Utility Clearance Surveys
Utility clearance surveys verify the position of services in relation to proposed works, supporting safer excavation, reduced strike risk and controlled delivery on site.
A utility clearance survey provides targeted detection and verification in specific work areas, typically aligned to an excavation footprint, trial holes, or enabling works. Outputs are referenced to an agreed coordinate system and vertical datum where required, with deliverables structured to support construction decisions and permit-to-dig processes.
When excavation proceeds without verified clearance, the risk of strikes, stoppages, redesign and stakeholder escalation increases. Profind Surveys delivers controlled, quality-checked clearance outputs that help site teams proceed with greater confidence.
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Scope Defined Before Mobilisation
Clearance requirements are agreed prior to site attendance, including:
- Clearance area extents (dig zones, routes, pits, trenches, piling locations)
- Intended use (permit to dig support, enabling works, trial holes, verification)
- Required accuracy and tolerance expectations
- Coordinate system and vertical datum (where applicable)
- Available records and the baseline survey information (if any)
- Deliverable format, CAD standards and reporting requirements
- Site marking requirements and communication method for findings
- Programme constraints and any safety/permit requirements affecting access
This prevents ambiguity and ensures the clearance activity supports the planned works.
Control & Detection
Where referencing is required, survey control is verified so clearance outputs align to the agreed coordinate system and vertical datum.
Detection methods are selected based on site conditions, risk profile and the nature of the proposed excavation. Clearance is undertaken systematically within the defined work area, focusing on identifying detectable services and confirming their likely position relative to the excavation footprint.
Where trial holes or verification points are part of the clearance strategy, outputs are structured to support traceability and decision-making on site.
Structured Quality Assurance
All datasets undergo internal QA prior to issue, including:
- Verification of control and datum consistency (where applicable)
- Review of interpretations and clearance area coverage
- Layer structure and feature coding review (for CAD outputs)
- Cross-checking against available records or previous PAS128 outputs where provided
- Omission/anomaly review and file integrity checks
Deliverables
Outputs are structured for immediate use by site teams and may include:
Clearance plans or annotated outputs aligned to the defined dig area
2D/3D CAD deliverables layered to agreed specification (where required)
Supporting notes describing methodology, scope and limitations
Metadata confirming coordinate system, datum, extent and date of capture
Optional site markings and photo records where defined in scope
All deliverables clearly state clearance limits, access constraints, and what has and has not been verified.
Risk Reduction in Practice
A properly specified and quality-assured utility clearance survey:
Reduces utility strike risk during excavation and enabling works
Improves confidence in permit-to-dig decisions and site planning
Minimises stoppages caused by unexpected services
Supports safer sequencing around high-risk areas
Reduces rework by verifying constraints before committing to excavation
Provides traceable outputs for stakeholder assurance
Integrated Survey Capability
Where required, utility clearance surveys can be coordinated with:
PAS128 utility surveys
to link clearance to wider site mapping
CCTV drainage surveys
where drainage interfaces affect excavation
Topographical survey
to maintain consistent referencing and control
Digital Survey Outputs & Model Development
for structured CAD integration
A single verified control framework ensures consistency across disciplines where applicable.
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
Clearance scope aligned to the excavation footprint, programme and risk.
02
Verified control and documented referencing where required.
03
Quality-assured outputs issued in structured formats suitable for site use.
04
Ongoing technical clarification where required to support safe delivery.
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.
Need clearance support before excavation starts?
If you require utility clearance survey outputs delivered under defined methodology and structured QA, contact Profind Surveys Ltd to discuss your dig areas, programme and constraints.