As we head into the height of summer, the recent warm weather has been welcomed. While our teams are well-equipped to get the job done in all conditions, it’s always a bonus when the sun’s out, even our anemometer got a workout as a thermometer during the latest heatwave!
Now that we’re at the halfway point of the year, we’ve been making the most of every daylight hour, whether we’re carrying out GPR scans, topographic surveys or overhead line profiling. It’s safe to say it’s been a busy and productive few months!
In this newsletter, we take a closer look at two essential HSE guidelines: HSG47 and GS6, and how they help keep people and projects safe when working around underground services and overhead lines. We also delve into recent project highlights, a client case study, and some company updates from the past quarter.
Happy reading!
Digging Smart, Working Safe: Essentials of HSG47 & GS6
It’s easy to just focus on what’s in front of you during a project. Whether that’s plans, deadlines or deliverables. But how often do we stop to consider what’s overhead, or perhaps underfoot?
In our recent webinar, we unpacked two of the Health and Safety Executive’s most important safety documents: HSG47, avoiding danger from underground services and GS6, avoiding contact with overhead power lines.
If you missed it, you can watch the full recording here.
These guidelines are often overlooked, yet they play a vital role in protecting people, preventing downtime and avoiding costly mistakes. For those working in infrastructure, construction or utilities, these aren’t just regulatory checklists. They’re frameworks that protect lives, designed to prevent serious, often hidden risks that come with every dig or lift.
What we covered
The webinar broke down how to apply HSG47 and GS6 effectively on site. We examined how risks typically arise not from freak accidents, but from outdated records, unclear roles, poor planning and inconsistent application of safety processes between sites.
We also shared examples of how these gaps can lead to serious incidents, and what proactive, compliant project teams are doing differently.
Essentials of HSG47 & GS6
Why these guidelines matter
We’ve seen the consequences when buried services are struck. It usually comes down to one of two things: assumptions or outdated data. A routine excavation can become a major incident in seconds.
Overhead risks are no less critical. GS6 outlines the minimum standards for identifying and planning around high-voltage lines. When followed properly, it prevents avoidable contact that can result in injury, damage, or downtime.
These risks are common, not rare. That’s why HSG47 and GS6 remain relevant on every site.
From the ground up: UTSS’s approach
As a business, we’ve built our surveying and design services around eliminating uncertainty. That means delivering utility mapping to PAS 128 standards using GPR and electromagnetic locators as standard, and deploying additional tools like deep drain sondes, CCTV cameras or standalone cable locators when needed.
Our topographical surveys are carried out using Hybrid Total Stations and RTK GNSS, while our overhead line profiling feeds directly into OPTIMAL software to provide clearance and sag analysis that meets current regulations.
We also conduct topographical and overhead line surveys using RTK GNSS, Hybrid Total Stations and 3D laser scanners. All data is recorded, marked up
on site and cross-checked with provider records, giving clients line sag, clearance and swing data that meets network regulations.
Dig smart
Too many sites run on outdated procedures, and every project has a different risk profile. Guidance like HSG47 and GS6 is constantly being updated, and so should your approach. One missed update or unverified map can cause a serious incident.
Recent Projects
132 kV Overhead Line Sag & Swing Survey:
We recently completed a critical survey for a housing development, in alignment with GS6 guidelines. By delivering accurate clearance and sag data ahead of construction, we enabled safe planning and reduced project delays.
11kv Overhead Line Survey and Design:
Battling April showers, we headed to Lincolnshire to carry out an 11kV overhead line survey and design; an essential part of supporting ongoing works to strengthen and improve the local power network.
UTSS was appointed to deliver a full utility map and topographical survey for a multi-unit retail site in the North West. Working to PAS 128 standards, we provided clarity around buried services and above-ground constraints, giving the design team confidence to progress the scheme safely and efficiently.
Utilities Survey:
In May, we headed to Conwy to carry out a utility survey identifying and mapping the routes of underground gas, electric, and water supplies beneath the site.
Using a combination of Cat & Genny and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), we located and marked key buried services with non-permanent paint. These markings were then accurately captured using both our GNSS RTK network solution and a robotic total station (EDM).
Latest Updates
Designing for Safety: Substation Survey for UK Infrastructure Partner:
After connecting through BNI, client Andrew, was impressed by Richard’s knowledge and hands-on approach to surveying solutions. When faced with two technically challenging projects a few years later, Andrew approached UTSS for our surveying expertise.
Andrew needed assistance with two different projects that both had their own unique challenges. In Derby, a new driveway was being planned, but the only route passed through ten metres of dense woodland, with no line of sight between the roadside and the proposed build site which was an old tennis court.
Watch the video to find out our approach and the result here.
Let’s work together:
Got a project in the pipeline? Whether you’re breaking ground on a major infrastructure scheme, need accurate elevation data for renewables, or want to locate underground services with confidence, UTSS is here to help.
Get in touch to find out how our expert surveying solutions can support safer, smarter project delivery.
Community Spirit:
At UTSS we love a challenge, both on and off the clock! Last month, 3 Super Silkers from BNI Silk Macclesfield, including our very own Richard, donned the lycra to take part in this year’s Macclesfield Bikeathon, with all proceeds going to the fantastic Just Drop-In Youth Info and Advice Ltd. Just Drop-In is a registered charity that supports children and young people living in the north of Cheshire East who are finding life hard. The charity is committed to improving their mental health, wellbeing and helping them to find their feet.
Connect with Us on Socials:
Interested to see what we’ve been working on lately? Follow us on our social media platforms for project updates, team insights and a behind-thescenes look at life at UTSS:
