depth and location of exposed services recorded	Utility Survey Engineer	Prior to mechanical excavation
60	Pre-Excavation Planning	Banksman/spotter assigned to supervise excavator operations near identified utility corridors	Banksman appointment letter and daily assignment record	Site Supervisor	Daily during excavation
61	Excavation Marking	Physical marking (paint, flags, stakes) of underground utility alignment maintained and visible throughout works	Site photographs showing marking condition	Site Supervisor	Daily
62	Excavation Marking	Colour-coded marker system used consistent with utility type (electrical, water, telecom, gas, sewer)	Marking legend reference sheet posted at site	HSE Officer	Weekly
63	Excavation Marking	Buried service depth and offset recorded against approved drawings for verification	Survey verification report signed by surveyor	Land Surveyor	Prior to excavation
64	Excavation Marking	Warning tape/mesh installed above shallow utilities prior to backfilling	Backfill inspection photo showing tape placement	Site Engineer	Prior to backfilling
65	Overhead Line Precautions	Overhead power line clearance distances verified against DEWA safety clearance table for plant/crane operations	Clearance calculation sheet referencing DEWA regulation	HSE Manager	Prior to lifting operations
66	Overhead Line Precautions	Goal posts/height restriction barriers erected under overhead lines where plant movement is required	Barrier installation photo and inspection record	Site Supervisor	Prior to works commencement
67	Overhead Line Precautions	DEWA line de-energisation or diversion request submitted where required clearance cannot be maintained	Approved DEWA outage/diversion confirmation letter	Project Manager	Prior to works near live lines
68	Overhead Line Precautions	Crane and boom equipment operators briefed on overhead line locations and minimum approach distances	Signed briefing record with site plan attached	Crane Operator/Supervisor	Prior to each lift
69	Overhead Line Precautions	Non-conductive tag lines used when working plant/equipment near overhead electrical services	Equipment inspection checklist noting tag line provision	Rigger/Lifting Supervisor	Prior to each lift
70	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Mechanical excavation restricted to areas outside utility exclusion zone unless authorised by permit	Permit-to-dig with defined exclusion zone map	HSE Manager	Each excavation activity
71	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Excavator bucket teeth condition and edge type verified suitable for proximity digging near services	Daily plant inspection checklist	Plant Operator	Daily
72	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Hand digging/vacuum excavation mandated within safety zone (typically 0.5m-1m) of confirmed utility location	Method statement compliance record	Site Supervisor	Each excavation near utility
73	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Excavation depth monitored and compared to recorded utility depth to prevent inadvertent strike	Excavation depth log with utility depth cross-reference	Site Engineer	Continuous during excavation
74	Mechanical Excavation Controls	Stop-work authority exercised immediately upon unexpected discovery of unmarked service	Incident/near-miss report with photographs	Site Supervisor	As required
75	Emergency Response	Utility strike emergency response plan displayed at site office and excavation work front	Displayed emergency response poster with authority contact numbers	HSE Officer	Continuous
76	Emergency Response	Emergency shut-off/isolation procedure rehearsed for gas, water or electrical strike scenarios	Emergency drill record for utility strike scenario	HSE Manager	Semi-annually
77	Emergency Response	Utility strike incident reporting protocol includes immediate notification to DEWA/Etisalat/authority within stipulated timeframe	Incident notification log with timestamps	HSE Manager	As required
78	Emergency Response	First aid and firefighting equipment available at excavation work front for gas/electrical strike response	Equipment inspection checklist at excavation site	Site Supervisor	Daily
79	Emergency Response	Area isolation and evacuation procedure established for utility strike involving hazardous release	Evacuation plan with assembly point designated near excavation	HSE Manager	Prior to excavation
80	Documentation & Records	As-built utility records updated and submitted to authority following exposure/relocation of services	Updated as-built drawing submission acknowledgement	Project Engineer	Upon utility exposure
81	Documentation & Records	Utility strike near-miss and incident register maintained and reviewed for trend analysis	Near-miss register with monthly review minutes	HSE Manager	Monthly
82	Documentation & Records	Excavation permit closed out with as-executed verification of backfill and reinstatement	Closed permit with reinstatement inspection sign-off	Site Engineer	Upon completion
83	Documentation & Records	Competency certificates for GPR/CAT scan operators verified and kept current	Valid competency/training certificates on file	HSE Manager	Annually / upon renewal
84	Documentation & Records	Lessons learned from utility strike incidents communicated across project sites	Lessons learned bulletin distribution record	HSE Manager	Following each incident
85	Training & Competency	Excavation supervisors trained on authority-specific dig permit requirements (RTA, DM, Trakhees, DEWA)	Training attendance record and certificate	Training Coordinator	Prior to assignment
86	Training & Competency	Plant operators certified for excavator operation with utility awareness module included	Operator competency certificate	HSE Manager	Prior to deployment
87	Training & Competency	Refresher training conducted following any utility strike incident on site or within the organisation	Refresher training record	HSE Manager	Post-incident

Each checkpoint records Status (Yes / No / N/A), Comments, Corrective Action and Sign-off. Switch to Complete in-app to fill it here, or download the blank version to complete on site.

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