Location of Underground Services Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers reviewing, identifying and confirming underground services before and during work in a service location area. It supports planning and risk management by addressing service information, work conditions, coordination, public interaction and incident response.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Review available service information before work begins, including current plans and adjacent-area details.
• Inspect the site for surface indicators, route changes and services not shown on drawings.
• Locate and confirm service positions while managing strike, false-reading and service-release risks.
• Plan work near underground electrical services, considering contact, asset damage and unsafe approach risks.
• Manage work near gas, fuel, chemical and other pressurised services, including release and ignition hazards.
• Control plant and vehicle movement around service locations, trenches, pits and verges.
• Protect exposed services and manage open test holes, uneven ground and unauthorised access.
• Coordinate contractors, service markings and updated information when routes or conditions change.
• Consider rain, mud, lighting, glare, traffic and public access around the work area.
• Plan response actions for service strikes, leaks, ruptures and worker injuries.

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out underground service location activities.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Excavation work — 2.3. Controlling the risks; p. 17.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Construction work — 6.2 Workplace specific induction training; p. 41.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant hazard identification — Traffic movements in the workplace; p. 17.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 2. Step 1 — How to identify hazards; p. 12.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use