Construction Health and Safety Manual Section 20 Overhead and underground services (incorporating Dec 97, Jun 00 and Jun 01 amendments)

Publication Year

2001

Document Status

Current

Abstract

Underground and overhead electric power cables, together with gas, water and drainage pipes and high pressure fuel lines, constitute potential hazards on site. Damage to water mains located near any excavation can result in the excavation being flooded. Accidentally breaking gas mains or high pressure fuel lines brings the danger of explosion in addition to that of people being overcome by fumes. When excavating near gas mains constant checks should be carried out to ensure that there are no gas leaks. Care must also be taken near sewers and sewage pipes, since damaging them carries a double risk; toxic or flammable gases may be present in a foul sewer, from which there is also risk of infection from contact with the materials flowing.

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