GS6 Assessments
GS6 assessments support safe planning and controlled working near overhead power lines, using defined scope, clear outputs, and structured quality assurance to reduce risk before site activities begin.
GS6 is the HSE guidance note on avoiding danger from overhead power lines and sets out practical steps to prevent contact or close approach when planning and managing work near live overhead lines. (HSE) Profind Surveys provides GS6 assessment support to help project teams identify overhead line risks early, define safe controls, and document a practical plan that aligns with site operations.
When overhead line risks aren’t assessed properly, programmes can stall, plant movements become unsafe, and the likelihood of serious incidents increases. HSE guidance is clear that work near overhead power lines must be carefully planned to avoid danger. (HSE)
Send us a message
Scope Defined Before Mobilisation
Assessment requirements are agreed prior to attendance, including:
- Nature of works and plant to be used (cranes, MEWPs, tipper wagons, excavators, scaffolds etc.)
- Location and extent of overhead lines and work areas
- Site constraints, access routes, delivery routes and laydown areas
- Project programme stages and when higher-risk activities occur
- Required outputs (assessment notes, marked-up plans, briefing information)
- Communication and escalation requirements for site teams and stakeholders
- Liaison requirements with the line owner / DNO where applicable
This ensures the assessment is aligned to the real workflow on site, not generic paperwork.
Risk Assessment & Control Planning
We review the work activities and overhead line environment and develop a site-specific control approach aligned to GS6 principles. This typically focuses on preventing contact or close approach through practical measures such as planning routes, defining exclusion zones, controlling plant movements, and implementing clear site controls and briefings.
Where required, we support coordination with the overhead line owner to confirm constraints and agree safe arrangements.
Structured Quality Assurance
All outputs undergo internal QA prior to issue, including:
- Completeness checks against the agreed scope and work activities
- Review of site controls for practicality and clarity
- Cross-checking plans/mark-ups for consistency with described controls
- Confirmation that outputs are suitable for site briefings and method planning
- Issue pack review to ensure all required documents are included
Deliverables
Outputs are structured for practical site use and may include:
GS6 assessment summary aligned to site activities and plant movements
Marked-up plans showing overhead line constraints and controlled areas
Practical control measures suitable for inclusion in RAMS / briefings
Clear notes on assumptions, constraints and required actions
Metadata confirming site area reviewed and assessment date
All deliverables clearly state the scope covered and any constraints that affect safe implementation.
FAQs
What is a GS6 assessment?
A practical assessment to support safe working near overhead power lines, based on your site and planned activities.
Do you provide clear guidance we can use in RAMS?
Yes. The assessment is designed to support planning, briefings and RAMS with clear recommendations.
Do you need a site visit?
Often, yes — it depends on access and the work scope. We confirm what’s needed on the scoping call.
Can you combine GS6 with other survey work?
Yes. We can support utilities, topo, CCTV drainage, GPR, drone and CAD outputs on the same project.
Where do you cover?
Profind Surveys is based in Tamworth and focuses on the Midlands.
Risk Reduction in Practice
A properly specified GS6 assessment:
Reduces the risk of contact or close approach with overhead lines
Improves safety planning for high plant, lifting operations and deliveries
Prevents last-minute changes caused by unplanned overhead line constraints
Supports clearer site briefings and consistent controls across teams
Helps demonstrate that work near overhead lines has been planned and controlled, as required by HSE guidance (HSE)
Protects programme by addressing restrictions early rather than during mobilisation
Integrated Survey Capability
Where required, GS6 assessments can be coordinated with:
PAS128 utility surveys and utility clearance surveys
for full utilities risk coverage
Topographical survey
to provide accurate site context for planning routes and work areas
Site Engineering and Setting Out
where controlled zones or physical markers are required
Digital Survey Outputs & Model Development
for structured drawings and site packs
A single coordinated site information framework improves consistency across disciplines.
How It Works
Profind Surveys starts with a consultation so we understand your requirements and recommend the right approach for your programme and deliverables.
01
Scope aligned to your plant, programme stages and site workflow.
02
Clear identification of overhead line constraints and practical controls.
03
Structured outputs suitable for site planning, briefings and method planning.
04
Technical clarification and support where required.
Need to plan works safely near overhead power lines?
If you require GS6 assessment support delivered under defined scope and structured QA, contact Profind Surveys Ltd to discuss your site activities, plant and programme.