The standard has been derived from the following National Occupational Standards:
- EUSEPUS043 Carry out Excavation Work on Underground Cables in Electricity Power Environment
- EUSMUNC07 Excavate and Maintain Holes and Trenches for Utility Networks Construction
- EUSGNC007 Excavate and Maintain Holes and Trenches for Complex Operations in Gas Network Construction
It also incorporates the relevant requirements of HSE guidance documents:
- HSG47 Avoiding Danger from Underground Services
- HSG150 Health and Safety in Construction
- GS6 Avoiding dangers from overhead power lines
Achievement of the standard demonstrates effective performance, by being able to demonstrate the following skills and knowledge:
- Interpret utility drawings and line search documents to identify underground services
- Use safe digging techniques to carry out and maintain excavations
- Identify the dangers and hazards associated with excavations
