Draft:Desktop Utility Search

What is a Utility Search?
A Utility Search, also known as a C2 Search or Stats Search, is the initial step in identifying utility asset owners and locating their buried and overhead assets and apparatus. A Utility Search is a significant investment in reducing design & construction disruption

A Utility Search typically involves:


 * Identifying the utility asset owners within a specified site boundary
 * Requesting asset information and mapping data from the identified utility companies
 * Collating the received utility data into a single, combined, PDF format Report
 * Delivering the results in line with PAS128 (D) guidelines

Why are Utility Searches important?
A Utility Search is essential for development projects because it provides valuable insight into the presence and location of underground and overhead utility assets. This vital information prevents accidents, disruptions, and costly delays during construction.

Utility Searches are integral to the health and safety of workers, as well as the smooth operation of development projects. Conducting a Utility Search before starting a project will safeguard contractors from striking potentially hazardous utility assets like live wires and pipes. A clear understanding of utility assets also helps project management and planning teams to minimise risks and avert incidents that could negatively impact the cost and efficient completion of development projects.

===Who might need a Utility Search? === Developments, feasibility studies and most on-site works require some form of utility survey as an essential part of the planning process.

You may need a utility search if your business adheres to the below regulations:


 * British Standards Institution PAS 128, Specification for underground utility detection, verification and location
 * HSG47 Avoiding danger from underground services
 * The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

What types of industries and businesses require utility surveys in the UK?
There is a wide range of industries and businesses that require utility surveys to adhere to the above regulations, including:


 * Local authorities
 * Housing Associations
 * Highway Engineers
 * Highway Planners
 * Transport Planners
 * Architects
 * Consulting Engineers
 * MEP Consultants
 * Civil Engineering Contractors
 * Construction Contractors
 * Planners
 * Designers
 * Construction Workers
 * Utility Contractors
 * Fencing Contractors
 * Utility Surveyors
 * Drainage Engineers
 * Legal Conveyancers
 * Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging & Installation Specialists

A utility survey will typically includes results covering:


 * Electricity
 * Gas
 * IDNOs (Independent Distribution Network
 * Operators)
 * GTs (Independent Gas Transporters)
 * Water Mains
 * Drainage
 * Telecoms/Fibre
 * NRTS (National Roads Telecommunications Service)
 * Rail
 * HSE (Major Hazard Sites & Major Accident
 * Pipelines
 * Mobile Phone Masts
 * LSBUD (including all LinesearchbeforeUdig members
 * Oil/Fuel Pipelines
 * District Energy Networks
 * Street Lighting (Local Authority)

Should a utility search be carried out for a domestic property?
The utility plans typically depict utility mains in the vicinity of a property, but they may not display individual property connections, as historical records often lack such details. However, conducting a search could still be beneficial, as property boundaries may encompass major sewer, water, gas, and other utility pipes.

What are the limitations and accuracy of the data in a utility survey?
Each utility company presents a disclaimer statement concerning the information they provide. They do not guarantee or provide a warranty for the data. The utility company disclaimers should be referred to when considering the accuracy and completeness of the data. Generally, the plans provided are for guidance only and not guaranteed to be up to date or to be a complete record of the utility company plant in the specified area.

Some utility companies only show the main utilities. It is possible that service pipes or cables may not be in the plans but are present on site. Some utility companies state that the utilities may deviate from the route and position shown on the plans. Due to the time delay between the repair, upgrading or installation of utilities and the subsequent updating of the utility company plans, consider that there could be utilities present that are not visible in the reports.

The exact position of the utilities should be verified using suitable detecting devices and safe digging practices following HSG47. Further advice on the presence and location of assets should be requested from the owner.