Utility Clearance Surveys: Clear the ground safely — before you dig, drill, drive or fence.
Our utility clearance surveys help you reduce strike risk, protect your programme, and keep your team moving with confidence.
- Clear “safe to proceed” guidance based on what’s actually on site
- Supports H&S planning and HSE-aligned working
- One partner for utilities, topo, GPR, CCTV drainage, drone and CAD
This is for you if you’re…
- A Project / Pre-Construction Manager at a Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor working across the Midlands
- Responsible for planning works where a strike would mean stoppage, incident risk, claims and reputational damage
Common reasons people book utility clearance
- You’ve had “services that weren’t on the plan” and you’re done with guesswork
- The client asks: “So we’re confident we know what’s below ground before we start, yes?”
- You need to protect a key milestone (enabling works, piling, ducting, drainage, signage, fencing, kerbing)
- You want surveyors who don’t need babysitting and who communicate clearly
Our Approach
We treat clearance as risk control, not a tick box
Profind Surveys starts with a consultation so we understand the work you’re doing and what “clear” needs to mean for that area and that activity.
Our clearance process
01
Scope and risk check (work type, depth, area, access, programme, existing info)
02
Records review (we check what you’ve got and what’s missing/conflicting)
03
On-site detection using appropriate methods (often EML and/or GPR depending on conditions)
04
Clear outputs + limitations (no “100% detection” promises — you get an honest picture)
05
Actionable next steps (what you can do now, and where to trial hole / expose)
What’s included in a utility clearance survey
- On-site utility detection within the agreed clearance area
- Mark-ups and clear site notes to support your teams
- A simple clearance summary you can use in your planning and RAMS
- Optional CAD drawing pack where you need it for design or handover
- If needed: support surveys alongside clearance (PAS128, topo, CCTV drainage, drone, GPR) so you’re not juggling suppliers
Typical use cases
- Clearance ahead of groundworks and excavation
- Clearance for piling, fencing, signage, ducting and drainage
- Targeted clearance in high-risk areas where records can’t be trusted
Project 1
Client quotes
Before/after drawings
Proof Points
What you’re buying isn’t “a report”. You’re buying fewer surprises and a safer start.
- A well-designed survey approach can detect up to 95% of utilities (conditions apply)
- Helps mitigate the risk of utility strikes and reduce health and safety risks
- Supports you to minimise site disruption and potential delays
Expectations
Straight answers, early
We’re upfront about what’s possible and what’s not. Ground conditions, depth, materials and service density all affect detection.
What you can rely on
Consultation before works
so the scope fits the risk
Tailored approach
to meet your project needs
Clear outputs
that your design and site teams can use without chasing
Lead Magnet Download
Download Our Utility Clearance Briefing Checklist
A one-page checklist to help you brief a clearance survey properly, so you avoid:
- unclear scope and variations
- unusable outputs
- “we thought it was clear” conversations later
FAQs
What is a utility clearance survey?
It’s a targeted survey to help confirm whether an area is clear of detectable utilities (or to identify what’s present), so you can plan intrusive works more safely.
Is clearance the same as a PAS128 survey?
Not always. PAS128 is a utilities mapping standard. Clearance is often narrower and tied to a specific work activity and area. We’ll advise what’s right on the scoping call.
Can you guarantee the area is 100% clear?
No. Nobody can. We explain confidence, limitations, and what exposure/trial holes may still be needed.
Do you use GPR or cable locators?
We use appropriate methods (often EML and/or GPR). Ground conditions and site constraints affect what’s suitable.
Can you provide CAD drawings?
Yes. We can provide 2D CAD drawing packs where required.
Where do you work?
Profind Surveys is based in Tamworth and focuses on the Midlands.