Who Signs the Permit to Dig — and What Should Be Verified First? (UK Guide)
On UK civils projects, the Permit to Dig is typically authorised by the principal contractor or site manager, but responsibility for verifying underground utilities rests with the organisation controlling the excavation. Before signing, control should be verified, utility records reviewed, PAS 128 investigations completed where required, and detection marked on site. Signing without verification transfers risk directly into the ground.
Before excavation begins, a Permit to Dig must be authorised and key checks completed—including utility surveys, service drawings, and safe digging procedures. Proper verification helps prevent utility strikes and keeps construction projects compliant and safe.
1️⃣ What Is a Permit to Dig?
A Permit to Dig is a formal control process that:
Confirms underground services have been identified
Ensures detection has been carried out
Verifies safe excavation methods
Assigns responsibility for the works
It is not just paperwork — it is a risk transfer document.
2️⃣ Who Signs It in Practice?
On most UK civils projects:
Principal Contractor holds overall duty
Site Manager authorises the permit
Subcontractor undertakes excavation
Survey/utility team provides verification
Under the Health and Safety at Work Actand HSE HSG47 guidanceduty holders must ensure safe systems of work before breaking ground. Signing a permit without investigation does not remove liability.
3️⃣ What Should Be Verified Before Signing?
Before excavation begins:
✔ Desktop utility search reviewed
✔ PAS 128 detection completed where required
✔ Services marked on site
✔ Depth assumptions discussed
✔ Control confirmed
✔ Method statement updated
✔ Operatives briefed
Verification must be proportionate to risk.
4️⃣ Where Projects Go Wrong
We regularly see:
Permits signed based on records only
GPR booked after excavation has started
Control not aligned with detection plans
Multiple packages excavating from different drawings
The problem is sequencing, not compliance intent.
5️⃣ Permit to Dig & Commercial Risk
When verification is weak:
Excavation pauses
Emergency surveys are called
Programme slips
Variations increase
Liability becomes unclear
Guidance from the Institution of Civil Engineersreinforces that engineering competence includes risk management — not just technical delivery.
6️⃣ How We Support Excavation Control
We support contractors by:
Completing PAS 128 surveys early
Marking and recording detections
Verifying survey control
Aligning CAD outputs with excavation drawings
Providing documentation suitable for permit packs
The aim is simple: confidence before excavation.
Limitations
No detection method guarantees 100% certainty
Service depth may vary
Records may be incomplete
Ongoing vigilance is required during excavation
Permit to Dig is a control process — not a guarantee.
Planning excavation works? Get in touch with us today via our website www.aknengineering.co.uk or call us on ☎️ 01279 927 033