Existing Services

Part 3(21) of the regulations state that before the commencement of construction work, the relevant contractor must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure that existing services at the construction site are identified and that the condition of, and risks posed by, those services are assessed in accordance with this Regulation.

The assessment is in accordance with this Regulation if it identifies:-

1. The types of existing services
2. The locations of the services and whether they are underground, overhead or contained within a structure;
3. The extent of the services
4. The risks that the services present, including the risks of electric shock, fire, explosion and an inrush of water

If contact with an existing service would present a risk to any person on the construction site, the relevant contractor must ensure that the existing service is removed or disconnected, or otherwise isolated from the work to be carried out, so that contact with the service will be prevented.