Permit to dig template
Striking a buried cable or gas pipe can kill. A permit to dig makes sure the plans have been checked, the ground has been scanned and the team knows where the services are before anyone breaks ground.
What the law says
HSE guidance HSG47, Avoiding danger from underground services (third edition, 2014), sets out three parts of a safe system of work for any excavation: planning the work with service plans, locating and identifying the services on site, and safe excavation. CDM 2015 also requires excavations to be made safe (regulation 22) and steps to be taken to prevent danger from energy distribution installations, including underground cables (regulation 25).
Is a permit to dig a legal requirement?
No form is set by law, but you must have a safe system of work for digging near buried services. A permit records that each step of HSG47 was done before work started, and most main contractors and utility clients require one.
What are a CAT and Genny?
A cable avoidance tool (CAT) detects buried cables and metal pipes. A signal generator (Genny) puts a signal on a service so the CAT can trace it. Neither finds everything, such as plastic pipes, so use them with the plans and hand-dug trial holes.
What should we do if we hit a service?
Stop work and keep everyone away. Do not touch a damaged cable or try to stop a gas leak. Call the gas emergency line on 0800 111 999, or 105 for a damaged electricity cable, and tell the site manager.
Checked against HSE HSG47 (3rd edition, 2014) and legislation.gov.uk (CDM 2015, regulations 22 and 25) on 31 October 2026. This page is general guidance, not legal advice.