What is it?

When you work near live services, power cables, gas, water and other utilities service cables, one mistake can mean serious injury, service outages, or major project delays. This Working Near Services (Overhead & Underground) Toolbox Talk, gives you a clear, ready-to-brief script and checklists, so crews locate, mark, and work safely around buried and overhead utilities every time.

Built for small builders, principal contractors and subcontractors who want consistent briefings, simple permits-and-detection prompts, and proof of attendance on record.

⚠️ Note: Supports good practice under guidance such as HSG47 (avoidance of underground services). Use alongside competent supervision, permits, and service plans.

Why You Need It:

1️⃣ Prevent strikes & shutdowns: Electrocution, gas release, flooding and comms loss are real risks, this talk focuses teams on checks before digging or lifting.

2️⃣ Make “check before you dig/lift” the default: Prompts for service drawings, CAT & Genny use, and visual confirmation/mark-up keep tasks controlled.

3️⃣ Tie actions to permits & roles: Simple responsibilities and permit-to-dig reminders align supervisors and operatives.

4️⃣ Safer methods, fewer surprises: Covers trial holes, hand-dig zones, exclusions, and overhead approach distances (banksman/spotter).

5️⃣ Leave an audit trail: Built-in attendance register and sign-off record your briefing and close out queries.

What You Get:

✅ Editable Toolbox Talk (DOCX) with a step-by-step briefing script
✅ Hazards & controls: electric shock, gas leaks, flooding; locate-mark-avoid sequence
✅ Legal/good practice references (e.g., HSG47) to reinforce expectations
✅ Practical controls: service plans, detection scan, mark-up, isolation checks, safe digging, permits, spotter for overheads
✅ 3 Key Takeaways page (check before digging, use the right tools, follow permits)
✅ Attendance register & signature sheet (proof you briefed the team)
✅ Spaces for your logo, date, presenter and project details

Built for:

– Groundworks, civils, utilities, refurbishment and small works teams
– Principal contractors coordinating multiple trades around live services
– Subcontractors who need quick, plain-English safety briefings with evidence

Ready to brief smarter and avoid strikes?

Add the Working Near Services Toolbox Talk and make “locate, mark, and work safely” standard on every job.